Test Case for Maternity Leave

First Educator in Worcester Awarded Leave

By Nancy-Jo Caplan, fourth grade teacher, Worcester, Massachusetts

In 1978, when I became pregnant with my first child, I was teaching in Worcester, Massachusetts. At that time, teachers in Worcester were forced to take leave if they became pregnant. I became the first test case in the city for applying sick leave toward maternity leave. A lot was at stake. Winning my case meant I would be awarded retroactive pay, and any subsequent educators that filed would be awarded maternity leave.

Thanks to the support of the Educational Association of Worcester (EAW), my case was won and maternity leave has since been added to our union's bylaws. The decision allowed Worcester educators the option of applying sick leave toward their maternity leave.

This is my thirty-fifth year in the Worcester Public Schools and I still have a passion for my profession! I have been teaching in Worcester since 1972, and I have taught every elementary grade except for kindergarten. I have been a clinical professor for 3 years at Worcester State College and a school facilitator. Currently, I am teaching grade four at Tatnuck Magnet School in Worcester.

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