Do Teachers Get Paid When School is Closed Due to Weather or Other Reasons?

Recently, our division changed the rules. During a storm or severe snow day, kids didn’t have to attend school, but teachers were still expected to come in. In such situations, many teachers found themselves in a challenging position, balancing parental responsibilities with the need to honor their work commitments.

Unpaid Classroom Days and Makeup Days

As one teacher explained, 'We have to make the day up. They usually add it to our days at the end of the school year. They also have built in bad weather days into our calendar.'

Under the typical contract, teachers are expected to work a certain number of days each year, usually around 200. In fact, schools have increasingly turned to online classes to maintain continuity of education, often using tools like Zoom. These efforts are undertaken by teachers during their own time, which is part of the broader expectation that teachers are always engaged with their work.

Teachers and Unpaid Days

What most people do not realize is that, except for a limited number of sick days usually 5 per year, teachers do not get paid for any day they are not working. This applies to national holidays, bad weather days, and even teacher strikes or demonstrations.

For example, in Texas, most public schools are open 188–190 days, with students attending 178–180 days. The extra days for teachers are designated for in-service/training days and classroom preparation. Each teacher is assigned a daily pay rate based on their educational qualifications, years of experience, and position. High-need area teachers, such as those with expertise in math, Spanish, or special education, may have a slightly higher daily rate.

The daily pay rate is multiplied by the number of school days in their contract, determining their yearly salary. Most school districts allow teachers to draw their salary in 12 monthly increments, ensuring paychecks even during summer breaks, winter breaks, and other times when schools are closed due to weather or other reasons.

Implications and Challenges

Unlike many workers in the United States and other countries who receive paid vacations, teachers are not compensated for days they do not work. This unique pay structure can create significant challenges, especially during disruptions such as weather-related closures. Teachers must find ways to manage their personal and professional lives while adhering to their contractual obligations.

Further complicating matters is the requirement for makeup days. When schools do close due to weather, those days must be made up, meaning teachers are still required to teach, often outside of their normal working hours. This can lead to intense workloads and blurred lines between work and personal life.

Conclusion

In summary, teachers in the United States face unique challenges regarding pay during school closures. While the contract and daily pay rate provide a framework for compensation, the lack of paid days for non-teaching events can be a significant issue. Understanding these nuances is crucial for both teachers and the broader community to appreciate the complexities of their professional lives.