Interview tomorrow, looking for advice

MLSprague

I'm going for an interview tomorrow for a teaching position that I long-term subbed for through the second half of the 2013-2014 school year. All of the teachers and principal have been very supportive. Several teachers sent me the posting when it came up and emailed me when they found out the date when the interviews would be taking place. The principal has basically told me that I am the inside person and "will be taken care, even though she isn't suppose to say that" since I have subbed in the district for over six years now. I don't want to say anything at the interview that I am pregnant because I am nervous that they will change their minds. I know it's silly, but I figure it's better to be cautious, right?. Or should I say something? If I don't say anything, when should I tell the principal that I am pregnant? I know I want to tell them before I tell the rest of my family and friends. Because once they know, they will post things on Facebook and I don't want the administration to find out that way. I have looked at the school year calendar and plan on only taking a six week maternity leave. I will be back several weeks before state testing takes place, so I will be able to help the students prepare for their assessments. I have also thought about who I would like to have cover my leave. This particular sub is a retired teacher, done several long term leaves, is wonderful, has a similar teaching style to mine, will prepare the students while I'm gone, and keep in touch with me throughout her time in the classroom. I asked if she would be returning next year to sub, but have not told her why I asked. (I've been putting a lot of thought into everything that I'm going to say.) At the same time, I'm wondering if I'm overthinking everything and being too confident that I will get the job. Sorry this is so long, but in the end I'm looking for some support and advice, please. Should I say something at the interview tomorrow or wait? And if I wait and get the position, when should I say something? Thank you!

umbcpt

I'm not a teacher, but I work for a school system as a physical therapist. I was pregnant with my first (3 months) when I interviewed. This is how I handled it (you couldn't tell I was preggers in the suit I had on).

At the end of the interview, she asked me if I had anything else. It had gone really well. I took a deep breath, and smiled and said, "I just want to be completely open and honest and tell you I am expecting a baby in September (position was to start in July). I really want the position but want to start things out on the right foot and be totally honest." She smiled graciously, and asked if I would mind covering a maternity leave when I first started, and pick up my own caseload once I had the baby.

Honestly, I think the school system is probably the most baby friendly environment out there. I was honest, up front, and started a wonderful relationship (I still work at the same office).

Good luck with your decision, and know you don't have to tell, but I don't know when it will get easier to share

amt0312

I mean, there are lots of women in the teaching profession, so maternity leaves are sort of a given....That being said, no I would not inform them because it may influence their decision even if they try their hardest not to. It is illegal to discriminate based on pregnancy status, but that is a very very difficult thing to prove. Best not to open that door. 

Good luck. 

camilu87

I will hopefully be interviewing for jobs very soon as well. I will not be telling them until I have started working in the new position. It is completely up to you and like the others have said, schools are very baby friendly. It would be weighing in my mind that they may pick someone over me tho that wouldn't be leaving for a maternity leave shortly.

mommy510

I wouldn't mention it at all tomorrow. Maybe in a couple of weeks you might tell the principal and administration. I would break the news around 12 weeks, and share your plan for when you would return, who might be a good sub while you're gone, etc.

MLSprague

Thank you everyone for your advice and support. I appreciate your input greatly.

KMac570

You absolutely do sound prepared, and I hope that you get the job.  FWIW, I don't think you should accept the job without telling them.  It's true that they can't discriminate against you but they CAN resent you for it.  I would do what the first poster said - tell them AFTER the interview, ie. after you've already impressed them, but before they offer you the job.  Good luck!

Angeldcf

I disagree.  Yes, it's illegal to discriminate based on pg, but good luck proving that in court.

Wait until you have an offer.  Why tell after the interview before you have an offer when they can renig? 

ambmama

I agree with all who say wait to tell. While it sounds wonderful what the pp was able to do with telling after the interview, a lot of situations would not work out that way. You do not have he job until you have an offer, and they can even rescind an offer (not based on pregnancy but they could find a 'reason'). Being a school, they may be required to interview more than one candidate as well, so if another candidate has good experience and doesn't say they are pregnant it could ultimately affect you. Best of luck in your decision and in the interview!

lcarp203

I have a similar situation except it is for an opportunity to participate in a development training for my current role. You had to write essays as to why you would bennifit and then be nominated and finally go through an interview. Needless to say, with this lenghty process I starts applying before I was pregnant. Well, I just found out today I was accepted. The kicker- it starts august 14th and it is an 11 month program. I accepted today and didn't say anything. I would like to make it out of the first trimester, which should be right aroun there for me. I would hate to say something and withdraw from the program an then something happen.

I know your situation is different but I would hold off I were you. Some more time will only make sure that you are further along in your pregnancy and progressing as you should. Also, if you are the most qualified candidate, they will be okay with having a sub for 6 weeks. It is only 6 weeks.

babybravesfan

I just had a similar situation. I interviewed for a job 2 weeks ago and wound up getting the position, but I was only 5 weeks pregnant so I felt like I shouldn't risk my chance of losing the job when I am not even out of the clear for a miscarriage yet. I am going to wait until I am in the second trimester to let them know and by then I will have plenty of time to come up with a plan to tell them. I would definitely hold off until some point in the 2nd trimester. Just my personal opinion.

jmcgra06

I would tell when I had an offer but before I accepted it. Good luck!

negritosmami

yea i agree with everyone who said wait...its not like its a secret you can keep very long..they will know WELL in advance even if you had no intention of telling them. Theres no harm in keeping the matter private until later. I had an interview and i did NOT tell the employer...If i get the job i will tell them when i am moved to do so.

babybou3

I would not tell them during the initial interview process. There are a lot of people that do not say anything to their current employers until they are in the second trimester. I would handle this the same way as if you were just hired and get your feet wet in the job before discussing the months ahead. Good luck though with whatever you decide. Keep us posted on the interview.