
Living Well, Teaching Strong: What Chronic Illness Can Teach Us About Financial Protection
The Overlooked Reality of Chronic Illness
More than 1 in 3 U.S. adults lives with a chronic condition. For teachers, this reality is often hidden — behind lesson plans, grading, and a smile.
But chronic illness doesn’t just impact your health. It can threaten your:
🧾 Income during extended medical leave
💸 Emergency savings and retirement funds
🧠 Peace of mind as bills continue while your paycheck stops
Why Income Protection Is So Important
If you’ve ever worried about how you’d make ends meet if your health takes a turn — you’re not alone. And the truth is, district benefits often don’t go far enough.
That’s where personalized protection options come in.
Disability Insurance
Replaces part of your paycheck if you can’t work due to illness or injury. Look for:
– Own-occupation coverage (protects your specific role as a teacher)
– Portable policies (you keep them even if you change districts)
Critical Illness Insurance
Provides a lump-sum payment if you’re diagnosed with a covered illness like cancer, stroke, or heart disease.
That money can help cover:
✅ Deductibles and copayments
✅ Everyday expenses (groceries, utilities)
✅ Lost income or unpaid time off
✅ Travel for specialized care
Smart Steps Teachers Can Take
You don’t need to overhaul everything. Just start here:
✅ Review your district benefits — Know what’s covered (and what’s not)
✅ Explore supplemental policies — Especially critical illness and long-term disability
✅ Understand your risks — Think about how even 60–90 days without income would affect you
✅ Work with someone who gets it — Teaching is unique. Your insurance plan should be too.
❤️ You Deserve to Be Protected
Too often, teachers minimize their own needs — especially when it comes to health and finances. But here’s the truth:
You’re the backbone of your school. You carry a lot.
You deserve support that protects your income and respects your role.
With the right plan in place, you can keep doing what you love—without putting your future at risk.
Chronic illness can interrupt more than your routine—it can disrupt your income.
The Income Protection Workbook for Educators is a simple, no-pressure guide to help you think through potential income risks and how to plan ahead.
📘Bonus Resource
👉The Income Protection Workbook for Educators
📞Have Questions or Need Support?
👉Schedule a Free 15-Minute Call:
Talk soon,
Walter Johnson
Founder, Protecting Teachers’ Income
CA Insurance License OJ15814
walter@protectingteachersincome.com
www.ProtectingTeachersIncome.com