Prego teachers- WWYD??

I am so torn, I don’t know what to do and it’s giving me such high anxiety. (I can't sleep just thinking about this)

I am a NYC teacher and had a really great position last year however it did not prepare me for having my own classroom. (I was the CTT cluster teacher which meant I travelled all day.) I was excessed from my school but not laid off from NYC department of education. I went on a bunch of interviews but it clearly obvious that I am pregnant. I will be 6 months on Sunday. I am now placed in the ATR status (which means they can assign me to a new school every week but I will be getting my full salary and benefits.)

Well, low and behold I was offered a position at one of the schools that I interviewed with at the last minute- Friday at 4:00 pm! It’s a middle school self contained position. I have never taught middle school before. It’s in a rough school. The principal flat out said that the class will be filled with behavioral problems and that I could get cursed out (which doesn’t bother me) and kids may even through desks (which does scare me).

With that being said the benefits of working at this school would be that it has better hours, better commute, and they already know I am pregnant (they actually asked me on the interview which I thought was a big no-no), I will have a home base and know where I am going every day and what I am doing every day. The cons of working there is that I am so nervous right now just thinking about it, I’ve never taught middle school or self contained, I have absolutely no time to prepare.

Would you take the position or would you stay in the ATR status? The benefits of staying in the ATR status is that I wouldn’t have as much take home work this year, if I am in a miserable school – it will only be temporary, I won’t feel bad leaving a class behind for maternity leave (I may take an extra two weeks instead of only 6 weeks), I am still getting my full salary and benefits, there is still a chance my old school will ask me back. The cons are that I am in the ATR status to begin with, I will be switching schools and not know the commute every day or whether there is parking, it’s a little risky to stay in ATR.

My husband thinks I should take the position in the bad school. It’s more stable. I am scared because I never wanted to teach middle school nor did I ever want a self contained class. I really wanted an inclusion classroom or at the very least little kids. If you read this far down, thank you!! Any advice is appreciated!

Re: Prego teachers- WWYD??

Personally, if you could afford it, i'd turn it down. other opportunities will arise.

Re: Prego teachers- WWYD??

Re: Prego teachers- WWYD??

In todays teacher market, I would take the new position. Middle school kids can surprise you. and I have found that they really do want someone to latch onto. I' have not taught in the city, but in a rough town on LI. Those kids will be sad to see you leave on maternity and delighted when you return.
Also, It will look better on your resume.

Re: Prego teachers- WWYD??

I am a behavioral specialist so I understand what you're concerns are. I get called into the self contained classrooms when the classroom teacher can not maintain the student. I've had concerns while trying to get preg and now that we have concieved and my thought is if you are proactive and create an enviornement of mutial respect you will be ok. But, you have to know on your end that you can get rid of being scared and anxious. a. its not good for you and the baby and b. the students will pic that up. As for middle school I had always taught elementry when I was in the classroom then went to middle school for a year and LOVED it. There is something loveable about each grade.

I do get concerned at times with what I do but I would not trade it for the world. My students though they have many needs are awesome. If you would like to FM me I would be more than happy to meet with you and give you some basic tips to keep yourself safe and proactive strategies.

Message edited 9/3/2011 9:26:46 AM.

Re: Prego teachers- WWYD??

I wouls take the M.S position for a few reasons:
1. I cried when I was offered a H.S position bc it was NOT what I wanted. I took the job. Six years later I love it! You may end up loving the M.S.

2. The other position sounds stressful too (not knowing where you are driving, etc.).

3. You know what you are walking into with the M.S position. You can prepare yourself and choose to manage your stress level.

4. In this job market...a permanent position is hard to come by. Think long term.

Good Luck Mama!

Re: Prego teachers- WWYD??

I would NOT stay in ATR status. I have been an ATR and while it is not the end of the world Bloomberg is always threathening to "layoff all ATR's". IMO a full time position is ALWAYS better than being an ATR. Also you said the school and location are good. I would take it over being an ATR, not ideal of course but your best option IMO

Re: Prego teachers- WWYD??

I would take the position. I know that ATRs in my building were treated like crap and the kids were awful to them. I'd rather know what I am going into everyday than not. Plus they can put you anywhere every week and that would freak me out!

Re: Prego teachers- WWYD??

IMO I would take the job. I am a NYC teacher as well and I always hear stories about the ATR.

I got my degree in both general and special ed. bc that was how they offered the program at my school. Anyway I had no intentions of teaching special ed. When I went on my interview in NYC they told me it would be easier to get a job. My first class was a 6th grade self-contained class in a not so good area in Queens. I was scared out of my mind but I had a lot of support and it wasn't that bad.

Now it's my 6th year and I teacher 2nd grade inclusion but it was a good experience. Even though being pregnant makes everything sooo much more stressful, I would feel better having the job security especiially if you plan on returning to work.

Re: Prego teachers- WWYD??

Thanks everyone! I know I should take it. I am honestly just super scared to teach middle school and self contained. I know I signed up for the this but I am just worried that I am not a good enough teacher to handle this. I just feel like I have no classroom management- which I know it comes with time and I have to jump in some time. I am just sooooo nervous and being pregnant is making me even more emotional about. I know I am very lucky to have gotten an offer and they saw something in me to hire me dispite being pregnant. I am just not sure if I am can handle it

But everyone made really valid points and I do have a good support system at home. I just don't like the feeling I am having right now. But yes ATR is not a good place to be in.

Re: Prego teachers- WWYD??

You will rise to the occasion!!! Believe in yourself!

Re: Prego teachers- WWYD??

Posted by Melissa1980

You will rise to the occasion!!! Believe in yourself!

Re: Prego teachers- WWYD??

Sorry... not a teacher, but my mom AND dad were.

My mom started teaching in a HORRIBLE school. A really horrible school. It was the only thing available, she lost 20 lbs after starting, she cried, was threatened (an elementary school kid... 2nd grade... threatened to CUT her with a pair of scissors). She cried regularly. Yes, she survived... yes, she rose to the occasion... but left the first opportunity she got & talks about it until today, years after retirement.

IMO: there IS a reason you are being offered the position: it's NOT a great one. Weigh your options carefully.

On the other hand, job security is important... but at what cost? Throwing desks does not sound like a great thing for a 6 month pregnant woman.

Re: Prego teachers- WWYD??