https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 17 Apr 2026 16:36:44 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teacher-bees#post-2275808 Fri, 28 Aug 2015 09:46:42 +0000 Mrs Green Grass 2275808@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am a teaching is what I was destined to do kind of person and I still want to be the best teacher I can be...I just have less time to make it happen. And in a way it's nice. Like some pp's said, I used to waste so much time! And I'd take work home and not do it and feel guilty (I'm an English teacher so lots of paper grading). Now I don't give myself the option of bringing it home which actually relieves the stress. I just really stick to my leave by 4 schedule. It would be tough if I had to pick D up at 3.</p> <p>I also took a position where I do more literacy support for part of the day so it reduces my planning and grading time which is nice. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teacher-bees#post-2275674 Fri, 28 Aug 2015 08:07:22 +0000 snowjewelz 2275674@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@katsupgirl: I don't teach so I can't speak to pumping in that setting! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teacher-bees#post-2275523 Fri, 28 Aug 2015 01:32:59 +0000 ScarletBegonia 2275523@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@kitty: yeah, its been an adjustment for sure. I have to say though, that I look back on my career pre-kid and see a lot of wasted time. Teaching is so much give, give, give, for very little back. At least now I feel like the scales are a bit more balanced!<br /> I should be clear though, that I have never been those "teaching is my destiny, my job is my life" types of teachers - it was something I kind of fell into almost on accident, so my dedication was never 100%. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teacher-bees#post-2275518 Fri, 28 Aug 2015 01:07:27 +0000 katsupgirl 2275518@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Family first with me too. I think it's an age thing as well. I've done the leave late thing at other jobs and learned that I had to put me first because the organization/supervisors are doing the same. Last year was my first year and I did a lot of at home stuff during sleep times. I'm hoping to be more efficient with my prep periods this year. @snowjewelz: how was pumping for you during the day? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teacher-bees#post-2275468 Thu, 27 Aug 2015 22:43:53 +0000 Autumnmama79 2275468@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I work hard to achieve a work/life balance as a full-time teacher and full-time mother and wife. But at this time in my career, my family comes first. Because I am dropping DD off at school in the morning, I arrive at school approximately 20 minutes before our classes begin. I pick her up from the YMCA after-care as soon as possible, most days I leave 10 minutes after the students are dismissed. I often work through lunch and frequently have meetings during lunch as well. I don't volunteer to coach teams or be involved in much extra curricular and I say "no", a lot. </p> <p>I'm fairly certain other teachers see me as a 'lazy teacher' but the truth of the matter is I just don't care. I care about maximizing the precious time I have with my family :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teacher-bees#post-2275424 Thu, 27 Aug 2015 21:46:41 +0000 kitty 2275424@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm only at the beginning of 11months mat leave but I've started thinking about when I go back mid next year. A lot of mums at my school work part time hours, between 0.5 and 0.8 of a normal load. I'm hoping to return full time but can only consider it because my MIL lives with us and will be caring for DS during the day. We very much have a culture of staying back at our school too so I'm a bit worried about how to manage it.</p> <p>@scarletbegonia: I was looking at leadership too but I think I need to be realistic and just prioritise. How did you find the adjustment to doing less, mentally? I can be pretty hard on myself. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teacher-bees#post-2275399 Thu, 27 Aug 2015 21:23:24 +0000 matador84 2275399@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I pretty much keep a really tight calendar. I am friendly to coworkers, but don't have time to socialize. I take a working lunch every day. When I taught (in admin now), I conferenced a lot and that cut down on formal grading. </p> <p>I do all pick ups and dropoffs at daycare, so I'm a slave to daycare hours and can't work late/come early. I just had to figure out and prioritize what needs to get done and what can be axed or cut down on (grading!!). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teacher-bees#post-2275289 Thu, 27 Aug 2015 20:05:15 +0000 ScarletBegonia 2275289@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Honestly...I've just readjusted my expectations of myself. I used to want to be on the leadership track, very concerned about results, my students liking me, preparing stimulating and engaging lessons, etc. Because of a combination of 8 years in the job and coming back from maternity leave, I've just become more comfortable doing less. I don't care anymore if my lessons aren't all good, am not at all interested in a leadership role anymore, and couldn't be bothered in the slightest whether my kids like me or not. The main reason I went back to work is for adult companionship so I'd say if anything I socialise more than I used to. I do a bit of work at night and in my prep lessons but mainly I've just let standards slide. </p> <p>I'm considering a move out of the classroom after #2 comes (whenever that may be) so maybe this is just all leading in that direction. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teacher-bees#post-2275281 Thu, 27 Aug 2015 20:00:40 +0000 Happygal 2275281@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JoyfulKiwi: I had to think about what DGAF meant for a minute. Love it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teacher-bees#post-2275254 Thu, 27 Aug 2015 19:48:18 +0000 Owlmama 2275254@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I come and go based on contract times and only do work at home when she's asleep. I feel like it's never done, but I just have to set my boundaries and get as much done as well as I can. I try to be more efficient and I am sure others understand. