Unpaid leave for second level teachers?

acequion

I was wondering about the criteria and conditions around unpaid leave for secondary teachers. I've read the relevant circular and it seems quite restrictive. Only granted in "exceptional" circumstances. You must apply 6 weeks in advance and only 10 days in a school year.

I'd love to hear from anybody who has taken this leave. How "exceptional" do the circumstances need to be? Do the 10 days include weekends? It's unpaid so are you expected to leave work for classes? And is the 6 week notice period enforced?

Thanks in advance for replies.