Get Schooled

By Gwinnett Teacher

July 25, 2006 12:05 PM | Link to this

Thank God I was able to stay at home with all 4 of my sons until the youngest one started school! I teach high school, and I see how nasty some of the parents treat the pregnant teachers. They act as if they got pregnant just to spite them! Sadly, most of the younger teachers I know plan their pregnancies so that they are scheduled to give birth during the summer. I’m “old-school” and prefer to just let things like that happen!

By Tina

July 25, 2006 12:47 PM | Link to this

Luckily our system has several retired or certified teachers who choose to do long-term subs, so when we have a teacher who is out on pregnancy or disability (for example, one who had to have knee surgery and had a 6 week recovery) there is a teacher in the classroom who knows what they’re doing, not just a different person every few days. The key, though, is getting a qualified person in place. I think most parents are understanding as long as they don’t think their child’s learning will suffer. When my daughter was in high school, she had a teacher with some health problems who kept trying to come back before resolving the issue. That was a a problem, because she’d be there a few days, then out with a sub, then back, then out with a different sub. Finally, the school was able to get the same person (with qualifications to teach the subject) to take over, but it took several months. I can understand her trying to do her job, but it got very frustrating for both the students and the parents. She’d come back and give a test, and the kids weren’t prepared because the sub before that hadn’t covered the material.

By Chem Teacher

July 25, 2006 01:06 PM | Link to this

When I was pregnant and due at the end of November in 2002, my principal was none too happy that I was the 3rd pregnancy that year. I offered to help find a suitable sub as I knew several retired teachers who had taught my subject (This was at the beginning of the school year.), but she ws adamant that finding a sub who could teach chemistry (my main subject) was her job, not mine. I repeatedly checked in with my pricipal to see if she had found someone so that I could help to prepare them. My principal finally found a “sub” 3 days before I went on maternity leave, a friend of hers. He ws not even a science person. Needless to say, my students learned very little chemistry while I was gone.

By Chem Teacher

July 25, 2006 01:07 PM | Link to this

When I was pregnant and due at the end of November in 2002, my principal was none too happy that I was the 3rd pregnancy that year. I offered to help find a suitable sub as I knew several retired teachers who had taught my subject (This was at the beginning of the school year.), but she ws adamant that finding a sub who could teach chemistry (my main subject) was her job, not mine. I repeatedly checked in with my pricipal to see if she had found someone so that I could help to prepare them. My principal finally found a “sub” 3 days before I went on maternity leave, a friend of hers. He ws not even a science person. Needless to say, my students learned very little chemistry while I was gone.

By Lisa B.

July 25, 2006 01:16 PM | Link to this

I absolutely support teachers’ rights to bear children. I would never want to turn back to the clock to the time when pregnant teachers (even if married)were forced to resign from teaching positions and stay home til the child was several years old. However, anytime a teacher must take extended leave, it does impact the students. Most subs just cannot replace teachers, and there are few certified teachers available or willing to fill in. The only difference between the pregnant teacher taking leave and another teacher taking medical leave, is that the pregnant teacher at least has time to plan and make arrangements to be out. Often other health issues come up quickly, and cause teachers to take extended leave with little or no warning. I’d rather have my child’s teachers complete the entire year. However, life happens. Women have children, family members get sick and die, and teachers get sick, just like everybody else.

By Lisa B.

July 25, 2006 01:21 PM | Link to this

I absolutely support teachers’ rights to bear children. I would never want to turn back to the clock to the time when pregnant teachers (even if married)were forced to resign from teaching positions and stay home til the child was several years old. However, anytime a teacher must take extended leave, it does impact the students. Most subs just cannot replace teachers, and there are few certified teachers available or willing to fill in. The only difference between the pregnant teacher taking leave and another teacher taking medical leave, is that the pregnant teacher at least has time to plan and make arrangements to be out. Often other health issues come up quickly, and cause teachers to take extended leave with little or no warning. I’d rather have my child’s teachers complete the entire year. However, life happens. Women have children, family members get sick and die, and teachers get sick, just like everybody else.

By hello there

July 25, 2006 01:30 PM | Link to this

I thought this blog first said pregnant teenagers! That would be much more fun! :)

It is very challenging when your child has a pregnant teacher more than one year in a row. That is difficult, especially if the sub left something to be desired.

My only other objection is when a teacher knows they aren’t going to come back, has the baby the first week of Sept and is never seen again. I understand insurance etc, but it sure isn’t fair to the kids.

