Calling all teachers - how are you holding up?

leighann1

I'm heading back to work on Tuesday, and I am pretty darn apprehensive. As much as I love the way our maternity leave will fall around the holidays, I can't help but be nervous about heading back to school during the last trimester. 

I'm worried that the fatigue of first trimester will come back with a vengeance once I can't sleep in anymore. Add to that long days and nights getting my classroom ready, lesson planning, maternity leave prepping, open house nights, parent/teacher conference nights... What are you doing to cope? Plans for how to stay well rested and on top of things? Ways to tackle the lesson plans for your long-term sub? 

I was super excited to have my second trimester fall during summer, so I could enjoy the "golden" time of pregnancy while off work. Now I'm thinking that 30+ weeks is a terrible time to go back during the most hectic time of the school year!! Not like I can do much about it, just wondering how all the other teachers are feeling

MandahGirly

Not sure where you are but up here in the Northeast we don't start until September. I officially go back aug 31 but I have a class to go to next week and I will probably go in a few days before to prep. I know I have a million things to do but I am putting them off majorly. I'm in special Ed and corun a program for kids with soc/em needs and my co teacher is going to be on maternity leave as well! We are STILL trying to look for a maternity sub for the both of us but so far nothing. Plus we are also trying to hire another Instructional assistant. We have 9 students in our program including 2 new kindergarten students and I'm just apprehensive about it all especially knowing I won't be able to do much in terms of tantrums if it happens. Luckily I have a great support team that is willing to step up. I'm just not looking forward to making everyone's schedules and getting through the first month of school! Luckily I don't have to make sub plans but I have this crazy idea of writing up a reeval and IEP for two of my kids that are coming up, mainly because I don't want a sub who doesn't know these kids to do it!

basdenjn6

This. All this.
I go back in two weeks which will put me at the 30 week mark. My energy has been okay thus far but I've had a couple of uncomfortable days too which makes me nervous. Add to that, my team is fantastic but 3 of the 5 of them will be leaving or just returning from maternity leave themselves so the grade will be full of subs so I feel like I have to have everything locked down perfectly for my sub. Don't know how I'm going to make it through a day without a nap (not to mention seventeen pee breaks per minute!)
As for a plan: I'm going to attempt at least 2 days a week to stay an hour later to work on sub plans and daily duties and actually use my plan times during the day to get a breather and relax. Hoping that will help me to not burn out!

cindykinnear

I go back next Wednesday. I have been trying not to think about it too much, but have definitely been stressing a little. I still need to get some professional maternity clothes (all I have is shorts and t-shirts). I teach high school theatre and haven't decided whether I am going to direct a fall play.. It's hard to plan when I have no idea when I will go into labor. And I really don't want to do after school rehearsals, but also don't want to let the students and parents down. I have taken maternity leave before so I have a good 6 weeks of sub plans and a great sub lined up, so no worries there.

smlowe9311

I go back on the 17th and I'll be 33 weeks. I plan on doing what I can during the day as far as grading/planning (we have to team plan per our district so we do that a few days a week during our planning time) and then doing my best to come home and take care of dd1 and then rest/go to bed myself so that I can handle the next day. I plan on using my week of preplanning to prep as much stuff for the sub that I can. I also know I can use my school email if j need to get ahold of my sub and can use that to communicate with my team as well.

I went back around 30ish weeks with dd1 too and it wasn't too bad. I was tired for sure but I made it the month or so I was there till she was born.

Nicole02683

It go back the 24th and I plan on doing what I can and not over working myself. My assistant already knows that I will be relying on her very heavily and she's ( hopefully?!) up for the challenge. We don't get paid maternity leave either so I'm not worrying about what is happening while I'm gone. I can make suggestions for my sub as to what to do with my preschoolers but I won't be micromanaging. This is my time with out boy! Whatever is is and I will fix it when I get back darnet!

LiveNLove44

I start on the 17th with volleyball and then the following Monday with teaching/coaching combo and I am nervous about the additional energy needed for the coaching part! I think it's harder mentally to go back in the third trimester because of the uncertainty from day to day. When it's your first baby, it can be especially difficult if you're unsure of how your body is going to react to the amount of energy you must exert and time on your feet. I think nurses on their 12-hour shifts can certainly relate (and there are other professions that are like that, too). 

