State of the States - Investing in Teachers and Families Through Paid Parental Leave - January 2026

Oct 15, 2026

January 2026 report argues that when states and school districts do not offer paid parental leave, teachers must choose between caring for students and their own children. It highlights that the United States lacks guaranteed paid leave for new parents, leaving many teachers—nearly 80% women—without support. The report links paid leave to healthier families and a more stable workforce, noting improved family outcomes, higher job return rates, and stronger teacher recruitment. It recommends three policy levers, including 12 weeks of paid leave and full salary coverage.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages26

Reading Time1 h 6 min

AccessFree to download

Investing in Teachers and Families Through Paid Parental Leave

Key problem and impact on teachers

1. Paid leave builds strong families

2. Paid leave stabilizes the workforce

3. Paid leave attracts teachers

Three policy levers to strengthen and stabilize the teacher workforce

Why 12 weeks

State Spotlight: Arkansas

State of the States # Investing in Teachers and Families Through Paid Parental Leave Read the full report January 2026 When states and school districts donʼtoffer paid parental leave, they are askingteachers to choose between their studentsand their own children . The United States is the only high-incomecountry without guaranteed paid leave for newparents1—leaving many teachers, nearly 80%of whom are women,2 without the support theyneed to care for their families. In most states, teachers are forced to hoard sickdays or try to time their pregnancies aroundsummer break just to avoid unpaid time awayfrom their classrooms. This lack of support drives many teachers to leave theprofession—or never enter it in the first place. 15% of those who leave teachingcite family/parenting 15% of teachers who leavethe profession cite personallife reasons such aspregnancy, childbirth, andcaring for family.3 $ 1 in 3 teachers has access topaid parental leave This rate is lower thanthat of many otherworking adults.4 􀗷1/2 of teachers consider theirpaid parental leave adequate Even when teachers dohave access to paidparental leave, fewer thanhalf perceive the benefit tobe adequate. $25k for large districts to replaceone teacher When teachers leave the classroom, districts pay theprice. Large districts spendroughly $25,000 to replace asingle teacher.5 Paid parental leave is a proven investmentin healthier families and contributes to astronger, more stable workforce . ## 1. Paid leave builds strong families. Access to leave is associated with reduced infant mortality,6decreases in postpartum depression, and improved outcomes formothers.7 When fathers have paid leave, they are more engaged inparenting and more likely to build stable families.8 ## 2. Paid leave stabilizes the workforce. Paid family leave significantly boosts the likelihood thatworkers return to their jobs, rather than dropping out ofthe workforce or facing long periods of unemploymentwhile searching for new work.9 ## 3. Paid leave attracts teachers. Over a third of educators say stronger benefits, likeincreased family leave, would draw more talented,diverse candidates into the profession.10 When teachers have dedicatedtime to devote to the newestmembers of their family, theycan return to the classroomready to focus on whatmatters: improving studentoutcomes . ## Three policy levers to strengthen and stabilizethe teacher workforce 1 Require districts tooffer at least 12 weeksof paid parental leavefor teachers, beyondsick days. 2 Guarantee teachers onpaid parental leavereceive their full salaryfor the entire durationof their leave. 3 Extend leave eligibilityand benefits to allteachers who becomeparents—includingfathers, other non-birthing parents,and adoptive and fosterparents. Policy Lever 1􀗠 Require districts to offer at least 12 weeks of paid parental leave for teachers, beyond sick days . Only sixteen states require districts to offer paid parental leave,beyond sick days, for teachers . | Do states require districts to offer paid parental leave,
beyond sick days, for teachers? | | --- | | Among states that require paid parentalleave, just two–Arkansas andDelaware–offer full pay up to 12 weeks.
An additional seven states offer paidparental leave programs that are optionalfor districts to join. | Why 12 weeks? The American Public Health Association, the Society ofMaternal-Fetal Medicine, the American Academy ofPediatrics, and the Pediatric Policy Council recommenda minimum of 12 weeks of paid parental leave.11 Parents and babies benefit from spending time togetherpostpartum. In fact, returning to work within the first 12weeks after childbirth is linked to lower rates ofbreastfeeding and immunizations, as well as associatedwith more behavior problems in early childhood.12Research also suggests that returning to work too soon isassociated with lower reading and math test scores in children.13

FAQs

Why does the report focus on paid parental leave for teachers?

It explains that without paid parental leave, teachers face unpaid time away from classrooms, which contributes to teachers leaving the profession or not entering it.

What evidence does the report cite for how paid leave helps families?

It states that access to leave is associated with reduced infant mortality, lower postpartum depression, and improved outcomes for mothers and more stable family engagement, especially when fathers receive paid leave.

What are the three policy levers the report recommends?

It recommends requiring at least 12 weeks of paid parental leave beyond sick days, guaranteeing full salary for the entire leave duration, and extending eligibility and benefits to all teachers who become parents, including non-birthing and adoptive or foster parents.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Taylor Morgan