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Pregnant teacher

I am a music teacher that was laid off last year due to budget cuts. I lost my job while on maternity leave with my first, and decided to take the year off to raise my son. Now I am looking for a job but I am due again with my 2nd in November. While I know that schools can't discriminate for pregnancy, how likely do you think it is that I would get a teaching job knowing that I will be going out for maternity leave in the beginning of the school year?

Re: Pregnant teacher

  • Honestly, not that likely unless they REALLY love you. If it's between you and someone else, like it or not, your pregnancy is going to be a factor. I'd try to hide it.
    "Hello, babies. Welcome to Earth. It's hot in the summer and cold in the winter. It's round and wet and crowded. At the outside, babies, you've got about a hundred years here. There's only one rule that I know of, babies. God damn it, you've got to be kind." - Kurt Vonnegut
  • imageerbear:
    Honestly, not that likely unless they REALLY love you. If it's between you and someone else, like it or not, your pregnancy is going to be a factor. I'd try to hide it.
    I wish I could hide it but I'm all belly and look like I'm carrying a basketball. Ugh this is so depressing.
  • MrsSRMrsSR member
    Tenth Anniversary
    I have to agree with PP.  I don't think you'd get the job over someone else.
  • I think your best bet if you're visibly pregnant is to make a plan for returning to work ASAP after giving birth (like, "I'll do XYZ to prepare a sub for continuing my lesson plan"), sharing it with employers, follow through on it, and then do your very best from that point forward. Good luck!
  • Slim to none, to be honest.
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  • WhooWhoo member
    100 Comments
    If you live in a district where lay offs are still happening then I would say very small chance.  Agree with pp about presenting a maternity plan to share with them up front. 
  • I think it all depends on the district and the pool of applicants for the open position.

    My district has hired 2 pregnant employees over the past 3 years. One was a physics teacher- it HIGH demand, and the other was a guidance counselor with TONS of experience in special needs situations. 

    I'd still apply to places, you never know how many other music teachers are out there looking. Also, I agree with the pp- make sure you clearly state your plans for your maternity leave (lessons, etc) and how you'll quickly re-enter the school after its over. 

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  • Even though I agree that the chances are slim to none, I think you should still apply.
  • Apply, sign up to sub, do anything you can to get your name in the pool and your face recognized. Ditto the maternity plan. It is likely you won't get hired, but your chances will be better in the future if they see you often.
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  • I graduated in December and am fully certified to teach. That being said, I was going to find a job as a first year teacher, however, turns out I am due right when school starts so I would miss the first two months, which I do not want to do because I feel like that is a really important time to establish your class and get to know your students.

    As an alternative (because I don't think I could be a first year teacher and a first time mom) is to continue substitute teaching. I would actually recommend this, it is so nice! You show up right when school starts and leave right when school ends, no planning!! (Unless you are a long term sub of course). Plus, it is really flexible. You can choose what days you want to work and if you want a week off you don't have to tell/ask anyone.

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  • Sorry, but I agree that your chances are slim.  

    I would focus on subbing for this year.  I would start looking for long term positions that will start after you have your baby.  Like pp, I would also try to sub in districts in which you would like to work.  This could be a good way to get back in.  On the bright side, subbing may be an easier way to transition back into work after having a baby.

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  • If you can swing it, definitely sub.  I would still apply and interview, but maybe be open to doing other things in case it doesn't work out.  You could possibly teach music classes through church programs or music classes for babies/preschoolers for extra income. 
  • imageoctober010bride:

    I think it all depends on the district and the pool of applicants for the open position.

    I totally agree that it depends on the district.  I think if you were due at the very beginning of the year it would be more of an issue.  Since you are due in November you will have time to establish a classroom environment.  I think if you are the most impressive person they interview your pregnancy shouldn't be an issue.  I say this having been on the interview committee many times at my school.  If you are what is good for them in the long term, your pregnancy shouldn't matter.

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