The part I keep thinking about is how fast the first month (two for some of us) will fly by because we'll be focused on so many things. It'll also make the third trimester fly by, which can be a really positive thing! 

When it comes to preparing for a sub, here is my plan of attack:

Each week I lay out for the beginning of the year, I'll also prepare a week for when I'm gone. I'm going to take it week by week, so it's in digestible pieces. We won't hire my LTS until mid-to-late-September, so I won't have much time to meet with the person and identify the plans in place. Take it one step at a time, and remember that it all has an end point! I'd love to keep checking in with my fellow teacher mommies!!

cdepperschmidt

Going back next Thursday! Still feeling pretty awesome, but I'm worried that won't last.

@cindykinnear I also need some professional maternity clothes, which is unfortunately because I'd rather buy classroom supplies.

My biggest anxieties is the fact that the other teacher I work with is new (I teach music), but has taught before. My past two co teachers have been very into co planning , but she seems less interested in the idea. Also, I have a new young, male principal so I'm not sure how receptive he will be. I also don't have a sub yet...

ChariZae

Stressing out a bit. I didn't plan like I wanted to this summer. I also don't know who my sub will be. I go back in 2 weeks, and I am not mentally ready for it. It's been a hectic week and half, so that may be contributing to my anxiety. Hoping that these next two weeks can be somewhat productive.

crbpjb

I go back the 17th at 29 weeks. I'm definitely concerned. Being on our feet all day and the long days will be tough. I still have to do the interview process for my maternity leave sub, and they said they want to wait until close to my due date to hire which makes me nervous. I teach HS math and work with great people so I know they will help my sub. I also keep very detailed notes from previous years and calendars of what we did each day so planning ahead should be ok. But I also start grad classes for my EdD the 24th so I'm just afraid of it all being too much. One way I'm coping is making freezer meals so after long days of work and class and exercise I can not worry about dinner.

koriemo

Teachers go back the 12th for meetings and prep. Students start the 19th. I've done SO much planning over the summer. This year, I'm also switching from teaching Junior English to teaching Sophomore English, so many of my lesson plans and units are new. I planned out the first 9 weeks of school in detail, made all of my powerpoints, and have the rest of the year roughly planned out. For my sub, I am really hoping that we get a qualified sub. I don't want to do much prep for them. I plan to tell me sub to cover 4 weeks of grammar (the first unit in our grammar books) and 4 weeks over chapter 3 in the literature textbook. I have the grammar unit test made already, so the teacher knows what they are aiming for. The textbook has a lot of resources and is pretty helpful, so I'm thinking that will be sufficient for my sub. I am teaching honors and regular English, and while I differentiate a lot with my lessons, I don't expect my sub to make two different sets of lesson plans. I'll recommend that the honors class focus on higher level work, and hope that the sub is able to manage. I'm REALLY nervous about waking up early. I leave my house at 6am, so I'm out of bed by 5:30 at the latest. I had a hard time during my first trimester, so hopefully it's easier. Last spring, I took a nap everyday after school from 4-4:30, and I may do that again.

morganabyrd

I went back this past Monday and let me just say, it has been rough. I'm exhausted but couldn't sleep last night so I just laid there at 3:30am and sobbed. I didn't realize how hard it would be to set up my classroom, since I can't bend, crawl, reach, climb, lift, etc. DH has been up there helping me more than previous years. Tomorrow I'm delivering my 2nd PD of the week and I'm still up prepping for it...I haven't planned for my actual students past week 2.

However, it was super awesome to see everyone and let them love all over me and my belly on Monday morning. I love my coworkers and I have a great support system with them. I guess it's just recognizing my own physical limitations that's frustrating.

Another plus: I wore a very flowy shirt yesterday while students and parents were in the building for registration and not one of them asked if I was pregnant. It was awesome because I was totally expecting to be over answering the same questions all day, and I half expected to be offended a few times by their comments.

