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…