Teachers Corner

justsuzie · September 2017

Board seems a bit slow and I was noticing a bunch of teachers out there. How many of you are teachers here? What do you teach? What's been tough coping with early pregnancy symptoms and work?

I'm a 5th/6th grade art teacher. Love my job and schedule. I think May is the perfect time to "peace out" for maternity leave. I also have to rave about how flexible my job is with letting me leave for apts. I feel like this is one of the good parts of working in a female dominated profession. They get it. I do however have 4 classes straight with no break in between so the bathroom thing has been an issue. Thankfully my very dear friend works next door (our classrooms connect via an office) and she watches both rooms while I try to pee faster than I every have before. (Like quicker than a bar bathroom pee in college.)

Cerisrichard · September 2017

I am a secondary science teacher, but haven't taught in school since my first was born. I do some private tuition in maths and science in the evenings, which is great cause DH is home and we don't need childcare.

mileswithmyles · September 2017

Hi!
I am currently on year 4 out of 5 on special assignment. I am fully out of the classroom right now supporting new teachers and helping them clear their credentials. I also work with veteran teachers who are in jeopardy of losing their jobs. I spend my days observing and meeting with them and then I have to report to a HR panel once a month on the progress of the new teachers and the veteran teachers in jeopardy. When my contract ends, I have return rights to my school site and will go back to teaching special education a a high school. My schedule is crazy and I feel like I am constantly on the go, but I also enjoy the flexibility. I transitioned into this job when I came back from maternity leave with DS and it made pumping/sick baby/transitioning to motherhood a little easier. My boss is the nicest, most understanding person and I really appreciate how easy he made my transition back to work with DS.

I am having a hard time with the nausea and morning sickness. I have puked in the bushes at school sites twice now and I am just hoping I don't throw up in front of any of my teachers or have to leave an observation because of it. The fatigue is also setting in, but if I power through the day, I seem to do okay.

@justsuzie It really is the best time to go on leave. DS is a Maybie and I went on leave and didn't come back until the next school year started.

ivyvines6 · September 2017

I always throw myself into this, even though I'm not a traditional teacher

I'm a dance instructor for a local studio. I'm teaching five classes this year. Ballet/Tap combo for 2-5 y/o's, Ballet 1:1, Ballet 1:2, Beginner/Intermediate Teen Ballet, and Beginner Teen Pointe. I also have a lot of choreography for Nutcracker due.

The studio owners and I have been friends for going on a decade. One is my son's godfather, and he calls him Tio. (Puerto Rican, and he's taught me a mangled bit of Spanglish) They're both very excited, and are super flexible with whatever I need during pregnancy. I'll probably ask for a demonstrator in March, and I plan to have all of my recital responsibilities taken care of by the end of April. I won't be announcing to my students until after my wedding in November.

justsuzie · September 2017

@ivyvines6 A teacher is a teacher. I haven't even thought about when I would announce to students. I was thinking when I got fat and one of them asked? News travels fast in our school so I would only have to tell one child!

rowboat4 · September 2017

I teach 2nd grade. So far I haven't had any major symptoms so I haven't had to deal with that yet, but my teaching partners have told me if I need them to watch my class so I can pee or go be sick that they will since our rooms are all connected by an office in the middle. I did have to tell my principal earlier than planned because of the bloodwork I had to have done, but she's very supportive and excited for me. When I leave for maternity leave, there will only be about 4 weeks of school left (give or take depending on if I'm early or late.) I figure I'll tell my students once I start getting bigger since one of them is bound to ask. 8 year olds have a hard time with "etiquette"

justsuzie · September 2017

@rowboat4 Yah, I will only have 4 weeks left too. THat's why I'm hoping for a bunch of snow days!

glitzandglitter · September 2017

I teach kindergarten. No one knows at my school yet and so far my symptoms have been mild enough to hide. I do have MS meds just in case I need them. (I've needed them for my last 2 pregnancies) The teacher next door has an assistant so when/if I need a potty break they can run over. I probably won't tell my kids until I'm out of the first tri at least.

tincupchalice · September 2017

I used to be a teacher. Then I got KU with #1, said screw it, and haven't looked back. Hahahah.

Shima42 · September 2017

I teach three remedial homeroom-type classes in a junior high. Most of the kids are there for behavioral issues, and with my lack of energy lately, it's been a bit of a struggle. Luckily I'm not the only one there, and I'm only doing half-days! I'm hoping the second trimester will be easier.

char245 · September 2017

I used to teach middle school social studies but now I'm a SAHM and I teach FIT4MOM classes. It's awesome because I can bring my DD with me but some mornings I just do not feel like working out right now!

justsuzie · September 2017

@Shima42 Can't even imagine constant behavior problems when feeling like crap.