By Lisa B.

July 25, 2006 01:34 PM | Link to this

Sorry for the double post. I couldn’t tell it went through.

By Recently Retired

July 25, 2006 01:39 PM | Link to this

In my county if a teacher is going to be absent for more than ten days a certified teacher must be hired. They are called supply teachers rather than subs. This is a popular option for teachers who have retired but still would like to be in the classroom. One of the things that seems to be quite common(It happened with both of my last administrators.) is the principal still waits until the last minute to hire someone. After all, with a pregnancy, you have months to locate a supply teacher.

If parents want a guarantee that their child’s teacher isn’t going to get pregnant than perhaps they need to put on their teacher requests that their child be placed in a post menopausal teacher’s class. Hmm how do you check for that? But, parents are used to getting what they want, so I guess the principal could make staff assignments based on age, among other things. Let’s see, make sure you have on each grade level: a cute young teacher, a black teacher, a hispanic teacher, a male teacher and an old teacher. Probably still wouldn’t satisfy everyone.

By aibonez

July 25, 2006 02:02 PM | Link to this

I am so glad that I am out of the field of education, well at least public schools. I cant even believe this is being discussed. Thanks bloggers that was more confirmation that I was warped in the wrong field for 7 years.

By aibonez

July 25, 2006 02:03 PM | Link to this

I am so glad that I am out of the field of education, well at least public schools. I cant even believe this is being discussed. Thanks bloggers that was more confirmation that I was warped in the wrong field for 7 years.

By aibonez

July 25, 2006 02:05 PM | Link to this

I am so glad that I am out of the field of education. I cant believe this is even being discussed. Thanks bloggers this is more of a confirmation that I was warped in the wrong field for 7 years.

By a devoted husband

July 25, 2006 02:20 PM | Link to this

My wife is a teacher and we have been trying to have a child for over a year. We tried to work it around the school year, but I would be happy to have child anytime of the year. I believe to tell someone if they can or cannot have a child is a violation of civil liberties, and I would sue in a hurry. People get up in arms of educated people having babaies, but we don’t seem to be upset of all the teenager pregnancies around here.

By a devoted husband

July 25, 2006 02:20 PM | Link to this

My wife is a teacher and we have been trying to have a child for over a year. We tried to work it around the school year, but I would be happy to have child anytime of the year. I believe to tell someone if they can or cannot have a child is a violation of civil liberties, and I would sue in a hurry. People get up in arms of educated people having babaies, but we don’t seem to be upset of all the teenager pregnancies around here.

By 770

July 25, 2006 02:21 PM | Link to this

Too many pregnant teachers in Georgia. I had 4 kids go through many out of state school systems for over 19 years and maybe had one pregnant teacher in the lot and everything in that case was handled professionally. First year here and every teacher seems to be a young red state breeding machine.

By aibonez

July 25, 2006 02:24 PM | Link to this

I am so glad that I am out of the field of education. I cant believe this is even being discussed. Thanks bloggers this is more of a confirmation that I was warped in the wrong field for 7 years.

By teach1

July 25, 2006 02:36 PM | Link to this

@aibonez - Nice quadruple post. You even waited 20 minutes to submit your 4th post again

By Nja

July 25, 2006 02:49 PM | Link to this

I have a wonderful idea- how about the parents who have issues with everything homeschool your children. That way you don’t have to worry about pregnant teachers, choosing teachers, silent hallways, etc.

:)

By mommyto2

July 25, 2006 02:49 PM | Link to this

770 that is just stupid. so because these women chose to have children, they are breeding machines. hmmm, four kids huh? mr. pot this is mr. kettle! please excuse these poor women for being so selfish as to put family before career. i really hope they haven’t inconvenienced you too much! Jerk!

there was a time (a long, long time ago) when only single women without children could teach. they also taught all the town’s children in one room. gee, lets go back to that!

By K

July 25, 2006 03:15 PM | Link to this

aibonez, I’m glad that you’re out of the field of education as well. I wouldn’t want someone teaching my children who apparently can’t comprehend the simple directions for a Post operation on a web site. It says right above the fields that there will be a delay of up to 5 minutes before your comment appears!

