Tennessee Teacher Leave Update (Effective July 1, 2026)

Talking Points for Educators

Public Chapter 1022 (HB 2343)

Core Message

The new law does not reduce the total number of leave days teachers earn each year. Instead, it shifts two days from the sick leave category to the more flexible personal/professional leave category. Teachers keep the same total number of leave days, and retirement credit remains protected.

Key Facts at a Glance

Contract Length	Sick Leave	Personal/Professional Leave	Total Annual Leave
10-month	Up to 8 days	Up to 4 days	12 days
11-month	Up to 9 days	Adjusted to maintain total	13 days
12-month	Up to 10 days	Adjusted to maintain total	14 days

Example (10-Month Teachers)

Before July 1, 2026

8 Sick Leave Days
4 Personal/Professional Leave Days
Total: 12 Days

Bottom line: The total amount of leave has not changed.

What Has Not Changed

Total annual leave days remain the same.
Unused personal and professional leave continues to convert to accumulated sick leave at the end of the school year.
Accumulated sick leave remains cumulative and continues to count toward retirement service credit.
Teachers generally are not required to provide a reason for personal leave except in the limited circumstances established in state law.

What Has Changed

Annual sick leave is now capped at:
- 8 days (10-month employees)
- 9 days (11-month employees)
- 10 days (12-month employees)
Personal/professional leave is earned at the rate of two days for each half-year employed, up to four days annually, subject to local board policy.
School districts have greater flexibility in administering personal/professional leave within the framework established by state law.

Important Protections

State law establishes a minimum—not a maximum. Local school districts may continue providing more generous leave benefits if they choose.
Districts should review local policies to ensure no educator is unintentionally disadvantaged during implementation.
Existing protections governing personal leave requests remain in place.

When Can Personal Leave Be Limited?

School districts may deny personal leave only in the limited situations identified in Tennessee law, including:

When more than 10% of a school’s teachers request the same day.
During scheduled examination periods.
On days immediately before or after holidays or vacation periods.
During scheduled in-service or professional development days.
On designated parent-teacher conference days.

Frequently Asked Question

Am I losing two sick days?

No. Two days have simply been moved into the personal/professional leave category, giving educators greater flexibility while preserving the same total number of annual leave days.

Bottom Line

This legislation provides educators with greater flexibility in using a portion of their leave without reducing total time off or affecting retirement benefits. The intent is to allow teachers to address personal or professional obligations without feeling compelled to use sick leave when they are not ill.

Recommendation

Educators should review their local school board’s updated leave policy and contact their district’s Human Resources office with any questions about how Public Chapter 1022 is being implemented in their district.