a pregnant teacher thinking about not going back. what do you think?

[mrsclairet]

Hi, I am currently 18 weeks pregnant and not really enjoying my job. It's a 45 min drive to work and I find it really hard work being in school from 8am to 5pm with only about half an hour for lunch and doing a 1 and a half hour commute. A few people have said to me it will be difficult when I've got a baby and have to drop it off (will probably make my journey an hour each way!) and have no family support if the child is ill etc.

I want to work part time once the baby is born (after mat leave) but not sure part time teaching jobs come up very often. Has anyone got any ideas of what else I could do that would use some of my skills as a teacher?

Thanks for your help!

sure you could do private tutoring for those children who are unable to attend school (for medical reasons, or expulsion or suspension). You could give extra tuition to those in need, mark exam papers.
I'm sure you could apply for part time hours as a teacher or even go in as a Special Needs Assistant. you could think about working in the wider educational area, curriculum and development, attendance.
There's loads of opps out there. Best of luck!

I'm surprised at part time jobs not coming up very often - IME, teaching is one of those jobs where part time is a real possibility - I know lots of part time teachers (and used to be one )

Loads of part time jobs in teaching - goodness virtually every other person where I teach seems to be at the moment. Job sharing is probably more effective than just a part time contract, as it means that all aspects of your full time job can be covered with some one else who's happy to be P/T

There are lots of PT teachers at DDs school - most of htem job share

There are lots of jobshares these days. However, the thing about teaching is it's a job where you always feel you should be doing more. As a new mum, it will be a million times worse than that. It's not a job where you can go home and forget about work, is it? I think you're right to look for alternatives.

Hi,

You need to apply for flexible working. You can't do this unfortunately until your baby has been born. Go to www.dti.gov.uk (I think) and there's a proforma form there and lots of info. Go to the NUT website (or whatever your union is) and lookit up as there is loads of info out there. Also approach your union to seek advice beforehand as this really helps and especially if you get into difficulties.

Yes you can resign, but this would usually mean you paying back the 12 weeks half pay that teachers receive as extra maternity pay. Speaking from experience, I find that I am already 1 hour commute from home and this is made more like 2 and a half when you consider I have to go pick up my 11mth old DS from nursery. I am finding it hard but it would be even harder had I not made the application to work part time (3 days/week).

Hope that helps!

PS. I am now seriously considering the same as you (other jobs) and will be looking at your thread with interest!

MrsClairet - are you teaching in primary or secondary school? I actually agree that it's quite hard to get part time arrangments for primary (no matter how symathetic the school, it has to be a job share and that can be difficult to do). Secondary is much easier, because you don't have one single class.

Agree with the above re flexible working.

I do Usborne Books from home - funny enough - I was at Usborne local training last night and there was a discussion about how many teachers go into something like Usborne and often do very very well at it (they know the school systems / have the contacts etc. Three people who were there were ex-teachers (as was the trainer!) who all said they were glad they gave up teaching to take on Usborne and wouldn't go back now for anything. Not sure if that helps but its a definite possibility for you - and at the end of the day nothing is permanent!

mrs clairet have you asked your head/SMT if part time is possible in your job? It hadnt really happened in my school until I asked if it was possible and the school were great at sorting it out. I went back full time for a couple of months to make sure they "got the right person" but working three days is fantastic for me. You can give it your all for those days then leave it for someone else. Its never an easy choice going back to work but you can do it in teaching. i think my class benefits from two people who are happy to be there half the week and not on their knees by friday!