The downside to our profession is that it results in a frayed and poorly functioning immune systems. Being ill is part and parcel of being a teacher, so be prepared for long hard days and daily wiggenweld potions. The one question that will confront you, and no doubt confuse you, is do you take a day off?

Sick days are there to support teachers and to ensure they have policies and systems in place so that they may make a speedy recovery. However, the relief – or supply system, is poorly designed and executed, often resulting in more stress for the teacher when they return. In some establishments, you can get away with taking sick days and not have to worry about the competency of the puffskein taking your class, however, this is not always the case.

If your absence is unavoidable, there are a few things you may do to increase the likelihood of a successful lesson without your guiding wand. The first thing, and do this if you have the opportunity, is to warn your students of your pending absence and be sure to give them specific and direct instruction to behave. Should misbehaviour occur, warn them of their consequences... and be down right harsh. This will prevent most misbehaviours from occurring.

The second thing you should do, is plan your lessons. And when I say plan, I mean plan. The more specific your instructions, the more likely the relief or supply teacher will be able to present the lesson. Provide answers to any written work expected, so that they do not reinforce incorrect responses and ruin all the hard work you've put into teaching them in the first place.

Thirdly. Ask for feedback. At least this way you will be able to gauge whether or not the lesson was done to a satisfactory extent or whether it will need to be repeated - not to mention it will give you the opportunity to reprimand those students whom did not obey your direct instructions to behave.

The hardest task you will have during your career, is deciding whether or not to take that day off, or worse... multiple days off. It does come down to the individual. Some teachers are more able to handle sickly conditions and still manage to drag themselves around the school with a clear-enough head to teach. On the other hand, you will feel better quicker by taking a sick day or two. It will relieve the stress on your body, even if it doesn't relieve the stress of the mind. So make your choice wisely.

When in doubt, take the day off and plan a simple activity to keep the students engaged. Call it an assessment and they might even try to complete the work with some effort.