By warmbody

July 25, 2006 03:19 PM | Link to this

to teach1: Don’t be so harsh,aibonez is probably just a graduate of our fine schools here in Georgia. And to think that I used to wonder why they have to warn people not to eat those little ‘freshener’ packs that come in some snacks;)

By SNY

July 25, 2006 03:32 PM | Link to this

I think that it is very unrealistic to think that teachers are not going to get pregnant. Everyone deserves the right to have children. My daughters very first year of private school her teacher got pregnant and the class as a whole loved it. She got the parents permission to talk about the changes within her body and they made it into a learning experience. Wow, great teacher there wouldn’t you think. It was actually kind of cute. Many of the kids in the class understood exactly what was happening and started to act up. When we, as parents, asked them what was wrong, they stated that Mrs. ? wouldn’t love them as much because she was having her own baby. That is the kind of teacher that I wish my child could have every year.

Now this past year, her public school teacher did have to take some time off for personal reasons and she did a wonderful job letting the parents know about how long she would be out and she (or the school) secured a good sub. She wasn’t great, but as subs go, she did pretty good. She kept the class under tight control and they kept up with the lesson plans. That’s really all that you can expect from a sub.

The point is that everyone, no matter the profession, has the right to their own life. Sometimes you have to take off work for serious reasons, sometimes you just need a break. I say leave pregnant teachers alone as long as the pregnancy isn’t getting in the way of learning.

By 770

July 25, 2006 03:39 PM | Link to this

I had my children and stayed home with all of them. I wasn’t disrupting and impacting students with my decision. If these poor women were really putting family before career they would stay at home too

By SNY

July 25, 2006 03:42 PM | Link to this

Not everyone can stay home and pay their bills. We aren’t all that lucky.

By 770

July 25, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this

This year the teachers we had did let the pregnancy get in the way of learning and the school did not have qualified replacements for the gifted and AP students. I say no pregnant teachers for the smart kids. Why not have them teach all those pregnant teens?

By Reality

July 25, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this

The sad fact of the matter is that many of these women went into teaching for the stable benefits, knowing full well they would be getting pregnant after their first year on the job.

I have two friends who did that, and made no secret of it.

It’s an explotation of the system, a disservice to the students, and the reason that we need more men teaching.

That way the women can reproduce at will without hurting our kid’s education.

By Reality

July 25, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this

The sad fact of the matter is that many of these women went into teaching for the stable benefits, knowing full well they would be getting pregnant after their first year on the job.

I have two friends who did that, and made no secret of it.

It’s an explotation of the system, a disservice to the students, and the reason that we need more men teaching.

That way the women can reproduce at will without hurting our kid’s education.

By Normandie

July 25, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this

770: Maybe when teachers are paid a fair salary for their work and maybe when we live in a country where most families can actually AFFORD HOUSING… Women could have the choice to stay at home and raise children. I would like to be able to spend my first few years at home with my children but because of the cost of housing and the cost of living I have no idea if that is a realistic goal or just a dream. Wake up!!! “Poor” women don’t often have the choice of putting family before career. They’re often not careers— they are often lower wage/salary paying jobs that help their family to survive. My mother is a teacher and I would like to add that being a teacher is THE PERFECT JOB to have when you have children. Once your children reach school-age (which, in today’s world, is 3 or 4 instead of 4 and 5) your schedules align, and you can both take the summers off together. It was wonderful growing up as the child of a teacher and I am so glad that my mother continued to work. She put my sister and I first by choosing a career where she could make sure that we were educated and not ignorant!

By 770

July 25, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this

Oh give me a break - most teachers are two income families not single moms struggling to pay their bills.

By Lisa B.

July 25, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this

I don’t hear parents complaining about teachers who are out for surgery, or to care for a sick parent. Pregnancy can be hard to time, or even unplanned. Sometimes surgery can be postponed til summer, and sick parents can be stuck in nursing homes. Why pick on pregnant teachers? Why not pick on all teachers who for any reason are not at school every day? Teaching is a career. Sometimes other things, like God and family must come before a career.

By catlady

July 25, 2006 03:57 PM | Link to this

Many of my fellow (younger) teachers try to aim their babies’ births for May-June, and many succeed. For those of us with August and September babies, however, there is a great deal of pressure put on us to get back to the class very quickly. A lot of playing the pity card (works nearly every time for elementary teachers). I went back after 21 days with my son and 16 days with my daughter, and I was GREEN! Never again! When I had surgery I was out less than the fully recognized time, and when I came back I had to miss some more days and ended up getting a reprimand in my file! Teachers, don’t let yourself be cowed into unhealthy stuff, because your other sacrifices may not be noted!

