Met the teacher...she Is Pregnant What to Do or Say?

Being PG they can plan ahead and get a teacher for the entire time. Last year my son's kindergarten class had a sub because the teacher was having a Hysterectomy and would be out for a month. The Sub was great and my son loved the sub. He would give her a hug at the end of the day and she was very caring. So it can also be a good experience too. They work closely with the regular teacher also.

My first grade teacher was pregnant. We thought it was wonderful and exciting. When she left and we had a permanent sub, it was wonderful. We got to meet the baby once and it was such a joy. The good feelings about the pregnancy and the baby are all I remember about first grade.

Good luck

I would just make a point to go and meet the new teacher and continue to help my child with homework etc. I think it will be ok, things can happen at any time to cause a teacher to miss a lot or leave permanently. I had teachers come and go at times and always did just fine:)

.

I was a permanent sub a few times and every time I filled in for a teacher, she went to great lengths to make sure that I knew what was going on and even tried to give me background on each student. Also, the other teachers in each school were always extremely helpful and accommodating to me. Even though a teacher is not going to be in her classroom, she CARES about what is going on in there. If you are concerned, talk to her and be open about it. She shouldn't take it personally. Also, when the sub arrives talk to her also. Even though those classrooms weren't necessarily MINE, I taught and cared about those kids as though they were, and I am sure that the perm. sub will be the same way.

We homeschool... but our son is in many outside classes. In general he gets new teachers every 3 months. FAR from it being a negative thing he learns a LOT more by having different instructors in his life. Every individual is better at one thing than another. There are no (to the best of my knowledge) teachers who are best at *everything*. It's one reason why past elementary you no longer have a single classroom teacher, but several teachers, and why in gifted schools that starts in elementary AND that most private schools have between 2-3 teachers PER class. In addition to being "better" at teaching one subject over another there's also the personality of the teachers. They'll be different. Period. Which isn't a bad thing. A long term sub is different than an "I'm throwing up and can't come into work" sub.

As a teacher, I have to say honestly that it might not offend the pregnant teacher, but it would likely irritate the principal. You have to trust that the principal is going to pick a long-term sub who is certified, like the other posts have said, and who knows what s/he is doing. Parents always panic when classroom teachers get pregnant... I have had so many parents over the years actually come out and ask me if I'm getting pregnant and when, then say things like, "Just wait till (my child) is out of 5th grade, okay!!??" Some parents in the town where I work also talk about us "younger" teachers and discuss how many kids we have, if any, and who might be having more, and when... it makes us feel like we have to put these kids before our own families. It's hard. Regardless, in my district, often it is highly qualifies teaching assistants, who already work in the school and know the routines, who replace the teachers on maternity leave.

It is normal to feel a little scared about your child's upcoming school year, but you have to believe the school is prepared and will decide who will replace the teacher in the best interests of the kids in the class. And the regular teacher might very well come back after 8 or 12 weeks. It will all work out fine, you will see!

Your child will not fail to learn.
Another Teacher will take her place.

If you are worried then talk to the Principal. Even talk to the Teacher herself about how the 'transition' will occur... nothing is wrong with asking her.

I guess I don't understand why you're worried about your child not learning. The teacher has obviously had plenty of time to plan out her time away so she will be leaving detailed instructions, lesson plans, etc on what to do. Also, alot of teachers still stay in contact while gone.

Schools deal with this all the time, so they know how to handle it. You've got to be trusting in your school. If your not then why would your child be?

Why would your child fail to learn because she is leaving? Look at it from her point of view. How would you feel if all of your students requested a transfer because you were pregnant and going on maternity leave in 8 weeks for 6 weeks? She'll most probably be back.

Leave your child in the class. I'm a teacher and year before last I was out on maternity leave. The county I work for was very adept at finding a good substiute for my classes. You can also feel assured that the teacher and the substitue will likely be in close contact during the maternity leave. Most teachers can't/won't make lesson plans for 8-12 weeks at one time. Too much stuff can change and students may not learn the lessons as quickly or quicker than the teacher anticipated.

What grade is your child in? My son had a 1st grade teacher leave on maternity leave at the beginning of the year and come back after Christmas break and it was fine. I have also been a long term sub for 2 different teachers who went on maternity leave. The teachers leave organized lesson plans and the team of teachers of that grade give support when needed.

It sounds as though you may have a negative stigma on the idea of a "substitute" teaching the class for 3 months (or however long it will be). Trust me, only the most experienced subs are offered long term positions. If you're thinking back to your school days when a sub would come in for one day and that meant it was "movie day" and you're afraid this will be your child's class for 3 months, you're wrong. The substitute will be teaching according to the plans and the kids will stay right on track.

There is no need to worry about this at all. It actually becomes quite fun for the kids to have a different personality leading the class, it keeps it interesting!

Good luck,
K.

