The looming teachers' strike could disrupt the return to school of 2.4 million students. The strike, driven by salary disputes, threatens to keep many high school students at home.

WASHINGTON -- Could something about teaching -- perhaps the years of contact with kids and their germs -- increase the risk of serious immune system diseases such as multiple sclerosis and lupus?

Teachers spend up to 29 hours a week doing nonteaching tasks: writing emails, grading, finding classroom resources, and carrying out other administrative work. They also have high stress levels ...