4 Fact About Maternity Leave For Teachers In Massachusetts
Massachusetts not only gives parental leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act, but it also employs the use of its very own maternity leave law, the Massachusetts Maternity Leave Law.
1# How long is Maternity Leave for Teachers in Massachusetts?
According to the Massachusetts Law, employees can get 8 consecutive weeks of maternity leave. However, according to the FMLA, an employee can get up to 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave. According to the Massachusetts Maternity Leave Law, you are also entitled to 8 consecutive weeks of leave after the birth of your child as well.
2# How to Apply for Maternity Leave for Teachers in Massachusetts?
In order to apply for maternity leave under the MMLL, you need to be a full-time employee at the educational institute for at least 3 months. According to the FMLA, you need to have worked at least 1250 hours for the employer in the past 12 months. At least 30 days before you intend on taking the maternity leave, you must fill out a written leave request form or letter and submit it to your school’s principal, your supervisor, or your superintendent.
Accompanying the letter should be a physician’s certificate that justifies your absence as you are unable to attend to your work duties because of the physical disabilities inflicted because of your pregnancy. According to the MMLL, you are required to give a two-week prior notice and specify when you intend to leave and by when you will return to work to continue your duties.
3# Any Specific rule for Maternity Leave for Teachers in Massachusetts
You need to inform your employer of your intention of taking maternity leave at least a month before you start your leave period. Some contracts in the state, however, require over 2 months of prior notice before they leave is taken.
An employee can also use their accrued sick days as their maternity leave. Usually, an employee can get a maximum of 40 sick days which can be used as part of paid maternity leave. However, beyond the accrued sick leave days, the leave will be unpaid. According to the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, your employer is mandated to give you a maternity leave if he or she offers to leave, paid or unpaid, to other employees for other purposes.
4# Maternity Leave Application Format for Teachers(Download Sample)
In your written leave request letter, you must address your principal, supervisor, or the Superintendent of the school. For your convenience Leaveadvice team has written Maternity Leave Application Form for Teachers.
“Maternity Application for Teachers”
Today’s Date_____________
The Principal _____________
Institute Name_____________
Institute Address____________
Sub: Application for Maternity Leave for 3 Months
Sir//Madam,
Respectfully stated that I, (Name), have been serving in your school for 2 years as a science teacher (Job designation). As per the discussion held with you, a month ago, my maternity days are just near now. The doctor has suggested me complete bed rest. I want to apply for a long medical leave of 3 months (As your requirement). When my delivery will be held by the grace of God, after 40 days, I will be back to my job. (Show your actual cause and situation). I request you to grant me leave and arrange a substitute teacher for the subject of science.
Thanking you,
Name____________
Job Designation_________________
Contact no_________________
Signature.________________