@char245 Don't know how I could work out with the bloat!

roomsu · September 2017

I'm a third grade teacher. So far I haven't had many symptoms other than running to the restroom to pee a lot. I'm keeping this pregnancy quiet for now, no one at work knows. I'm hoping to wait until after the first appointment in October. I think I'll wait until a kid asks to "announce". School ends for us in May so I'll only be leaving a few weeks early.

roomsu · September 2017

@Shima42 how severe are your behavior kids? Will you be in danger?
@glitzandglitter how do you do it??? The little ones are everywhere all at once!

mommaofbabyb · September 2017

I am a first-year Pre-K teacher AND first-year grad student. The second week I told my co-worker "there is no tired like the first-year teacher tired" turns out I was pregnant.

My first sign was when they brought my kids lunches into the room and the smell instantly made me sick. I went home that afternoon and got a very POSITIVE test.

I'm 24/7 tired and nauseous but feeling like the little engine that could. "I think I can, I think I can."

justsuzie · September 2017

@emmmmylou Sheesh, you got a lot going on girl! What are you doing about grad school after LO comes? And can't even imagine pre-k. I had to get out of elementary school because I am terrified of kindergarteners!

misspuppychow · September 2017

I teach nursing at a University, but I still have traditional teacher hours. I am due May 17 and I am usually done the end of April / early May and go back Aug 15! I might be greedy and take the summer off + 12 weeks with FMLA so I get 6 months off.

glitzandglitter · September 2017

@emmmmylou - I'm grad school too! When do you finish? I'm done in December.

mommaofbabyb · September 2017

The grad school program I am in is 100% online and logging field experience hours, I will be able to skip one semester when my sweet LO comes in May. So I am hoping that it will still be possible. I am just thankful that I am getting my first year of both teaching and school behind me before baby comes.
I am trying to be very organized at the end of each unit so I won't have to do much for sub plans at the start of next year when I am on maternity leave.

I could never imagine teaching 5th/6th graders! So go you. Our school is Pre-K-12th and when I accidentally go to our dining hall during middle school lunch I want to leave in tears.

mommaofbabyb · September 2017

glitzandglitter I am in my first semester

Thankfully it is online, so I have about 2 years left. You will be done just in time before your LO comes.

kat11223344 · September 2017

I teach 5th grade reading/writing. I have a tough group this year but I'm really lucky to work with some really good teachers and have great support. I was worried about handling nausea and such, but I think it's almost easier having to be constantly moving- I don't have time dwell on how crappy I feel.

justsuzie · September 2017

@k5678 . Yah, it definitely helps to have a good team! I'm lucky to teach next door to my dear friend.

zizzabell523 · September 2017

@ivyvines6 and I both have the dance teacher thing in common. I teach and choreograph for the competition team at a small, rural studio. Since 2010, I have taught Creative Movement for 2-4 year olds, Ballet/Tap/Tumbling combo classes for 4-5 year olds, ballet for 6-7 year olds, assisted with various tumbling classes, as well as helped with the competition teams. I've been on my own with the older competition groups for going on 3 years now and teaching our first pointe class this year! My creative juices are really flowing this season and I can't wait to see the final products on stage! My DD is also in her second year of Creative Movement this year. My mama dancer heart is so proud!

Not sure when I'll tell the owner the news, but I'm sure she won't be 100% thrilled since it means I'll probably have to sit out of helping backstage at recital and possibly the last couple of competitions. I've been able to hide my symptoms fairly well so far, which is a 180 from my DD at this point. Hopefully the lack of symptoms continues! *TW The owner had her own MC earlier this year, so I'm not sure how to go about telling her. I know I resented it when my friends were announcing their pregnancies after my loss, so figuring out how and when will be tough. TW*

By the way...THANK YOU to all the school teachers here! I only see my dance kids for a few hours a couple days a week at the most. You see your kids all day 5 days a week. Y'all are heroes in my book, because I know kids can really test your patience sometimes!

Edit to add: I also work a full-time office job that is not related to the studio, so I'm usually exhausted on my dance nights without being pregnant lol!

Shima42 · September 2017

@roomsu there's always a small chance of violence with kids LOL but we have two other teachers in the room. I'm just very tired for kids with so much... enthusiasm.

Cricket648 · September 2017

I teach second grade just like @rowboat4! I'm only 4w1d, so I don't really have any symptoms yet. I'm with @justsuzie on announcing to the kids. I'll just wait until one asks. They're way too interested in my personal life anyway, so they'll ask eventually- I've been asked at least once every year, just becasue they think I'm a freak for being 27 and married with no kids (where I teach, people have kids really young).

@k5678 Sorry to hear you have a rough group this year. Support makes all the difference, though!

rowboat4 · September 2017

@Cricket648 mine are so interested in my personal life it's hilarious. "Are you married?" "Do you live together?" "Do you have a cat?"

cups4 · September 2017

High school history teacher here. Luckily, the kids are less intense and I can snack and it is not a big deal. I will have a month of school left and leaving them right when they are taking their state tests and that makes me nervous for a long term sub to step in. I will have prepared them, but there is a lot of things to think about at that point in the year. And of course, last time all my maternity plans were me coming back at the time I will be leaving this year!

createmagic14 · September 2017

I'm a middle school STEM teacher. Our school is grades 5-7, which I really love. When I started, we were a typical 6-8, and I really enjoy 5/6 over 7/8. We've had some terrible administrators the past few years and I considered leaving, but thankfully they overhauled or building admin (as well as getting a new superintendent last year) and we're already seeing major positive changes, so I'm glad I stayed at this point.

