By RYAN SKAITH
Iowa is among more than two-thirds of states that do not require paid parental leave for teachers, according to a report by the National Council on Teacher Quality.
While a state law passed last year offers state employees four weeks of paid leave, it excludes teachers because they are employed by local school districts.
Council President Heather Peske says research shows paid leave is a top three incentive for recruitment and can significantly reduce turnover. Currently, only two states require 12 weeks of fully paid leave for educators, leaving many others to struggle with balancing work and family.
