The only time alcoholism belongs in the classroom is when a lecture is going on about dangers of addictions to drugs or alcohol. But that’s the reality of how alcoholism works: it overtakes an individual’s life to the point where it bleeds into their social life and jobs, and not even teachers are immune to this impact.
In this post, we’re going to cover the most relevant questions when it comes to how alcoholism can impact a teacher’s work, including whether they can be fired for alcoholism.
Article Preview:
Can a Teacher Be Fired for Alcoholism? A teacher can potentially be fired for alcoholism, but the scenarios where it’s allowed will vary.
Some Teachers Can’t Be Fired for Alcoholism Barring Specific Circumstances. Circumstances like union agreements impact whether a teacher can be five alcoholism.
Union Teachers and Non-Union Teachers are Treated Differently for Alcoholism. Non-union teachers do not have union protections that might prevent them from being fired for alcoholism.
The ADA Impacts How Alcoholism is Looked at for Teachers. The ADA makes it so that alcoholism can be considered a disability.
Why Would A Teacher Drink While on the Job? Teachers would drink while on the job because the holder alcoholism can have over an individual’s life is that severe.
What Can a Teacher Do After Getting in Trouble for Alcoholism? Teachers that get in trouble for alcoholism can check union agreements and consult with legal and medical professionals.
FAQs About Can a Teacher Be Fired for Alcoholism? Answers to common questions about whether a teacher can be fired for alcoholism.
Can a Teacher Be Fired for Alcoholism?
The short answer is that whether or not the teacher can be fired for alcoholism varies. Factors that impact a teacher’s ability to be fired include union contracts and the circumstances surrounding the discovery of alcohol usage.
Some Teachers Can’t Be Fired for Alcoholism Barring Specific Circumstances
Union teachers may have stipulations in their union agreement that prevent them from being fired for alcoholism, under certain circumstances. For example, Bay City public schools in Michigan had an agreement that provided teachers up to five strikes for being caught under the influence of alcohol. This didn’t mean that teachers could drink without any consequences at all, however. Punishments included written reprimands, mandatory counseling, and suspension without pay.
Union Teachers and Non-Union Teachers are treated different for alcoholism
As the example above illustrates, union teachers and nonunion teachers operate under different rules when it comes to alcoholism. Without provisions that may have been written into an union agreement, a nonunion teacher is less likely to be treated leniently if they’re caught drinking alcohol while on the job. However, again, this depends on the circumstance. A teacher who drinks at prom while acting as a chaperone is likely to be treated differently than a teacher who drinks in the middle of calculus class.
The ADA Impacts How Alcoholism is Looked at for Teachers
Under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), a person suffering from alcohol use disorder to the point where it substantially limits a major life activity is considered to have a disability. A teacher who meets this qualification may be able to demand accommodations for the alcohol use disorder, such as providing them with space to attend a rehab facility, such as Southeastern Recovery Center.
However, the ADA does not mean that teachers suffering from alcohol use disorder can be fired. Instead, it prevents these teachers who were actively seeking treatment for their disability from being fired under most circumstances. But teachers are still expected to be able to show up to work and perform their job.
Why Would A Teacher Drink While on the Job?
With only some union teachers being able to rely on clear protection from being fired for alcoholism, one might wonder why a teacher would drink while on the job in the first place.
The answer is that struggling under alcoholism is just this severe. It is not easy nor is it necessarily advisable to try to quit alcohol cold turkey. Not when your body has developed a dependence on it, which can manifest in symptoms such as:
- Inability to limit alcohol intake
- Unsuccessful attempts to cut down on drinking quantity or frequency
- Craving alcohol
- Drinking alcohol in an advisable or unsafe conditions
- Developing alcohol tolerance
All of these alcohol dependent symptoms will follow an individual throughout the workday, even if they’re a teacher. Additionally, a teacher who attempts to cure themselves of alcoholism at home may find themselves suffering from alcohol withdrawal symptoms such as:
- Headaches
- Anxiety
- Heart palpitations
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Delirium
Faced with possibly experiencing the symptoms when they attempt to give up alcoholism, it’s no wonder why a teacher might be unable to beat their alcohol use disorder.
What this all comes down to is highlighting just how hard it is to be a drug or alcohol addiction without receiving proper support and medical guidance. No one chooses to struggle in these ways. That’s why it’s so important that teachers who need help with alcoholism understand that help is available through facilities such as Southeastern Recovery Center.
What Can a Teacher Do After Getting in Trouble for Alcoholism?
If you or a loved one are a teacher currently experiencing friction in life or work due to alcoholism, there are a couple of different pathways available to you.
First, in the event that you feel your job is on the line, verify what recourse you may have. Are you a union teacher or nonunion teacher? If you’re a union teacher, check and see if your union agreement has provisions that give you some leeway when it comes to suffering from alcoholism.
Second, speak with medical professionals. In general, teachers who have begun to seek treatment for their alcoholism are granted more leeway than those who haven’t. Consulting with medical professionals can set you on a path towards healing, in addition to putting you in contact with individuals who can likely provide guidance according to your district, city, or state laws.
Third, consult with legal professionals. In the event that your job security is seriously threatened, check with legal professionals to see what your options and rights are.
FAQs About Can a Teacher Be Fired for Alcoholism?
Can you be fired for alcoholism?
Yes, you can be fired for alcoholism, but not in every situation.
Can you get fired for drinking alcohol at work?
Yes, you can get fired for drinking at work, especially if you are not protected by any union agreements and are not officially noted to be severed from alcoholism.
Can you file a disability claim if fired for alcohol?
Yes, you can file a disability claim if fired for alcohol, because under the ADA alcoholism classifies as a disability.
Can you collect unemployment if fired for alcohol?
No, you cannot collect unemployment if you are fired for alcohol, because possessing or drinking alcohol counts as misconduct.
Sources
Gantert, Tom. “Union Contract: Teachers Can Be Caught in School Drunk Five Times and On Drugs Three Times Before Being Fired.” Mackinac Center for Public Policy, 28 Sept. 2012, https://www.mackinac.org/17596
National Network on Disability and Rehabilitation Research. “Are People with Alcohol Use Disorder Covered by the ADA?” ADA National Network, https://adata.org/faq/are-people-with-alcohol-use-disorder-covered-ada