Mostly, we all agree that women shouldn't be discriminateda against because of their sex, however that is exactly what you are doing. Yes, it's discouraging to find out that your child's teacher is pregnant and obviously going to need time off when the baby is born, but I feel sure the school is already aware and already has a plan in place for this. It's possible that the back up teacher will be in the class right away, it's possible that she'll be coming in 2-3 weeks before your primary teacher is planning on leaving so she can get to know the kids and see the teacher's style. Why don't you talk to the principal and find out what the plan is. I have NO DOUBT that your child will still learn. The only way I would ask for a different teacher is if my child has an EXTREMELY hard time adjusting to change. If that were the case, I might ask to be put in a different class just so that change wouldnt' be so severe.

I have personally been through this TWICE, as a teacher. And believe me I, and most teachers that have to be out for an extended amount of time, worked VERY hard to make sure that everything was in place and ready to go for the sub. I also hand picked my sub. They don't just let anyone do long term sub jobs. You and your child will be just fine.

I have to say, if I was your child's teacher, I'd be a little offended. I would know that I was doing as much as humanly possible to make sure my students got a competent sub who would teach them, love them, manage them just as well as I do. Kids are great with change, by the way. It's we adults that have a hard time with it. Your child will probably learn more about real life from having a long-term sub than from having the teacher be there the whole year. Also, if you question the wisdom of having a teacher go away on maternity leave, what message does that send your daughter about how women are treated in the workplace? I'm sorry if I sound harsh, but this is an everyday occurrence, so I'm not sure why you're so nervous about it.

I wouldn't take the child out of the class myself.Yes I would worry that they could fall behind but isn't that our(parents) responsibility as well that doesn't happen teaching them at home not just relying on the teacher to teach them.If you and your child have good study habits outside the clasroom you have nothing to worry about keeping in touch with the teacher on the side is great too.I would send a gift from the family to her and congradulate her on her new upcoming arrival...

I think that you should focus on why you feel this way. If you have data or evaluations that indicate that your child has a need for consistant personnel, and/or has an IEP or 504 plan already, then you might have a real issue that will not come off as frivolous. Absent that, you run the risk of the administration making some assupmtions about your stablity and thought process, which could effect decision that they make about your future requests, even if they are valid ones. I would put a vote of confidence in the administration that they will handle the situation appropriately. It is not an unusual circumstance, most schools have a teacher out almost every year for maternity leave, and they know how to handle these issues without disrupting the children's learning. Ciriculum is set by the district anyway, so what they teach will not change, and most long term subs are going to follow the permenent teacher's instructions and direction or risk dismissal anyway. I know one long term sub who ignored her permanant teachers direction, and she did not last long before they had a solid and cooperative substitute teacher. The district will not put unqualified aids or parents in the teachers place, while they can do some of that in emergency situations, they can't for long and coordinating short term subs is a killer job, so they do not want to be adding a long term situation to that mix by finding daily subs for weeks at a time. You have very little to worry about, unless it is directly related to your child's documented educational needs.

M.

Dear O.:

Even nonpregnant teachers have sudden emergencies and other health issues, so your child still may suddenly have a substitute for more than a day or two.

In third grade my daughter's teacher had a sudden health issue and missed the first month of school. We got an excellent substitute that the kids all loved because she sang her instructions. She was an excellent teacher. The sub and the permanent teacher worked together to ease the transition when the permanent teacher came back. No problems.

We all have to learn to deal with change. Kids really are better at it than we give them credit for. Your teacher has the advantage of being able to plan her departure and easing the transition for the next teacher. I would leave my child in this classroom.

L. F., mom of a 14-year-old daughter

Depends on your child. If you know the school and the principal, then talk to the principal about "is there a long-term sub, who is it, are they certified teacher or just a college student/mom, or are there lots of subs in and out." You have a valid point IF you think it would affect the learning of your child. But chances are, they've picked one sub to be there the whole time and they are hopefully certified, if not just a retired teacher coming in for the maternity leave time.

I was a teacher and was out on my maternity leave the last month of school. I had a long-term sub set up to come in for me. She was certified and had good classroom management. So just talk to the principal about your child and the teacher situation.

I would only be concerned if your child is in 1st grade. If so, I would monitor homework closely to make sure that your child does not fall through the cracks.

When my son was in 1st grade, on Meet the Teacher night the teacher announced that she was pregnant and planning to move back to her hometown (somewhere else in Texas) and quit teaching. It appeared she was there for the health insurance. It was a horrible year.

Because he was my first child, I didn't know how involved to be and the teacher didn't really communicate with me, so I didn't realize how far behind he had fallen. We had to do a lot of catch up over the summer to make up for her lack of communication and interest.

Just remember, "the squeaky wheel gets the grease." No one will advocate for your child; YOU have to do it. BUT, you don't have to do it in such a way that you burn bridges and make enemies with the principal (or future teachers). Do things like volunteer to help the current teacher, even if it's just cutting out laminating or copying worksheets. When the teacher goes on leave, be in the position of being the person she tells the substitute to call on for help. Then you will have the inside track and can know what's going on.

