Hi there, I'd like to share a little about me and then pose a question to you experienced teachers out there I read the forums all the time but never post because I haven't started teaching yet. I have my undergrad in Elementary Ed and will begin my year of student teaching this fall and finish next spring. By the time I'm done student teaching, I will have about27 out of 36 credits for my Masters done (in Curriculum and Teaching) as well as an ESL endorsement completed. I am very excited to begin teaching! This semester I am subbing and taking grad classes and staying home with my 18 month old daughter. My husband and I have began talking about when we'd like to have another baby and we can't decide. In this climate, I am sort of afraid to get pregnant early on in my teaching career because I am not sure how that could potentially affect my ability to hold a job. I know that employers can't legally discriminate based on pregnancy, but I know that the job market is tough and that new teachers without tenure should probably be a little more afraid for their jobs than seasoned veterans. Anyway, we are just sort of wondering if anyone has any input in this situation. We've thought about trying for a baby for next later spring, after student teaching is over, so I could job hunt for the fall...or waiting until I have some teaching under my belt. Does anyone have any experience with being pregnant or a having a new baby and looking for a job or being a new teacher? I appreciate it! Thanks!
Don't have quite the experience you're looking for, but I'm currently pregnant with my first child and I'm in my sixth year of teaching. I think I am very fortunate to have co-workers that I can count on if I'm not feeling well or who can cover for me when I have to visit the OB. For your own well-being and to ensure that you have all the time you need to spend your family, I wouldn't recommend having a baby right before you start teaching... Your first year is rough in terms of figuring out the curriculum, paperwork and behavior management, and every first year teacher I know spends TONS of time at school. I would hate to have to balance that with a new baby! If it happens, it happens, but if you're open to planning, I'd at least wait until you have a year under your belt.
Don't put having another child on hold for your career. TTC when it feels right for your family. Things will all work out. I know that's not the specific advice/experience-sharing you were looking for. It's just me speaking from the "bigger picture" of my experiences.
I appreciate the feedback. Somehow, I hadn't really thought much about what it would mean to be a first year teacher with a new baby...hmm, I'm not sure if that would be fair to anyone in my life! I've been in the mindset that I want to wait a few years for #2, but my husband wants our kids to be closer in age so I've been thinking about possible scenarios recently. There are always so many factors to take into account!
I had my second child on the second day of my first teaching job ever. I got through it-it was a struggle, but not terrible. My school was SO supportive. I'm sure there are bad ones out there, but I second what a PP said-family is first. Do what you need to do for family.
I had my first baby at the end of my 2nd year. Just be looking for good long-term subs early in your pregnancy and don't rely on your admins to find someone. Then you can relax and enjoy your time off knowing your class will be taken care of.
I graduated college in 07 but this is the first year I've held a full time teaching job. Not due to a baby though. I just wanted to chime in and say that if you did have a baby and decided to put off work for a couple years, it really isn't that big of a deal to "get back into" teaching. I don't think hiring folks would look down on a few years between graduation and full time employment.
