Rhode Island

Rhode Island has gained notoriety for having the highest teacher absenteeism rates in the entire country. Shockingly, more than half of the state’s educators have been absent from work for over ten days during the school year, and one in five has missed a staggering 20 or more days of school. These absenteeism rates are a concerning reflection of the challenges within the state’s education system, affecting students and their learning experiences.

Interestingly, despite this high rate of teacher absenteeism, teacher salaries in Rhode Island are higher than their counterparts in states like South Dakota. Addressing teacher absenteeism is crucial to ensuring consistent and effective education for students, emphasizing the need for comprehensive reforms and support systems within Rhode Island’s educational institutions.