MrsFaust1432

I start back Friday... One more day off! I haven't prepped ANYTHING, or set up my classroom. I am at a new school this year so I am particularly nervous about Friday morning! I am pretty shy and it takes me a while to warm up to people.

mom4liak

I start back on the 13th. My next OB appointment is the 12th. I am currently on modified bed rest. I need her to lift my restrictions to go back since I finished last year on medical leave. I did see MFM yesterday and he seems to think she will give me the green light but I still will have weekly appointments. Nothing like waiting to figure things out until the last minute!

beckles112

I start back the 17th. On one hand I'm ready to be back into a routine, but I'm definitely not ready to start getting up early. I've got to start working on getting my sleep schedule back on track. Since this is my first year teaching Spanish I'm kind of nervous about my leave. I'm not sure what I should do as far as assignments go. Right now I'm just planning on giving them review work and picking up where I left off when I get back.

LiveNLove44

@mom4liak, good luck!! 

LiveNLove44

crbpjb said: I go back the 17th at 29 weeks. I'm definitely concerned. Being on our feet all day and the long days will be tough. I still have to do the interview process for my maternity leave sub, and they said they want to wait until close to my due date to hire which makes me nervous. I teach HS math and work with great people so I know they will help my sub. I also keep very detailed notes from previous years and calendars of what we did each day so planning ahead should be ok. But I also start grad classes for my EdD the 24th so I'm just afraid of it all being too much. One way I'm coping is making freezer meals so after long days of work and class and exercise I can not worry about dinner.

***Quote Box***

@crbpjb, I seriously forgot about my master's program coursework that starts back up in the first week of September. I'm glad I'm not the only one in that boat, too! We've had the last month or so off and I've been totally relaxed about it! Okay, so now I'm looking at 70+ hour work weeks and my master's degree classes and homework. What on earth was I thinking?! Saddle up ladies, we all need to keep this support going! I have a feeling I'll need it...

sdnyc99

I go back officially on August 31st, but all my teacher friends and I start trickling in the couple of weeks before that to set up our classrooms.
I've been thinking it wouldn't be hard to go back, since I'll only be there a couple of months at the most (I'm taking the rest of the school year off) but now I'm panicking a little as I realize I'm becoming less and less mobile and more and more exhausted from not sleeping well.
I teach kindergarten, and as much as I love them, I always say the first few weeks of kindergarten is like herding a litter of 20+ puppies all day long! SO EXHAUSTING!
And these littles are going to have to learn to tie their own shoes very, very quickly this year! Because I won't be down on the ground doing it.
Luckily, I have an awesome teaching assistant who has already volunteered to come in and help me set up. She totally spoiled me at the end of last year, wouldn't let me do anything strenuous at all, and kept bringing me snacks.
I don't have a sub yet, but they'll get one in time.
Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled for the last week of October. I'm not technically due until the beginning of November, but my daughter was born early as were all my siblings and me. So I'm counting on not having to actually do conferences...fingers crossed!

leighann1

Glad to know I'm not the only one who is worried! 

I managed to sit down today and do a ton of planning. It helped me a lot to really break down the amount of planning I will need to do. I was able to knock out my own teaching lessons up to my due date, which is huge. Now I can really focus on fitting in units for my sub. I'm planning to take the full 12 weeks, so I'll have a lot to get through. It feels good to actually be making a dent, though!

I would love to do weekly or bi-weekly checkins for all the teachers among us once we all get into the full swing of things. I'm jealous of those who still have a few weeks of vacation left! I'm down to only two full days

gograce

My first official day back was this past Monday. Kids came back Thursday. I started working in my classroom and DH's classroom the Wednesday before.
By lunch time (11:05), I'm waddling with my swollen feet for the rest of the day. I can't wait to go on maternity leave.
I was switched from 8th grade Journey to Careers to 6th grade ELA. I'm excited about the switch to my content area, but I wish I was still in 8th grade because now I have to make new teacher friends in my grade level and it's hard. I'm also in charge of yearbook this year. I'm pretty livid about that because I'll be out for almost half the year.

Trying to figure out how to plan for a long term sub when everything is so new to me.

mkross123

I go back the 31st. I am only returning for three weeks since I'm at risk of preterm birth. My plan is to begin going in for a few hours per morning starting next week. I did summer school for four weeks (super easy, mornings only, pretty much babysitting kids doing online classes) and I think it was REALLY good that it kept me on a schedule and getting up in the morning. Even with one week off from it I feel my sleep becoming disrupted. So I'll get some work done in the mornings the next 3 weekd, but mostly keep myself used to getting out of the house so I physically have less adapting to do.

