A Push for Paid FMLA

NSEA sets policy priorities to act on what matters most to members

For 13 years Beth Rempfer has poured her heart into teaching students at Lincoln High School.

“I’m a Lincoln North Star grad, but after starting my career at Lincoln High I have never wanted to teach anywhere else. We get students from all over the world but also students who have had generations of family graduate from this high school,” said Rempfer. “It’s a very special environment and the teachers here are very supportive of each other.”

"Just a Cold"
In late 2023, Beth caught a cold she couldn't kick—or so she thought.

“I work in a high school and I always get whatever the kids get. I had been sick off and on since January. I just kept feeling run down and I was like ‘Man, this cold will not go away,’” she recalled.

By the time spring break rolled around, her symptoms worsened. Her throat was sore, and she was feeling more run-down than ever. Back in school after spring break, she could barely make it through the day. She developed a fever. Just three days after the break, another round of tests came back negative, and

Beth’s physician decided to run a blood test.

A Diagnosis
The results were shocking. Beth’s white blood cell count was so high that the device at the urgent care facility couldn’t even read it. It was a sign something was terribly wrong. Beth was sent to the emergency room immediately. Within hours, the doctors had a diagnosis: leukemia.

The news hit her like a punch to the gut. A teacher, age 34, with no family history of cancer, she never could have imagined such a diagnosis. It was surreal.

“I went to the ER and then didn't leave for five weeks,” said Beth.

Her chemotherapy was so intense that doctors kept her isolated in the hospital to protect her weakened immune system.

Sick Leave
As a teacher, Beth had limited paid leave, and when she ran out, she had to turn to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and then disability leave to make ends meet.

“I had already run out of leave for that year because I was so sick with what I thought was a cold. A cold that turned out to be cancer. I had already gone past my discretionary leave days and was in the no-pay range,” said Beth.

In an ordinary year, FMLA would have provided some relief, but it was not a perfect solution. The leave wasn’t paid, so the financial strain was significant. She still had bills to pay — medical bills, medication costs, and more. The school district worked with Beth through the FMLA and disability leave process.

“It was lucky in a sense that I was able to get disability,” she said. “At least on disability, you're getting a paycheck.”

Remission
When Beth returned to school in the fall of 2024, she was welcomed with open arms. Some of her students from the previous year stopped by to say hello, and the English department threw a surprise return party. The outpouring of love and support from her students and colleagues made it clear how much she was missed.

Rempfer is now in remission, though she couldn’t return to teaching immediately. This fall she again found herself navigating a complex system of FMLA and leave policies that seemed designed for those with a much simpler illness. One of the biggest hurdles was the school district’s new policy, which threatened the possibility of termination due to being out of both district leave and FMLA. This added another layer of stress. NSEA Organizational Specialist Teresa Matthews and NSEA Advocacy Director Jason Wiese have offered support and practical help to Beth as she deals with this policy and the growing uncertainty about her job.

“NSEA has been by my side through this making sure we've got all the documentation and following up on meetings with the district,” Beth said.

Despite the chaos of the past year, Beth never considered leaving teaching.

“I love teaching,” she said. “It’s who I am.”  

Push for Paid FMLA
NSEA’s 2025 State Policy Agenda priorities focus on reforms to support educators like Beth. Results of a late-September member survey played a crucial role in shaping the agenda. By gathering feedback directly from members, the survey provided insights into the issues and challenges most important to members, including establishing paid FMLA.

NSEA will advocate for six weeks of paid FMLA through new legislation in January. The Education Leave and Support Act would allow teachers to stay in their careers without the strain of unpaid medical leave. The program will be funded by modest payroll contributions from certified teachers and matching employer funds, reimbursing districts for the costs of long-term substitutes.

Member Priorities & Voices
The NSEA member survey results also highlighted key issues such as teacher retention and behavior support for students.

Member voices are needed to help affect these legislative initiatives. Your story can bring attention to and inspire lawmakers to take action for a stronger, more supportive education system.

Any member interested in sharing their story can contact their NSEA Organizational Specialist or call NSEA at 402-472-7611 or toll-free at 800-742-0047. Members can also send questions and information through the 'Contact Us' feature of the NSEA website at www.nsea.org/contact-us.