Teachers...need advice

i teach 1st grade and i am due sept 7, so i will not be there for the first day of school. my principal is a little nuts this time of year and she is going to be upset im sure. I am 12 weeks today and was going to see how long i can wait to tell her. im actually dreading the day i have to go into her office..any advice??

Re: Teachers...need advice

I wouldn't say anything just yet. Wait a little while until you feel the time is right to tell your principal.

Re: Teachers...need advice

Why would she be upset? Won't there be a leave replacement starting the year for you until you return from your maternity leave?

Re: Teachers...need advice

Is your principal crazy this time of year because of testing? If so, then I would wait until after next week.

Remember, this is great news! Don't worry about missing days next year... Your priorities are you and your family!

Good luck and congrats!

Re: Teachers...need advice

I think it depends on how long you are planning on taking. Are you going to be out for the year, 3 month, etc...
If you are planning the usual 3 months you could always tell her that you would like to start the year. (my district goes back early on the 2nd) That way you would be able to set up your classroom and put in place your procedures for the year. Also it might insure that you stay in first grade. I know my school always switches a lower grade teacher to 5th or 6th because they feel that the older kids will transition better with a change of teachers. Which is awful because not only do you have a new baby but learning a new grade level.
If you tell her this maybe your principal will take it better and then you could always call in the summer to say your not coming back if you aren't feeling up to it.

Re: Teachers...need advice

she is crazy during those first few weeks of school. i will have a sub but its just hectic making sure students get on correct busses,dealing with parents and so forth. im sure she'll be happy with the news but i just hate the fact of telling her.

Re: Teachers...need advice

Im 13 and a half weeks now and due 5 days before school starts. I do not plan on going back. My leave will begin the first day of school.

I have not told my principal about my pregnancy but for all I know, she may know by now - SCHOOLS=GOSSIP MILLS. Im not sure when I have to report a pregnancy or IF I do. I plan on asking someone who recently had a baby to feel out the situation. It is what it is and I have no control. I just have a feeling that I may return back to a class that would be my first choice. They can hold "a" teaching spot, but cannot guarantee the one I prefer.

Re: Teachers...need advice

I would wait a little while, I mean you still have 4 months before the end of the school year. Ask others that have taken their leaves how they have approached the matter. But don't wait too long because I'm sure they will need to find a leave before the summer time comes.

Re: Teachers...need advice

I am due a day after you. I am actually not telling my principal until May after I get voted on for tenure. That was the recommendation of my dept. chair! I am hopefully going in the first day of school so I can get the tenure!

Re: Teachers...need advice

I would wait. I told the school at 12 weeks, but I work with a teacher that waited until 20. My contract says that you have to put your request for leave in writing 2 months before you plan on your leave. I put it in right before vacation and I am due 4/26.

Message edited 2/26/2008 10:18:36 AM.