I am very nervous about the three weeks I'll work. I will be teaching all 9th graders this fall, so kids I am having to help adjust to the rules and expectations of high school. Additionally since I'm pregnant with twins my pregnancy is physically more advanced than the actual gestation. So if I'm 31 weeks when I go back I'll be measuring 37-38. There is NO WAY I am going to be able to stand all day.

Definitely all nervewracking. Is anyone else terrified of going into labor at school??? I know how rarely waters breaking is the first sign of labor...but still, the idea of it happening in front of 30 teenagers is what nightmares are made of :-)

gograce

@mkross123 I'm so nervous to have my water break at school in front of my sixth graders! When I told my husband, he said he's more worried about it happening while we're sleeping.
I'm also anxious that I will go into labor at school and not realize it. I have an aunt who didn't know she was in labor for a day and a half or something crazy like that.

CamiB30

I start back the 17th. I'm a special Ed teacher so my principal has been talking about trying to get all of my kids' meetings that are due before March, in before I leave. Which is fine, but that's a lot of IEPs to write! We have some good subs in mind, so I'm sure we'll be trying to get that done as well. As far as planning goes, if I can manage it, I'm planning on staying late 2 days a week to get my extra planning done and use my planning during the day to meet with teachers and plan with them. I'm going to try and not bring any work home so I can rest and get things ready for the baby, but we'll see how that goes.

MandahGirly

CamiB30 said:

I start back the 17th. I'm a special Ed teacher so my principal has been talking about trying to get all of my kids' meetings that are due before March, in before I leave. Which is fine, but that's a lot of IEPs to write! We have some good subs in mind, so I'm sure we'll be trying to get that done as well. As far as planning goes, if I can manage it, I'm planning on staying late 2 days a week to get my extra planning done and use my planning during the day to meet with teachers and plan with them. I'm going to try and not bring any work home so I can rest and get things ready for the baby, but we'll see how that goes.

Holy crap that sounds like a lot of IEPs! I thought I was going to freak out about missing 2! I wish we had a sub lined up so far but nothing as of yet

lilmagic00

I'm not STRESSING a thing. I'm definitely not looking forward to going back and will be taking it easy. Due to the fact I don't have the same stamina I did before the school year was over. Once October gets here I will be transitioning into mommy mode and I will see everyone in the spring. This school year was a wake up call and I will treat it as such. Education is great, but becoming a mother to a sweet little boy is even greater!! Best of luck to u all

alliepaigeclark

I go back the 22nd at 34 weeks pregnant. My kindergarten students start the 31st when I will be 35 weeks pregnant!! I not sure how I will do with all the bending over, squatting, and frequent bathroom breaks--with no associate! The kiddos will learn to tie their own shoes pretty quickly . Sub plans have been interesting as we rewrote our curriculum for reading, math, science, and writing This summer! My team will be very helpful and I have an amazing sub lined up. Hoping to get out of doing conferences which are the week of my due date! I'm taking 12 weeks off which will get me through holiday break (15 total). Trying to look at all the positives amid impending exhaustion!! Being a teacher is the greatest profession for mommies, you are all AMAZINGLY for all you do!

morganabyrd

Currently at lunch on my first day - I'm on the struggle bus today, for sure. My feet are killing but 1st day comedy routine does not allow for sitting. 2 more periods...

MrsFaust1432

After our first 3 days back to work for Teacher workdays, my feet are SOOO swollen! I was assigned morning duty for the first 9 weeks from 7:30-8:00 every morning. I am hoping to switch with someone so I can reduce the amount of swelling. I also order a document camera on eBay a week ago today and the darn seller still hasn't shipped it!!! I need it so I don't have to stand to teach every period.

I'm ready for the kids tomorrow, but these swollen feet are new for me (I relaxed all summer while I could). Does anyone have any good remedies to relieve the swelling?

leighann1

@MrsFaust1432 you have to buy your own doc camera?! That stinks. But hopefully it will be worth it!! I'm sorry I don't have any tips for swelling, though. I think I've heard to keep your feet elevated as often as possible?? And drink lots of water!