I also teach gymnastics once a week to help pay for daycare and because I love it.

marg81 · September 2017

I am a paraprofessional in a K-3 school. I usually get the emotional support children that tend to have more behavior problems. I told the principle and special education teacher very early on to protect myself. I also go to weekly appointments at this point. My last pregnancy was 8 months pregnant and punched in the stomach by a kid targeting the baby. I'm playing around with being done late April and returning in September figured due 5/6 and be good time to start maternity leave/summer break.

arteduc8 · September 2017

I found my people! I'll be a STM (15 month old girl) with this one due May 13. I teach high school photography and digital art. After a crazy year last year coming back from leave, teaching 5 preps each semester, and squeezing in pumping, I was ready for a change. So this year I'm part time (60%) and loving it. I teach from 7:20-10 and 2-3 days a week I have supervision of study hall until 11:45. So I'm home for lunch with my little love everyday which makes heart happy. And for now I'm fully utilizing her afternoon nap for Mommy nap/rest time, too! So far my only major symptom is fatigue and I got my first sinus infection from back to school germs coupled with Prego sinus inflammation which is the worst! I'm non stop thirsty and non stop running to the bathroom to pee. Last time I told my students after winter break (dd was born in June) but I'm afraid I'll be showing sooner this time so I'll probably announce around Thanksgiving. I want to get through the first trimester.

justsuzie · September 2017

Cricket648 I hate when they ask you and you aren't pregnant. I'm, just like no, I ate Mexican for lunch so there is a burrito baby in there.

createmagic14 I love the 5/6 age. Still sweet and innocent.

@arteduc8 Fellow art teacher here!

glitzandglitter · September 2017

@justsuzie - that is the worst! I had a cute outfit on last year and was feeling skinny and a kid hugged me and asked if I had a baby in my tummy.

no just cupcakes. Thanks kid

lifeisnot2fear · September 2017

I think I go here. I'm an elementary school counselor. I don't have many symptoms yet except major bloat. I want to wait to tell my admin until after I hear a heartbeat, but Oct 3 feels so far away. I don't plan to announce to the rest of my world until I get through the first tri, but this bloat is so bad I am sure people will be suspicious before then.

TeacherMom2015 · September 2017

I was teaching first grade, but my position got excessed. I started at a new school today. I'll be teaching a 1/2 combination class. I have a doctors appt ok 10/2 so I'll have to tell my principal before then. I'm nervous because all my time off will be without pay.

I'm super nauseous and exhausted so I'm not sure how well I'll be able to "hide" it.

allison1derlnd · September 2017

I teach kindergarten at a charter school. It's a lot like herding cats, but I like it a lot hahaha! Its my 4 year in the grade and teaching in general. I haven't been able to feel much yet, but I'm glad work keeps me busy. It helps the time pass by quickly. I normally get nauseous right when I get home while I'm trying to relax.

arteduc8 · September 2017

justsuzie said:

Cricket648 I hate when they ask you and you aren't pregnant. I'm, just like no, I ate Mexican for lunch so there is a burrito baby in there.

createmagic14 I love the 5/6 age. Still sweet and innocent.

@arteduc8 Fellow art teacher here!

@justsuzie Yes, another art teacher! What grades do you teach?

justsuzie · September 2017

@arteduc8 I was k-4 for 10 years and just switched to 5/6 this year. Best decision ever! I even get to work right next door to another art teacher who happens to be one of my best friends!

arteduc8 · September 2017

@justsuzie That's fantastic! You must be at a big school or get to see your students a lot to only have 2 grades. Nice! I taught elementary (1-6) for my first 2 years teaching then decided to switch to high school going on 11 years now. 5-6 were my fav younger grades. And having a friend colleague next door is such a difference maker. I hated being an island at the elementary level.

Cricket648 · September 2017

@justsuzie Haha "burrito baby" made be laugh. Kids are great for your self esteem...

@TeacherMom2015 I taught a 1/2 split class my first year. It was really tough, but it forced me to become a good teacher, becasue I had so many ability levels. Good luck!

@allison1derlnd I also teach at a charter school!

knottie8c4939bd6053e1e7 · September 2017

I teach K at a Charter as well! Third year teaching, first at this school and FTM!

probablytakingabath · September 2017

I used to be a Montessori pre K teacher, I left to start nannying and now I work from home doing CS. Def miss my teaching job sometimes but the US early ed system is tough to work in and I don't think I was cut out for it!! Exciting to see so many other teachers here!

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