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October 2016 Moms
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Maternity Leave for Band Directors

lesmusic54lesmusic54 member
in October 2016 Moms
Are there any pregnant band directors that are due in October?  Please let me know how you are being accommodated and what your school has planned while you are out.

I am a Head High School Band Director.  Just like at any other high school, the band performs at all the football games.  This is quite a dilemma because I am due right in the middle of football season.  Furthermore, I am the only band director at my school, no assistant.  I plan on working/teaching during the day, as close to my due date as possible, but my husband does not think that I should attend any of the the games before my maternity leave.  I feel fine most of the time, but I'm not sure if I will make it at almost 9 months pregnant during the football games.  My administration is aware that I need a sub for classes and games, but they have not found anyone yet, as far as I know.  The first game is this Friday, so the clock is ticking.  And I would hate to let parents and students down by preventing the band from going to the games due to me not feeling up for it.

Has anyone dealt with this or know someone who has?  Do you have any tips or advice?  I would like to hear from any pregnant sports coaches as well.
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Re: Maternity Leave for Band Directors

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  • mrszoessmrszoess member
    also this should be the schools problem not yours. it's not like you just found out you were 9 months pregnant 
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  • ashleyp625ashleyp625 member
    We have a maternity leave thread active right under this one where we've been discussing how long we are working before delivery. You could have posted this there. There is another one about how long we are planning to take off that would have come up through a search of the board. 

    That being said, I'm an orchestra teacher. I am getting a long term sub who knows music, but not necessarily strings. We will just have to make the best of it. I'm planning to leave very detailed instructions and lesson plans, and we are meeting to discuss things so I can answer any content-specific questions before I go out. 

    As far as the games, I know I'm expected to fulfill all contractual obligations while I'm not on leave, so I would plan on going to the games until you begin leave, unless you can find someone to cover you. I don't think your supervisors would be very happy if you were a no-show. Student accountability and all. They can't go by themselves, and shouldn't, safety-wise. 
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  • ashleyp625ashleyp625 member
    mrszoess said:
    also this should be the schools problem not yours. it's not like you just found out you were 9 months pregnant 
    Like mrszoess, I'm wondering why this wasn't discussed a little sooner with your administrators. I've been working on my plan for coverage since my BFP in February. 
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  • lesmusic54lesmusic54 member
    I notified administrators of my pregnancy and due date back in early April.  I have been asking around, but unable to find a sub that is knowledgeable in band.
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  • lesmusic54lesmusic54 member
    mrszoess said:
    also this should be the schools problem not yours. it's not like you just found out you were 9 months pregnant 
    True, but good band subs are nearly impossible to find.
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  • lesmusic54lesmusic54 member
    ashleyp625 said:
    We have a maternity leave thread active right under this one where we've been discussing how long we are working before delivery. You could have posted this there. There is another one about how long we are planning to take off that would have come up through a search of the board. 

    That being said, I'm an orchestra teacher. I am getting a long term sub who knows music, but not necessarily strings. We will just have to make the best of it. I'm planning to leave very detailed instructions and lesson plans, and we are meeting to discuss things so I can answer any content-specific questions before I go out. 

    As far as the games, I know I'm expected to fulfill all contractual obligations while I'm not on leave, so I would plan on going to the games until you begin leave, unless you can find someone to cover you. I don't think your supervisors would be very happy if you were a no-show. Student accountability and all. They can't go by themselves, and shouldn't, safety-wise. 
    I, for the most part, feel fine attending the games and that is my intention.  My husband however is just really opposed to it.  It's not like I have to run up and down bleachers to conduct the band.
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  • mrszoessmrszoess member
    again, not your problem. 
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  • PiperellaPiperella member
    Agree with all the above posts, but when I was in high school (not band camp), our band director was let go in the middle of September.  We had a warm body that just kept us in line and there were other adults, band booster parents, sponsors, etc. to help us keep moving.  Not that it wasn't difficult at times, but we just dealt with it.  You've done what you need to do, and I understand it's hard to let go, especially in education.  Maybe there would be an elementary or middle school band/orchestra teacher that could help with the games and extra curricular activities.  Usually those are addendum/supplemental contracts to a normal teacher contract.  Keep asking your administration and voicing your concerns.  

    Having another band director in our October group I would imagine would be as likely as winning the lottery.  Maybe there are some band director forums and possibly a female thread/board where others in your situation (not necessarily due in Oct. 2016) that could lend support.
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  • queen_frostinequeen_frostine member
    I agree with @piperella about the warm body. When our drama teacher was out, we had another teacher step in who did not really know drama that well. The knowledgeable students basically ran things while she supervised.

    I also agree you're obligated to fulfill your duties while you're still working. If your husband is so concerned, he should go with you and make sure he does all the running-around that might be needed.


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  • Schell2013Schell2013 member
    I left a detailed response in the maternity leave thread. Which is where the correct place to post this.
    But nope not your problem. Theirs. Long story short. 
    Side note- also I encourage you to read at least some of the pinned posts cause this is actually a special snow flake post which we typically laugh at and you will just get snarked at for. I have never seen your screen name and I've been here since day one. Offer some support to others and learn the rules and you will fit in fine here, don't do that we will laugh at your inability to follow simple rules.
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  • Schell2013Schell2013 member
    As for your employer. Send this to them. 
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  • NoraAuroraNoraAurora member
    This is the weirdest
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  • TurtleMommaTurtleMomma member


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  • strickland8052strickland8052 member
    I recommend talking to your doctor ASAP about any out of town games before your maternity leave starts. Get a general idea for how far away you can travel at what weeks, and get a doctors excuse for any games that you wouldn't be able to attend. If your doctor says traveling is fine, then your H should get over his concerns. If the doctor says you can't travel, then your employer has no choice but to deal with it. Not much more you can do.
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  • lesmusic54lesmusic54 member
    Piperella said:
    Agree with all the above posts, but when I was in high school (not band camp), our band director was let go in the middle of September.  We had a warm body that just kept us in line and there were other adults, band booster parents, sponsors, etc. to help us keep moving.  Not that it wasn't difficult at times, but we just dealt with it.  You've done what you need to do, and I understand it's hard to let go, especially in education.  Maybe there would be an elementary or middle school band/orchestra teacher that could help with the games and extra curricular activities.  Usually those are addendum/supplemental contracts to a normal teacher contract.  Keep asking your administration and voicing your concerns.  

    Having another band director in our October group I would imagine would be as likely as winning the lottery.  Maybe there are some band director forums and possibly a female thread/board where others in your situation (not necessarily due in Oct. 2016) that could lend support.
    The hard part is letting go. I'm a control freak.
    Report Reply
  • lesmusic54lesmusic54 member
    strickland8052 said:
    I recommend talking to your doctor ASAP about any out of town games before your maternity leave starts. Get a general idea for how far away you can travel at what weeks, and get a doctors excuse for any games that you wouldn't be able to attend. If your doctor says traveling is fine, then your H should get over his concerns. If the doctor says you can't travel, then your employer has no choice but to deal with it. Not much more you can do.
    Will do.
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