I'm a fifth grade teacher in my sixth year of teaching. And I'm expecting my first child in June. While the timing is perfect for me to spend a couple months at home without needing to stress out about my classroom, I wanted to get some input about staying home vs. teaching w/an infant. My school situation is this: There are only two of us teaching fifth grade, and my teammate and I hardly collaborate (and this has only gotten worse over the three years we've worked together). Every year I consider asking to change grades or putting in a request for another school, but last year when I actually did I found out shortly afterward that I got accepted into a Masters program... and opted to stay where I was to simplify things for myself. So part of has been wanting to take a break or just do something different. Financially, it would be hard for me to quit working, but we could get by. If I were to keep working, my mother is retired and would probably be able to live with us for most of the school year. For those of you who have taken a leave of absence for a year or two, how hard was it to get rehired? I know things are more difficult these days, but I am bilingual certified and teach a grade that often has openings in my district, so I'm hoping those things will be in my favor. For those of you that kept working, how did you balance it all??? I'm in that overwhelmed stage right now! :help:
Congrats! What an exciting time for you. I was a new father getting my masters and it was challenging enough. My vote would be to take leave and get your masters- sacrifice now and be more secure in your future. You're bilingual in Texas, I would think with a masters and experience you're gold!! If you're full time you might be able to finish in one school year plus two or three summers.
I'm quite fortunate to be in a special masters program for working teachers... over halfway through it and finishing my thesis right around the time that baby is supposed to arrive!
Noreen, My school district allows teachers to take the entire school year following the birth of a baby as unpaid leave and guarantees a job (perhaps not the same grade level or subject, but a job) upon return. I elected to take the year to see if being a SAHM was for me. While it was difficult financially (and emotionally when my husband came within a hair's breadth of losing his job in December of that year but ended up with a 10% pay cut), I'm glad I took the year. I learned that staying at home was just not for me. I was depressed and felt very isolated from everyone; my family lives 6 hours away, and since I'm a transplant to the Chicago area, all of my friends were at school! When I had my second child, born in June of 2004, I took the first quarter off with FMLA, and it seemed to be a happy medium. Sometimes I feel daughter 2 got cheated, but that's just mommy guilt. She's happy, healthy, and a real stinker! Each of us has to make that decision based on our own personalities and the financial situation for our families. I know there are people out there (not necessarily here at atoz) who would think I am a terrible mother because I choose to work, but I don't let that bother me. I'm doing what I need to do for me (and as a result my family).
Congrats on your upcoming arrival. I stayed home after my 2nd was born, for 5 years. (Her younger sister was born in that interval.) Financially, we're still recovering. But it was the best choice for my family. As to getting rehired: I had 2 big advantages in my corner: I teach math, and the Catholic High School I left in 2000 really liked me. I wasn't sure they would have an opening, so I did send out resumes. When I got 2 job offers, I called my old school and let them know; they hired me on the spot. There are no easy answers, no one size fits all solutions. Take the time to decide what will work best for your family. And, if it becomes necessary, re-evaluate as things change. Best wishes!
I was home for 10 years after my son was born. For me, it was the best decision I ever made. We had to do without some of the extras, but I wouldn't have given up that time with my kids. We are fortunate here to have a one year maternity leave, returning to the same position at the same school. A longer leave can be applied for which would then guarantee a job, but not necessarily at athe same school. Good luck with your decision. As Alice said, there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer.
Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences... at my school, everyone who got pregnant stopped working, so I don't have much to compare their stories too. Please keep 'em coming!
I was a stay at home mom before teaching and have watched several friends stay home with their kids. I'm at the end of my career, many teachers my age who didn't stay home with their kids have already retired or some are still waiting to see what the government is going to do with health ins. You take the time at the beginning of a career or the end. It depends on your finances and a brutal job market. No one but you can make the decision. I loved being home with my kids when they were babies, but don't shame those who chose not.