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teacher-bees#post-2274792 Thu, 27 Aug 2015 14:10:22 +0000 JoyfulKiwi 2274792@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>In my son's first year, when I went back to work, I didn't socialize as much &amp; I also depended heavily on my husband. He would pick up our son and I'd stay about 30 min past my "contract" time with my door closed to work. I also dedicated Saturday's nap times &amp; Sunday evening to catching up on things. The second year I was back was a little easier.<br /> I had a real DGAF attitude about whether other teachers liked my schedule. I was not about to kill myself working and trying to parent/enjoy my child, so I let some things drop down on my priority list. Unfortunately, my principal did not like that &amp; I quit public school to teach private preschool while my kids are young. If I had a more supportive principal, I would have stuck around &amp; made it work, but I'm glad to be in a low-stress environment for now and trust that I'll get back into public school when my family is ready for that. I hope you find a good balance; remember it'll take time &amp; flexibility to figure it out! 😊 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teacher-bees#post-2274511 Thu, 27 Aug 2015 10:57:44 +0000 Alba4 2274511@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I too have become more focused during my school day. I don't socialize nearly as much. I still stay until @4 most days since I teach 3 grade levels (Spanish teacher), but I rarely bring home any work. I try to do everything during my school day and then devote 100% of my attention to my family when I'm home. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teacher-bees#post-2274416 Thu, 27 Aug 2015 09:12:51 +0000 Mrs Green Grass 2274416@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm at a high school which makes it easier since most teachers leave right away. But the choice I made was basically no working at home. I don't get to school early, but I stay one hour after every day. Our nanny schedule was 8-4 and school is 7:30-2:30. When my husband is it of town now that lo is at preschool, I will drop him off at 7 when they open and barely make it to school on time.</p> <p>Teacher like to be judgy, but most are mothers or will be at some point, so either they remember what it's like or have no concept...so you can be their model! Basically you won't be able to get so much done, so you'll just have to be more efficient, but you'll also feel guilty on both sides...kids and school. I will say it gets easier though. This will be my third year back. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teacher-bees#post-2274401 Thu, 27 Aug 2015 09:02:45 +0000 snowjewelz 2274401@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@travellingbee:<br /> @FaithFertility:</p> <p>It's sad that in so many work places, the culture is to assume that people that don't OT are lazy and people that OT a lot are praised as hard workers! I used to OT like crazy in my younger ambitious days; now I try not to stay even 5 min late (unless I have to). I work so much harder during the day (and through pumping), and somehow it still comes across as not putting in as much effort as someone who OT! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teacher-bees#post-2274399 Thu, 27 Aug 2015 08:56:46 +0000 Happygal 2274399@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I feel like I can't chime in too much on this topic b/c I'm part-time at the schools (and that is lovely!) But I'm still dropping her off earlier than I need to be at the schools b/c of her morning nap schedule, and don't get to pick her up as soon as I'd like b/c of naps! </p> <p>I agree with @travellingbee:'s idea of "work smarter, not longer." All business, baby! When I'm really focused (and stay off the computer--biggest distraction!), I'm amazed at what I can get accomplished. I've worked both at a non-profit and in the schools, and it really is up to the leader to set the tone for working your set hours. I've only had one principal do that--she lectured teachers about waiting until the work week to come back to school b/c things were going to get crazy anyway.</p> <p>Good luck! We're still working on finding our groove, getting sleep at daycare working, etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teacher-bees#post-2274261 Thu, 27 Aug 2015 06:27:00 +0000 FaithFertility 2274261@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@travellingbee: I agree </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teacher-bees#post-2274258 Thu, 27 Aug 2015 06:20:51 +0000 travellingbee 2274258@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I do what you said. I socialize less during planning and lunch get stuff done during my contract hours. I'm a big fan of "work smarter not longer". I get my work done and that's what's important. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teacher-bees#post-2274256 Thu, 27 Aug 2015 06:13:34 +0000 Boopers 2274256@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@FaithFertility: I hope it gets better for you! We have fall open house tonight. Normally I would stay at school and work until it starts, but now I have to leave right after school, race to pick up LO from daycare, nurse and cuddle at home until DH gets home from work then race back to school before open house starts. Being a working mom is hard!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teacher-bees#post-2274251 Thu, 27 Aug 2015 05:58:16 +0000 FaithFertility 2274251@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Boopers: I understand 100% </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teacher-bees#post-2274250 Thu, 27 Aug 2015 05:55:30 +0000 Boopers 2274250@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Kids started this week and I haven't found a good balance yet. The first week is always so crazy! I'm mentoring a new teacher and so a lot of my "free" time at school has been helping her. I hardly have time to work on my own stuff!! I'm hoping that once things become familiar and settle down a bit that I will have more time. I am also using part of my planning as one of my two pumping times, so that doesn't help 😕 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teacher-bees#post-2274237 Thu, 27 Aug 2015 05:22:39 +0000 FaithFertility 2274237@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>How do you find the balance?!?<br /> Pre baby I would be at work an hr early<br /> Leaving an hr late ...it was just what I did<br /> Obviously now with a child it is something I cut way back in, I come in early but leave on time or close after!<br /> It is sad because at my work site people look.down on those that actually stick to our contracted hrs as "lazy" teachers , I am by no means in that category, just now have a HUGE reason to make every second count when I am there so I can go home! Not to say I don't bring work home with me! </p>