I’d love to see a post on ways teachers are taken advantage of (at the risk of not being a team player.)

By 770

July 25, 2006 03:57 PM | Link to this

Exactly the ones we knew did exactly that…one of my kid’s teachers proudly announced the first week of school that she was 3 months pregnant. It was a wasted year.

By Gwinnett Teacher

July 25, 2006 04:04 PM | Link to this

While we’re at it, why don’t we also ban teachers who have elderly parents, spouses with terminal diseases or children with special needs? We know that these teachers are going to need time off as well, and, illnesses cannot be planned!

I cannot believe that some of you believe that it’s any of your business if and when someone chooses to get pregnant! I was fortunate enough to have been able to raise my children (up to when they started school) before I started teaching, but, not everyone can do that.

And, as far as the moron who suggested that pregnant teachers not be able to teach gifted or AP courses - you have to be certified to teach gifted or AP courses, and if you take a teacher out of the classroom because she is pregnant - you’re just shooting yourself in the foot! Gifted and AP teachers don’t grow on trees!

By Normandie

July 25, 2006 04:05 PM | Link to this

My mother was a single parent struggling to pay bills. And sadly, it doesn’t seem to matter terribly much about double-earner families anymore because of the rising costs of living, energy, you name it. A teacher’s starting salary is not amazing pay. There are great benefits, yes, but not amazing pay.

By Dana

July 25, 2006 04:08 PM | Link to this

Amen that one, SNY. There have been times when I’m the sole breadwinner; at any rate, I could never afford not to work.

I was out on maternity leave with both my younger children. I think the sub I had with the first did OK. She had some discipline problems with one particularly unruly class (13 boys and 2 girls!) that I had problems with myself, but aside from that, she did fine. The other one, despite being in the midst of working on her education degree and a parent of a student at the school, did a horrible job. I still had to do a lot of grading while I was on leave! All around, the school wasn’t run well, so I shouldn’t be surprised. Anyway, while I was out, she allowed students to break/steal some of my personal items. Guess I shouldn’t have left them in my classroom, but one would think she could prevent kids from touching my things, as I always had. She had done nothing to get ready for the end of the year. I had to work very hard that last day of post-planning to wrap up.

By Lisa B.

July 25, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this

I still worked in business when I had my son nearly 13 years ago. Due to the Family Leave Act, I was able to take twelve weeks off. There’s no way I could have taken that time off if I had already started my teaching career. The Family Leave Act does not apply to teachers, and as Catlady said, many teachers are harassed into returning to work far before doctors give their okay. Often guilt for leaving their students also causes teachers to come back to work to soon after pregnancy, illness, surgery, etc.

By Counting the days...

July 25, 2006 04:30 PM | Link to this

I am almost 41. I have put off child bearing for the first 19 years of my teaching career because I put my job first. What on earth was I thinking? Now that my husband are trying to have a baby, it’s much harder on the body, the nerves, and it’s just harder in general.

At this point, if my students “suffer” from not having me around, they will just have to get over it…their parents will to. I’m tired of putting my life on the back burner: it’s time to put my family first for a change.

770….you need to get a grip.

By Scott Elliott

July 25, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this

My daughter’s first grade teacher announced just after the start of school that she was pregnant. I’ll admit that I was worried about it. My daughter had really hit it off with this teacher and was doing very well in her class. But to the district’s credit, they handled it very well. A sub appeared in the class a couple months before the teacher’s due date and they worked together for several weeks. Even though the teacher gave birth earlier than expected, the sub was ready and the transition seemless. In that way it went as well as it could go. On the other hand, my daughter — and other kids in the class — still were deeply affected by the change. I volunteer weekly in the classroom and witnessed that the kids missed their teacher badly. They talked about her constantly. My daughter had trouble sleeping and seemed depressed for couple weeks, telling us her the new teacher made her nervous. In the long run, things were fine. The new teacher was very good and the class, my daughter included, got used to her and continued to do well. The original teacher visited on the last week of school with the baby to much fanfare. But it was an interesting lesson in how, even done right, big changes like this can really have a deep impact.

www.daytondailynews.com/getonthebus

By James J

July 25, 2006 05:06 PM | Link to this

A topic of interest here shouldn’t be teachers being blamed for wanting to have children, but why aren’t the parents being parents? Not to say that everyone isn’t doing their jobs as parents. My wife is a teacher and I know some of the kids in her school are absolute demons and they have ZERO respect for authority which comes from home and a lack of parenting. Some parents just do not care about their kids…they do not care about their kids welfare. I give her the utmost credit for being able to handle them, God knows I wouldn’t!!

