The Influence of Policies and Professional Expectations on Teachers’ Leave Decisions and Well-Being Following a Miscarriage

This study examined K–12 teachers’ perceptions of their decisions surrounding taking leave following a miscarriage. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 27 teachers, thematic coding showed that teachers considered a variety of complex, interconnected factors, including both the availability of time off via policy and the impact of taking leave on administrators, colleagues, students, and themselves. Results suggest that formal leave policies were not well-suited to support teachers experiencing the ongoing medical, physical, and bereavement needs associated with miscarriage. Furthermore, administrator response and professional expectations to prioritize students’ needs influenced teachers’ decisions, highlighting the need for support. To intervene, we suggest changing the structure of leave policies, educating administrators and others in the workplace about miscarriage, and addressing the professional expectations associated with the teaching profession that encourage teachers to hide their needs.