MrsFaust1432

@leighann1 yeah, we have those nice interactive projectors in our rooms but I didn't want to have to stand up all day everyday and teach. I thought sitting and teaching under the document camera would be better for my swelling feet.

LmBahr

I wet back two weeks ago and I'm just here to let you know it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be! The first week of meetings was worse than being with the kids because my feet were swollen from sitting all day. Walking around the room and teaching keeps my feet from swelling! I teach in Arizona so it's deadly hot so I've been cranking up the ac and drinking tons of water. I made a few footwear mistakes. Sneakers were too snug and sandles were uncomfortable. I'm off to buy some comfortable shoes. Also, coming in extra early to prep has eased my anxiety and helped the day run super smooth! Everyone is willing to help the pregnant girl too good luck! It won't be as bad as you think I'm 32 weeks and hanging in there in the hot arizona sun!

leighann1

@LmBahr that is good to hear!! Thanks for the positive encouragement. I can definitely use it!

JAZsax

I am actually interviewing for a position next week! My husband just got a job offer we could not refuse, so we are moving two hours away(to my home town) in a week and a half. Part of me thinks that I should really just sub this year, but I guess I'll see how the interview goes!

gograce

@MrsFaust1432 I try to sit in front of my class as often as possible. It's definitely not the most professional thing I've ever done, but at least I can walk for bus duty after school!!
When I get home from school, I prop my ferret/legs up on several pillows. Sometimes I rinse them with cool water, sometimes I beg DH to rub them.
I hope your swelling doesn't get too bad! I've been miserable.

jennaebbs

Preplanning for me starts the 17 and and the kids come on the 24, I'll be 33 wks at that point. I'm somewhat worried about standing all day and chasing a room full of 1st graders, but even more so being able to stay awake! I need my midday naps!!! I'm planning to start maternity leave the first week of October. So on the bright side, it's just a few weeks of uncomfortableness.

Chins up ladies!!! Our LO will be here so soon.

jennaebbs

gograce said:

@mkross123 I'm so nervous to have my water break at school in front of my sixth graders! When I told my husband, he said he's more worried about it happening while we're sleeping.
I'm also anxious that I will go into labor at school and not realize it. I have an aunt who didn't know she was in labor for a day and a half or something crazy like that.

Yes! Oh my gosh I'm really scared that my water will break at school. I'm also terrified that I won't be able to get ahold of my husband. I usually can but what if...scary thought.

jessrl

I went in to set up my classroom today and only lasted 2 hours mostly because of the heat. I'm hoping the AC is in full force once the kids come or I'll be pretty miserable for my remaining weeks  

beckles112

I finally got into my room yesterday and I have so much work to do. The room I'm in now was formerly a science class so all the science books are still in there. I don't have any of my books - they're all in storage still. I did manage to get my syllabi written for parent night on Tuesday. I've also got an idea of what I'm going to leave for my classes while I'm gone.

I did find out the other day that parent teacher conferences (which no one comes to because it's high school) are the day before I'm due. Hoping little guy gets me out of it!

LiveNLove44

For those of you who are already back "in the trenches" -- Way to go! You've got this

leighann1

hobo920 said:

I went in to set up my classroom today and only lasted 2 hours mostly because of the heat. I'm hoping the AC is in full force once the kids come or I'll be pretty miserable for my remaining weeks  

I'm already planning to let our secretary know that I'll be emailing her a daily maintenance request to turn the temperature down in my room. Maybe after 10 days in a row of requests, they'll get the idea? 

It's usually miserable, and I refuse to put up with an 85+ degree room while 8-9 months pregnant. I will throw a royal fit. Our district hired an "energy expert" a year ago, and I'm pretty sure all he does is make sure room temperatures are just on the edge of what might be considered a violation of safe working environments. Perhaps an exaggeration, but it doesn't seem like it at times. 

The good news is, they do typically respond to maintenance requests, albeit slowly. And I've got a big ass fan I intend to point right at my face. 

swaffles

I went back for a week of prep panning and then a week with kids. The stress got to me and raised my blood pressure and now I am on bed rest until she gets here! Take it easy and try not to stress because this is no fun!