My wife and I haven’t had children yet, but when time arrives, you can bet I will not care what the students parents will think…I’ll be happy just to have a child of my own.

By waterbug24

July 25, 2006 05:43 PM | Link to this

Teachers are covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act.

Public agencies are covered employers without regard to the number of employees employed. Public as well as private elementary and secondary schools are also covered employers without regard to the number of employees employed.

All teachers are eligible for up to 12 weeks unpaid leave. You only get paid salary if you have sick leave(100% until days are used up)and/or short term disability(60% for up to 6 weeks).

By Lisa B.

July 25, 2006 06:34 PM | Link to this

Thanks Waterbug! I will pass that information on, as I have two teachers in my school who are due to have babies this fall. They’ve both been told they can only take six weeks, no matter how many sick days they have.

By Really?

July 25, 2006 06:47 PM | Link to this

It is unreasonable to expect to have control over your child’s teacher’s childbearing. Period. End of story.

By Eric Calhoun

July 25, 2006 06:55 PM | Link to this

Here’s my comment on the subject of pregnancy. Patti, you’re right: pregnancy shouldn’t get in the way of learning. I had a language-speech therapist actually show me the movement of her baby, soon to be called Amy Lynn, in her stomach. Is this normal? Eric: chargerdodger@yahoo.com

By Teacher2

July 25, 2006 07:46 PM | Link to this

I’ve had two babies in the last two years. (No more!) My children were very cooperative; the first came in June and the second in November, so I had to take very little maternity leave. Still, I lined up my subs months in advance. I was lucky enough to get certified teachers to fill in for me—one was recently retired, and the other was a military wife who could not commit to a full year contract. I couldn’t have asked for a better situation either time. I was fully supported by my coworkers, my students, and all of their parents.

Frankly, my biggest concern is not the teachers getting pregnant; I’m much more concerned about all of the pregnant teens I teach (23 in the last year) and their “babydaddys” who brag about how many children they’ve fathered with different girls.

By 770

July 25, 2006 07:49 PM | Link to this

It’s obvious from the teacher comments how much they really care about their profession. This is why for the first time in 25 years of all my kids public education we have very little respect for GA teachers. Why can other school systems in other parts of the US hire teachers that don’t breed so much - um maybe its because they are actually educated OUTSIDE of the state of georgia. I swear I think the local colleges must have a course for soon to be teachers called “how to breed on someone elses dime”. As for AP certification - it’s a joke in this state. Teacher’s no one cares to touch your frickin belly or hear about your progress - start acting like professionals and then maybe you will get some respect.

By Teacher2

July 25, 2006 08:01 PM | Link to this

770, although I think you’re just a troll who’s trying to stir up trouble, I’ll attempt to address your concerns. FYI, Georgia has to hire teachers who “breed so much” because there is such a high turnover in our profession, and we have to replace burned-out veteran teachers with young, eager recruits who are either fresh out of college or who are willing to jump through the TAPP or TFA hoops. Almost invariably, these new teachers are of childbearing age.

I have never heard of a teacher who asked ANYONE to touch her belly during pregnancy—-for the most part teachers prefer to keep their private lives as private as a huge belly will allow.

Hmm…so I guess your wife never “bred on someone else’s dime?”

By Lee

July 25, 2006 08:06 PM | Link to this

As others have noted, it’s a pregnancy. The teacher and principal have months to prepare. It’s not like the teacher was in a car wreck or sudden illness.

As other bloggers have posted, there are ways to make the transition go smoothly. If your school can’t handle this simple task, I would start questioning their ability in other things.

By luvs2teach

July 25, 2006 08:07 PM | Link to this

770 - please don’t generalize. Most of us are professional, and some of us became teachers after other careers and child-rearing.

Anyone who has their childbirth paid for through insurance is sort of “breeding on someone else’s dime” as what one pays in to the system isn’t always what one is paid out - and last I checked, since teachers are gainfully employed, they are not having their childbirth covered through Peachcare.

From what I understand, AP certification is a national certificate which is issued by the College Board, the group that oversees the program. If the classes are a joke in this state, it’s because too many people push their unqualified children in the class, and the schools allow it because it makes their schools look better to have high numbers.

