A record 3,559 public school teachers took leaves of absence due to mental illness in fiscal 2004, according to a government survey released Wednesday.

The figure, the 12th straight yearly increase, was up by 365 from fiscal 2003 and three times the amount 10 years ago, according to the survey, which covered teachers of public elementary, junior high and high schools.

"Numerous teachers have had trouble communicating with parents and working out teaching methods while they are coping with busy schedules," an official of the education ministry said, adding, "Counseling services are necessary to reduce their burdens."

During the reporting year, 6,308 teachers took sick leave, up 291 from the previous year.

The survey reported 1,226 teachers underwent disciplinary action, down 133 from fiscal 2003. Of them, 165 were fired, while 180 were suspended.

The number of reprimanded teachers fell, probably because the government's policy of disclosing disciplinary actions served as a deterrent, the ministry official said.

Including teachers who received warnings and tendered voluntary resignations, the number reprimanded during fiscal 2004 came to 3,701, down from 4,341 the previous year.

Traffic accidents topped the list of reasons for disciplinary action, with 2,188 cases. Corporal punishment of students accounted for 420 cases and use of profanity 168.

A total of 135 teachers were reprimanded for refusing to sing "Kimigayo," the national anthem, during ceremonies.