To those interviewing while pregnant...

tbiscuit18

I've seen quite a few posts from people interviewing or starting new jobs recently. I applied for a teaching position at a school about 3 miles from my house and have an interview on Friday. Right now, I have a 25 minute commute, which during bad traffic and/or weather can take up to 3 hours (crazy, I know). I'm also at a private school, so my contract is severable at any time, I'm not locked in with as many hoops to jump through as I would be in the public school. This new job would about a $15k pay increase, (I literally make poverty level where I teach. If I wasn't married I could never afford to work here.)

So getting to my question, have any of you who are teachers:  1). changed teaching jobs mid-year, and 2). interviewed for a new teaching position while pregnant? 
Just looking for any feedback or advice. I love, love, love my job and where I teach, but I really just want to be closer to home, especially after baby comes, plus the extra $ is a bonus too. If I leave I will desperately miss my current students and coworkers.

edited for spelling/grammar

Mimaloo

I am in the SAME spot as you.  25 minute commute to a private school where I make beans and can be let go at any time.  I have thought of looking for a public school job because I'd make double what I'm making now, but I'm not looking because:

There are ZERO public school jobs where I'm at and the few that do exist are "probationary" at the time of hiring but the new trend [here] is hiring teachers on grant $ and not telling them until halfway through the year when there won't be a grant next year and the teacher is pink slipped.  (This happened to three people who left my current school - two with kids who are now unemployed - one was lucky enough to get a legit probationary position).  

I'd ask around about this or definitely bring it up in your interview because public schools are sneaky sneaky.  Politics and budgets rule.  

britab

I don't have experience with this but am not tenured and pregnant. I'm not worried because they can't find Spanish immersion teachers easily.

I think you should go for it! Schools are used to pregnant ladies. You have to do what's best for YOUR family! More pay and less commute time sounds great. I left a position two years ago because it was best for me and though it was hard, turned out great. Good luck!

tbiscuit18

@mimaloo Ugh, this is the first I've heard of the grant $ positions! I had planned on asking at the interview why the position was open mid-year. I teach special ed, and there is a shortage of teachers in the state. That said, you might be on to something. Thanks for bringing it up! 

One positive, is that the school district is one of the top in the state, with very low teacher turnover. I've been watching for openings for the last few years and nothing has ever been available. I'd just hate for something to be "too good to be true" situation and end up job hunting for next fall anyway. 

Mimaloo

@ebuge I'm also in an area where you have a better chance of winning the current megamillions jackpot than landing a public school teaching job.  But if your state has a shortage of teachers you're probably one of the lucky ones  

Our schools here play a lot of games.  Mid-year positions are often advertised in such a way where you're led to believe it's probationary only to get there and find out that it's a leave replacement.  Or, like I said, the whole hiring and paying a new teacher with grant money that's only available that year.  It's a nightmare here.  

But best of luck to you on your interview and keep us posted on how it goes!!!