https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 12 May 2026 03:18:14 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-leave-need-teacher-input#post-2761841 Tue, 25 Jul 2017 21:06:41 +0000 babybean404 2761841@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I like your idea of taking the leave later. If you're like me, the beginning of the school year is really exciting and everyone has a lot of energy and it's a time for fresh starts! I'd hate to miss that even with a tough group of kids. You can kind of split up the year that way with two finish lines--one being when you go out on leave and the other being the end of the year. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-leave-need-teacher-input#post-2761838 Tue, 25 Jul 2017 20:56:45 +0000 LemonJack 2761838@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <br /><p><i>This comment has been deleted by the original poster.</i></p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-leave-need-teacher-input#post-2761835 Tue, 25 Jul 2017 20:54:08 +0000 LemonJack 2761835@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <br /><p><i>This comment has been deleted by the original poster.</i></p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-leave-need-teacher-input#post-2761818 Tue, 25 Jul 2017 20:15:48 +0000 Alba4 2761818@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I teach middle school and I personally think you need to take care of yourself first. Take the time when you prefer and everything will work out. You can pick up the pieces when you return. I had my first in late August, and I didn't return until Jan. Yes, it was hard to come in mid year, but you make it work. </p> <p>I would think it would be harder to start the year, then take maternity leave, and then return- so hard for you, your baby, the kids, your colleagues (I'm actually surprised your district allows this). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-leave-need-teacher-input#post-2761804 Tue, 25 Jul 2017 19:36:38 +0000 gilmoregirl 2761804@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I kinda think things have just as much chance to deteriorate after you've been out on leave whether you start the school year or not. So I'd just go ahead and do what's best for you and your family (which includes minimizing the terrible-ness of your school year however possible because certainly that has an impact on your whole life). I guess this is sorta a non-answer but overall it sounds like you have a slight preference so you might as well go with your gut. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-leave-need-teacher-input#post-2761801 Tue, 25 Jul 2017 19:33:11 +0000 2littlepumpkins 2761801@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Teacherbee123: kids may not like it but they expect their teachers to be more strict than subs. So difficult! I truly think being a mom and a teacher is one of the more draining combinations!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-leave-need-teacher-input#post-2761791 Tue, 25 Jul 2017 19:11:32 +0000 Teacherbee123 2761791@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: This is my second. I definitely am more easygoing about many things, but there will be a lot of major behaviors with the kids in our house, so I know it's going to still be a lot to deal with. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-leave-need-teacher-input#post-2761789 Tue, 25 Jul 2017 19:08:53 +0000 Teacherbee123 2761789@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs Green Grass: Yeah, typing this out has made me realize I am definitely leaning toward that. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-leave-need-teacher-input#post-2761787 Tue, 25 Jul 2017 19:04:44 +0000 Anagram 2761787@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would do what's best for you. I can't remember, is this your first baby?</p> <p>I had babies in July and August, so both times I missed the beginning of school through a thanksgiving (second pregnancy almost until a Christmas). The first time, I did have a hard class to come back to, the second time I had a lovely class.....but either way, after having my own kids and being really emotionally full with my own kids, I just cared a whole lot less. Johnny was a little shit and Susie played with her spinner all class? Doesn't bother me as much. I'm a lot more zen at work now but the secret is it's because I care less. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-leave-need-teacher-input#post-2761784 Tue, 25 Jul 2017 19:02:02 +0000 Teacherbee123 2761784@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pachamama: @DesertDreams88: I agree with both of you. There is SO much behavior that pops up in middle school as it is. That's why I am really worried about being gone 1st quarter and having to play catch up. I don't want to be paying for it all year. </p> <p>As far as breastfeeding goes, luckily I'm not worried about that. I went back when my first was the same age and was able to pump enough.</p> <p>@petitenoisette: Agreed, I'm very lucky! My administration is very family centered, so their philosophy is to do what's right for me and they'll make it work. I will already have time off for winter break. If I took the later leave I'd be off between Thanksgiving and Christmas. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-leave-need-teacher-input#post-2761783 Tue, 25 Jul 2017 19:00:49 +0000 Mrs Green Grass 2761783@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Your response sounded like you think later leave makes more sense. Since you've already had all summer that sounds kind of cool actually. The beginning do the year is easier before the kids really get to know you! So if you are comfortable with the child care situation, do the later leave... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-leave-need-teacher-input#post-2761782 Tue, 25 Jul 2017 18:58:37 +0000 matador84 2761782@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Teacherbee123: I made it the first 4 days of school and then had my baby so I worked right up until then. Honestly, it wasn't bad. I had a great sub while I was out and she did exactly everything I asked. There was some hard transitions with some kids (I came back around Halloween) and just differences but it was really a wonderful class of kids and year I had that year. It was a HARDER adjustment for me with it being my first baby who was sick all the time and pumping at work was super stressful. I just had to be VERY prepared in my plans and do everything extremely thoroughly. Subs where I work aren't really expected to do anything and they don't get paid to come early or stay late, so it's a bare minimum! I also taught a state-tested grade level so it was important to me there would be no gaps in instruction. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-leave-need-teacher-input#post-2761781 Tue, 25 Jul 2017 18:55:09 +0000 Teacherbee123 2761781@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ChiCalGoBee: The potential for chaos is definitely what I am worried about. Thanks for your input!</p> <p>@katsupgirl: No matter what I will definitely do at least a few weeks so the kids get to know me a bit.</p> <p>@matador84: How was coming back after taking the beginning of the year off?</p> <p>@2littlepumpkins: Yeah, I agree the kids will be okay. I'm most concerned about having to lay the hammer down when I return. It'll be hard to have to not only set expectations, but be stricter than my sub (because usually subs aren't as strict) while at the same time having the kids try to get to know me. That's why I'm definitely considering waiting a bit! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-leave-need-teacher-input#post-2761779 Tue, 25 Jul 2017 18:47:14 +0000 petitenoisette 2761779@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Number one, you are so lucky to have so much flexibility with your leave! I would stick with your original plan. Wouldn't you have time off for the holidays anyway? So would that extend or cut into your leave? </p> <p>Full disclosure: I'm a teacher with very much an attitude of not caring whatsoever about school during my maternity leave :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-leave-need-teacher-input#post-2761763 Tue, 25 Jul 2017 17:45:45 +0000 DesertDreams88 2761763@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>As a middle school teacher I think any leave in the 1st quarter is to be avoided if possible, since you want to set a firm ground work in terms of behavior and academics. So I would def wait until the other teacher comes back.</p> <p> I say this as someone who took a 12 week mat leave Q3 in 2016 then another teacher in my grade level took off Q1 in 2016, and another one took off Q3 in 2017, and this upcoming I'm hopefully going take off Q3. So, lots of mat leaves.</p> <p>The only other negative factor to this though is if you are planning to breastfeed. Taking off time earlier rather than later is better for that, due to the need to establish a good supply and due to the fact that they need more milk months 2-7ish ( so, more pumping.) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-leave-need-teacher-input#post-2761752 Tue, 25 Jul 2017 17:12:06 +0000 2littlepumpkins 2761752@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Not a teacher and have only worked with younger students but as a student I had many teachers take maternity leave and honestly no matter what we all adapted. I think your original plan sounds the most ideal personally. Either way would work though since your lo would already be 12 weeks. It could actually be fun to go back for a little while and then delay your leave to when your lo is hitting a few new milestones or nearer to the holidays! (My dh took 3 weeks with our first and then took vacation when she was six months so it was fun for him to get to spend time with her throughout different stages.) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-leave-need-teacher-input#post-2761743 Tue, 25 Jul 2017 16:53:03 +0000 matador84 2761743@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My two cents (I was a teacher for 8 years before admin)--you do what is best for YOU! My preference has always been to work up until I have the kids and then take my 8 weeks off later. My first child was born the first week of school--worst time to have a baby! But, I just had to make sure all my maternity lessons to be done while I was gone were very detailed as well as my systems and routine. I started working on as much as I could months beforehand. </p> <p>Also--I worked in extremely challenging school. Lots of poverty and lots of discipline, so I totally get it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-leave-need-teacher-input#post-2761742 Tue, 25 Jul 2017 16:52:42 +0000 pachamama 2761742@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would second that starting off the year with them would be best, especially with middle schoolers. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-leave-need-teacher-input#post-2761740 Tue, 25 Jul 2017 16:46:04 +0000 katsupgirl 2761740@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Teacherbee123: bless you! Middle school is a tough group in general. I only meant not to base the start of your leave on the other teacher returning. I totally get how much more chaotic it would be with both of you out. </p> <p>I was thinking do a couple weeks so they know you and your expectations. If you can put a plan in place with your sub so that the kids know they are still being held accountable even when you aren't there that might help. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-leave-need-teacher-input#post-2761737 Tue, 25 Jul 2017 16:30:32 +0000 ChiCalGoBee 2761737@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I entered a classroom 6 weeks into the school year (there were too many kids in the other classes so I was hired for overflow) and I feel like we never really got our feet under us with such a chaotic start. I'd go with your gut. It sounds like you're feeling that to set up the structure and behavior norms for the year-especially with a rough group coming in-that one of you should be there from the beginning. If you're okay leaving your baby until your colleague returns, I'd probably do that. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-leave-need-teacher-input#post-2761736 Tue, 25 Jul 2017 16:24:40 +0000 Teacherbee123 2761736@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@katsupgirl: I teach middle school, and LO will be about 12 weeks. </p> <p>I am only thinking about my teammate being gone because I worry that will cause chaos that we will struggle to overcome. This is a hard group coming up.</p> <p>When you say come back and then leave, do you mean come back for a couple of weeks then leave, or come back first quarter? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-leave-need-teacher-input#post-2761735 Tue, 25 Jul 2017 16:17:52 +0000 katsupgirl 2761735@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What grade/age do you teach? How old will your LO at the start?</p> <p>From personal experience I wouldn't factor in what the other teacher is going to do. I planned to return for the second semester and ended up taking the whole year. </p> <p>I would go with the choice that reduces your anxiety about the school year the most. I like the idea of starting them out and then going on leave. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-leave-need-teacher-input#post-2761731 Tue, 25 Jul 2017 16:04:26 +0000 Teacherbee123 2761731@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I need fellow teachers to weigh in on my maternity leave options.</p> <p>I had my LO a couple of weeks before school let out. My plan is to take some time off in the fall so I have more time with LO. Originally I planned on starting the year for the first few weeks to get the kids used to my routine, then leaving for 6 weeks, returning near the end of 1st quarter. Many teachers have done this at our school in the past and it has worked well for them.</p> <p>Fast forward to a few weeks ago and I found out that another teacher in my house (there are 4 of us) will be out the first couple months of the year as well. That would mean two of us would be off at the beginning of the year. This makes me especially nervous because our incoming group is rough behaviorally.</p> <p>Now I'm considering delaying my maternity leave, and instead of taking off in September, waiting to take off until the first teacher returns. Basically she would return and then I would leave. This would give me the benefit of being off over the holidays. </p> <p>I worry that two of us being off in the beginning of the year will create the type of chaos that will be hard to overcome, making it a long, rough year. I also worry that leaving right away in the year will make it much harder for me when dealing with behaviors upon my return. I feel like if I'm there an entire quarter before I leave, at least the kids will know me, have a relationship with me, and will adjust better when I come back.</p> <p>I would prefer to be off earlier, but I'm seriously considering whether that's worth the struggle later on. Is it worth it to have that time off early if I spend the rest of the year playing catch up? If this group weren't so rough, and if we didn't have someone else out as well, I don't think I'd be considering this.</p> <p>So, teachers, knowing this, what would you do and why? </p> <p>Btw, administration is very supportive of whatever I choose, and my sub is fine covering me whenever, so those factors don't weigh in. There will be no issues with childcare either. </p>