‘ Rutherford County debates mental health days for teachers

RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (WZTV) — A recent Rutherford County School Board meeting has sparked renewed discussion about how the district supports teachers, particularly when it comes to mental health. The conversation, which centered on whether mental health days should be allowed as an excused absence, drew strong viewpoints from board members — and now a statewide educators’ organization is speaking out.

During the meeting, Board Vice Chair Frances Rosales strongly defended teachers and argued that mental health days are essential, given the stresses they face in the classroom.

“We don’t pay them enough to take all the crap that they have to,” Rosales said, describing disruptions, student behavior issues, and the emotional strain teachers experience daily. She added that giving educators space to take mental health days could help prevent burnout and protect student learning.

Rosales also pointed to PECCA, the Professional Educators Collaborative Conferencing Act — a Tennessee law that gives educators a formal process to bring workplace concerns to their district. She said the policy ensures teachers have a voice in decisions that affect their well-being.

Not everyone agreed. Board Member Caleb Tidwell questioned how mental health should be defined within the district’s sick-day policy, arguing the category could be too vague without clearer guidelines. Tidwell also expressed concern about how much influence teacher associations may gain through PECCA, saying the process can become too political.

Because of these concerns, the board ultimately voted not to take action on the mental-health day proposal at this time.

Following the meeting, JC Bowman, Executive Director of the Professional Educators of Tennessee, responded to the debate — and strongly supported giving teachers flexibility when it comes to mental health.

“Yes, absolutely. Teachers need time off,” Bowman said. “Whether you call them mental health days or personal days — they are, in fact, needed.”

Bowman emphasized that teachers are facing increasing mental health challenges, noting that many are reluctant to take sick time because they fear job repercussions or falling behind in the classroom. He said the pressure educators face today means districts must remove the stigma around seeking help.

He added that teachers often accumulate sick leave, typically between 12 and 15 days per year depending on the district, but many still avoid taking it even during illness or family emergencies.

Bowman also responded to the debate over PECCA, explaining that collaborative conferencing provides educators and district leaders a structured, civil way to discuss workplace concerns, including salaries, benefits, and working conditions.

“We want people to sit down and have a very civil, non-confrontational conversation about how we can improve the work environment,” Bowman said. He noted that without PECCA, teachers would lose one of the only formal mechanisms available to raise issues with their employer.

Even though the board declined to move forward with the mental-health resolution, members acknowledged the issue is far from settled. With teacher burnout and retention continuing to challenge districts statewide, the conversation is expected to return in upcoming meetings.

For now, educators and policymakers are watching closely — with many calling for clearer guidelines, stronger support systems, and a renewed focus on the mental well-being of Tennessee teachers.