Crossword Genius

Observes absence of publication for teachers? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

notes

'observes' is the definition.
('note' can be a synonym of 'observe')

'absence of publication for teachers?' is the wordplay.
'absence of' becomes 'no'.
'publication for teachers?' becomes 'tes' (Times Educational Supplement).
'no'+'tes'='NOTES'

(Other definitions for notes that I've seen before include "Memos; marks" , "output from musicians" , "registers?" , "fivers?" , "Paper money" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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