Hey teachers!!

JmeJoLee83

Well, I'm heading back to school/work in a week and a half and I'm trying to get "geared up" to throw myself back into it. After 6 months off it will be challenging to hit the ground running and get motivated.

What things do you/did you look forward to the most about returning? What did you miss while on leave? The best part about teaching?

What are the things you dread about when you return/went back? What has/ will be challenging about your job now that you're a momma too??

JulieSmiles

I'm a little different since I didn't actually take any maternity leave. I just took the summer off. I looked forward to seeing my new students and getting to work with my old students again. The best part about teaching is seeing the students get excited when they make growth. Returning to work has been hard for me. I spend my days with other people's kids while someone else spends the day with mine. It has been hare fitting in pumping and losing my plan time in order to do it. I'm constantly watching minutes to get back to my class in time. The biggest challenge has been not being able or willing to stay late to get things done like I used to. I have to figure out how to get the same amount of work done in less time.

RedMar

It couldn't have been a more perfect time for this thread as I return back to work this week :-S.
I've truly missed my students and the art of teaching. I have loved being a SAHM these past 5 months and already cannot wait for another babe bc I will take a year (unpaid) sabbatical. I will be able to save money in the meantime so I won't feel as strapped. I didn't know I would receive this leave and not getting paid for 20 weeks is pretty brutal!
I'll be sure to let you know how the first week goes. Luckily it will be my DH and MIL home with LO so I won't have to worry about getting him ready in the morning. My biggest concern is what this is going to do to my supply since I won't be able to feed LO on demand and can pump only one time while at work. Good luck to all you teaching mommas!

diagonalley

I went back about a month ago after being off since the end of April. I really wasn't looking forward to much because honestly I'd rather be home. A lot has changed since I left (schedule, curriculum, principal, friend left) that it really stressed me out to go back. In all honesty I've realized I just don't sweat the small stuff anymore. I do what I need to do and call it a day asap. I bring some stuff home so I don't fall too far behind, but ultimately my priority is Max. It's hard to explain. It really is just different though. I also hope to be able to take a whole year when baby number two happens.

mattanda2011

I start back tomorrow, I am not a teacher, but I am a school nurse at an elementary/middle school. I know it's going be hard to go back, even though this is my second LO and I have done it before. I just keep reminding myself that I have to work and at least I have a job that I get to spend so much time with them and get the summer off.

TUGOsQueen

I'm headed back tomorrow also. I'm dreading it mostly but also looking foward to a routine. If i had just been home with the baby, I would never want to return but I've been so busy with the other 3 kids too.
I'm anxious to meet my students. I teach H.S. so some I already know from last year but I'm dreading having to redo bad habits the sub has allowed (cell phone usage, late work, etc) that I dont allow. I have to go in with an open laid back mind or I'll be crazy. But, it is MY classroom so some order will be restored!
New admin stuff is always being implemented and it's an evaluation year and I already feel scrutinized for being off. Our school is having a rough time. Last week a faculty member, and 2 former students passed in unrelated incidents so there's a dark cloud.

I hate the thought of fitting in pumping and feedings and all that.
At least my first 2 days are teacher work days.
The worst part of going back is having to dress up and wearing a bra. Haha

Wishing you all a great first week back.

JmeJoLee83

@TUGOsQueen‌ that's an awful tragedy at your school..sorry to hear that.

SarahS11

I went back to work at the beginning of the year (just used summer for mat. leave)... This year is really hard... I agree with what others have said about fitting in pumping during plan and then figuring out a way to get everything done around all of that!  I haaaate bringing work home, and I especially hate it now that I have a baby.  I just bust my butt at work (less chatting with other teachers, try to multitask during meetings, etc) so that I can go home and be with my family at the end of each day.  

I thought being pregnant and teaching was hard, but I feel like leaving my LO to teach has been harder.  I have a rowdy class this year too, so that hasn't helped. I usually get in a dip around this time of the year anyways (shorter days, kids are restless)... I'm hoping I can get my pep back after Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks

JmeJoLee83

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/regan-long/a-working-mothers-plea-to-the-president_b_6090202.html

Borrowed from July 14 board

RedMar

What a great article, thanks for sharing.

MrsRahl

I'll be completely honest in that I simply quit and stay at home now and haven't regretted the decision one iota. But this is all a personal thing to each person. I know some teachers that went back after 6 weeks and were begging to go back while others like me continued to stay home. I teach at my church as a youth group leader and found that really fulfills my passion for teaching while giving me the time with my daughter. Now this doesn't speak to finances, of course if you have to work. But preparing for the possibility to stay home we budgeted a ton, I ebf and cloth diaper. We were given hand me downs for clothing from cousins with 2 girls. So we've had literally no expense for this child besides diaper cream and were very blessed. I only say this to encourage you that if for some reason like me you feel you don't want to stay teaching and want to stay home it can sometimes be possible with just a little budget adjusting I will also add I spend conscious time with friends to ensure I get that adult interaction regularly.

JmeJoLee83

Well since I'm all whiny about going back next week I honestly don't miss much right now! But, I agree with @CharSamm‌ I love the holiday activities and school events. I do enjoy having an idea or lesson be a hit with the kids. I miss some of my co-workers.

I do not miss dealing with behavior issues or parents that think their child is always right. I don't miss grading papers or lengthy staff meetings.

I wish I could stay home but have to fulfill this year's contract. Maybe next year I can think about part time.