Oh and by the way, when my son's teacher left, we were so thankful. The teacher they hired to replace her was ten times better than the original teacher.

Hope this helps!
W. in Carrollton

I worked in a school district for many years (before kids), and my best friend is a kindergarten teacher and school starts Monday... and she's due in six weeks! She already has started her lesson plans for her long term sub, who she hand-picked from the regular and reliable ones that she's worked with.

Please don't worry- this is something that schools deal with MANY times a year, and many times the long term subs have done quite a few maternity leaves. The kids are always fine. The subs and administration in the building know what they're doing. Don't freak out, it will be fine. :)

I haven't read any other response so sorry if this is a repeat. My mom taught for 25 years (taking maternity leave with me during her first year of teaching) and she ALWAYS hand picked her subs, even if for a day. The one time she needed a long term sub (for illness in the family) she picked a retired teacher. Then when my mom retired she did long term sub gigs. So, you are probably safe with a longterm sub, but I also think it would be appropriate for you to ask the teacher or principal what the plans are for her leave, who is taking over, for how long, what are their credentials? You can definatly do that in a non threating, reasonable way. Then go from there!

I would probably ask the teacher if she knows who will be her long term sub and what kind of action plan they have in place for teaching the curriculum during her maternity leave. And then, once you know the name of the sub, see if you can ask some of the parents if they are familar with him/her and what they think about that particular sub. At our school, we usually have the same subs who get assigned to the school so pretty much all the parents are pretty familar with them. Some subs are great. Others are just okay. If, after you have made your inquiry, you still don't feel comfortable with the situation, you probably should ask for your child to transfer teachers.

Best of luck to you and child.

I am a substitute teacher and believe me, a good sub is hand picked by the team leaders and principal.

I personally do not long term sub, although I have been approached to do so, simply because I run our family business and it is priority over subbing.

I only sub at 1 school and have been there 10 years. I am one of the few who are called first. I never get a late night call or early morning call. All of my jobs are pre-booked, example....teacher vacation, conference week, teacher in service training, etc.

Trust that your child's sub has probably been a vital part of that school for quite some time. The teachers are excellent with lesson plans and subs are well qualified to do the job.

Try not to be negative regarding subs. I know from experience we love that classroom and the children just like they are our own. It takes a huge commitment from a sub to step in and take the lead when students love their regular teacher as well. We make the transition as easy as possible.

My main suggestion would be to communicate with the teacher AND the sub. Your child (and you) will probably love them both!!

Talk to the principal about your concerns. Find out the length of the teacher's leave, and find out about the substitute. Hopefully, they will have secured a quality, long-term replacement teacher. I would be a little wary if the sub is inexperienced, especially if it is a long leave. That happened to one class in my daughter's school a few years back, and it was indeed, not a good year for those kids. You can also do your own research, ask to talk to other parents whose kids have had this substitute before, try to meet and introduce yourself to the sub. Once you find out more about the person who will lead the class during her leave, you should feel reassured. If not, it doesn't hurt to ask politely for a switch. Good luck!

I am a substitute teacher and have filled in for several teachers while they were on maternity leave. They all left detailed plans and I also had another teacher to go to if there were questions. I taught everything to the students the teacher would have. I have done maternity leaves in grades K-3 and I don't believe the children suffered. They are very resilient. Your child will do fine.

My son had a long term sub when his teacher was on maternity leave- and honestly I thought she was better than the regular teacher.

The sub was older and more experienced with kiddos (had taught at the school for several years), was more organized, and had better control of the classroom. His regular teacher was nice, just young and new to teaching.

My daughter's 4th grade teacher was pregnant most of the school year (baby came in the spring) the kids learned without any disruption and even threw her a baby shower (many brought gifts, it was so sweet!) It's a great reminder to the students that teachers are people with real outside lives and families, too. I remember running into a principal at the grocery store once when my oldest was very young, she was amazed that the principal ate from the same grocery store we did! You will burn bridges with the school admin if you request a transfer, I suggest getting to know both the permanent teacher and her longterm substitute and being helpful, that will benefit your student in the long term.

My 4th grade year was like that and I will never forget it. My teacher was not pregnant, but it want from the beginning of the year that she was in an accident and then she returned and her husband had a massive heart attack and once she returned again her daughter was in a severe car accident. Again, to this day I felt the year was a total waste. I went into 5th grade totally behind.

I wouldn't worry about offending, but I would switch to another teacher. JMO.

Good luck!

I haven't read any other responses, but can tell you from experience that it shouldn't be an issue at all assuming the teacher and the school have done some advanced planning. My one daughter had this happen in Kindergarten and again in 4th grade. The "permanent" substitute was in the class daily with the students in the weeks leading up to the teacher's maternity leave. So the students were very comfortable with the subs and learning continued at the same pace, uninterrupted. I never saw any adverse effect on my daughter. And believe me, my daughter hates change, so the advanced prep is really what made it so successful.