Calling all teachers!

Sarredondo42 · July 2013

I recently switched school districts and I have a good relationship with the school because I was a basketball coach there in the past. However, a week after I was hired I found out I was pregnant with my first child! We are happy yet I'm sure nervous that I will be judged and they will think I didn't tell them in the interview that I was pregnant and having to leave in March. When and what do you suggest I tell the principle and coworkers? I am a PE teacher so I plan to still work but its going to be strange since I have to set the tone as a new teacher and prove myself while I have a watermelon stomach! Suggestions, advice, all are welcome. Thanks!

lindsey1031 · July 2013

Do you plan to return after having your baby? If you have a good relationship, just swear up and down you didn't know. I'm sure they will believe you!! If you plan to return, you can stress that when you meet with your principal. I plan on ending my meeting by asking if we have a preferred sub list so I can start "watching" before I even interview for one.

Sarredondo42 · July 2013

Yes I plan to return after my 6 or 8 weeks post baby to finish out the school year. I don't want to and have the sick leave gathered but I feel like I owe them that much. Just nervous to have the conversation. You think I should set up a meeting with the principle before school starts or wait? I'm only 9 weeks.

lindsey1031 · July 2013

I would do it before school starts since things are so ultra hectic around that time. Also, since this is your first (and mine too) your allegiance may change once you are living and breathing solely for your LO. I absolutely love my job and hate to think of not doing it, but I didn't wait all this time to start a family just to have to go back afterwards either...

lindsey1031 · July 2013

I was also thinking of how we go back on the 19th and the kids start on the 26th here. I'm not sure what your district does though. If the timing is similar to mine, you will be just about 12 weeks then.

talitha712 · July 2013

I would tell your principal first, maybe just before school starts depending on when that is for you. And make sure you communicate your willingness to work up until your EDD and return after 6-8 weeks. Fwiw, I go back a week from today. I'll be just past 6 weeks. I plan to tell my principal at a training I'm helping lead for new teachers this Thursday, just so she has a heads up. But I'm also going into year 4 with her and she knows I miscarried in May.

Sarredondo42 · July 2013

Thanks so much for your advice everyone! I was leaning towards telling the principle before, but the fear of what could happen scared me. Guess I just have to suck it up and hope he's supportive! Thanks again!!

Meganequine · July 2013

What's the staff like at the new school? Ours has a lot of "young" teachers, so it's pretty much a given that at least one teacher is pregnant every year. I'd tell your principal pretty soon after returning to work, just so they can start looking for a long-term sub.

LeaMatt · July 2013

I am planning on telling my principal at 12 weeks which will be around the second week of school. In my district they tend to wait until the last second to get maternity coverage, so telling earlier won't make a difference for that.

sew322 · July 2013

I am in the same boat. My husband and I just moved from AR to CO for a job. About one week after moving in we got our BFP. I am nervous about telling them. I am planning on waiting until after our first appointment Sept 3. So far I haven't been having any symptoms other than sore boobs and some slight cramping. If I do start having more/worse symptoms I will tell my principal earlier.

Tricia0209 · July 2013

I am in your situation as well starting at a brand new school that I have no ties to though. I found out before The interview that I was pregnant and hope to take three months off march, April, may and return for the few weeks in June. I am a little worried about telling the principal but what can you do I don't feel wrong for not telling them at the interview and I wouldn't have wanted it to be a factor in my hiring.

Sarredondo42 · July 2013

Let me know how it goes! I'm super anxious!

LisaRogers723 · July 2013

i am in the same boat! year two at my new school. i love it there and really like my principal but im scared because i feel like i havent proven myself yet as a dedicated employee. what makes it worse is that i am not sure if i plan on returning after the baby is born in march. im feeling really guilty and torn between the love i have for my class (im looping with my first graders to second grade) and the love i know i am going to feel for this baby.. ive heard lots of moms say once the baby is born you totally change and just dread going back to work.. im the type that is a super hard worker and i know id rather go back at some point and close out the year but i just dont know if that is going to be realistic. i dont know exactly what to tell my boss about the whole maternity leave/returning situation. i think ill wait it out and see how i feel in my pregnancy teaching full time with a big baby belly! good luck to all the other teacher mamas! teachers are sooooo insanely special!

Sarredondo42 · July 2013

Good luck Lisa! It's crazy how many people are in the same situation and I think it's horrible that as women we have to go through these mixed emotions. I too think I don't want to come back after the baby is born but I just want to make sure that my job is still there for the following year! We just gotta tell our principles and hope they understand!!! Keep us posted on how your situation goes! I'm planning on telling my principle this week

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