By 770

July 25, 2006 08:36 PM | Link to this

Students are pushed in all states to take AP’s so that is a lame comeback. The big difference here is that the teachers (and students) aren’t accountable because any student that takes an AP doesn’t have to take the test. The teacher can teach whatever they want and some don’t even prepare the students with the right material for testing. Start making testing mandatory for ALL AP classes and then there is credibility. In fact having children that have gone through AP somewhere else I’m 99.9% sure that most here aren’t qualified. Bottom line GA = clueless We had teachers that made their pregnancy part of the lesson plan the whole time they taught.

By thomas

July 25, 2006 08:39 PM | Link to this

I don’t see what the hoopla is over. These women have the right to have children. I think most of the women on this blog will agree. I think part of the problem some people have is that sometimes when a teacher is pregnant, she will take off weeks or even months because of the pregnancy. Well, too bad. That is the way of life in America. Those with the money and resources get to relax and all others must suffer.

Those women who can stay out forever are the ones who have husbands at home who make $50, $60, $70,000 a year. Those who don’t have a man at home or he makes crap, they drop that baby and get back to school. I know from personal experience. I have seen it happen. Funny thing- many other women don’t stay out of work 4 months because of a baby. Being middle class makes all the difference.

By luvs2teach

July 25, 2006 08:48 PM | Link to this

“lame comeback” 770? Wow, I didn’t realize we were in an episode of “Yo’ Momma.”

In Massachusetts, where I went to high school, and the only state I can comment on other than Georgia, you weren’t required to take the AP test either.

The issue of AP requirements is a valid one, but it’s not limited to the state of Georgia. It’s a nationwide problem, and I’m sure if you do a google search you’ll find more information on it. I don’t know what high school you’re referring to, but the AP classes my daughter took were very rigorous, well-taught, and prepared her well for the exams.

By Teacher's Kid

July 25, 2006 09:13 PM | Link to this

WHOA 770! On your 3:55PM post, my mom was a single mom back in the 1970s-1980s AND a teacher who HAD to work to make ends meet, so please don’t generalize that teachers who are expecting can stay at home when they are expecting. Fortunately, for the first 5 years of my life, mom had the luxury of being able to stay at home, but she and dad had also planned that she would go back to work teaching when my brother and I were school-aged. Unfortunately, that plan had to change the summer of 1977. For women who have school-aged children, teaching IS an ideal profession in that your schedules will most likely be the same. Teachers in the southeast DO need to unionize so that they are treated (and paid!) better. Per the other postings, why are we giving teachers who are expecting a hard time yet turning a blind eye to the number of pregnant teenage girls, who have NO business having babies?! Another good arguement for Depo-Provera to be added to the childhood vaccination schedule!

By teacher/parent

July 26, 2006 09:31 AM | Link to this

I just read yesterday’s comments and one thing came to my mind-people should ignore bloggers like “770” because they’re are obviously anti-social and probably don’t get along with anyone, anywhere. Also, check out who was responding, a couple regulars were missing, were they disguised?

By SET

July 26, 2006 10:32 AM | Link to this

Love the dialog with 770. The reaction to him/her is more intererting than 770’s points - although he has one.

Some people take their kid’s educational career very seriously. Especially if they plan to get the kid to University level and the professions. They see teacher pregnancy - especially if it occurs at a critical class - to be a tresspass on their plans and expectations and a breech of the contract they feel they have with the teacher and school.

770 says in his experience this occurs more often in GA schools than in other state’s schools his kids have been in. I am looking for experiences from the bloggers to add to my own. If the rest of you lot can’t take it - grow up. Nobody is asking you if you like someone else’s point of view. Public discourse is not about having comments from clones of yourself.

The level of defensiveness I see about 770’s comments tells me that there could well be something here. Is there a difference in the pregnancy occurrances between the public & private schools? And the GA and national schools? Where are the male teachers anyway? Is the feminization of secondary education different between the states or public/private schools?

770: Welcome to the blog. Tell us more about yourself and your experiences.

By catlady

July 26, 2006 11:19 AM | Link to this

Someone please be sure Eric knows the baby is not in the teacher’s “stomach”. He sounds old enough to know this, but maybe he was using the generic term. And yes, Eric, it is normal for babies to move, visibly. As for her showing you, I cannot imagine a teacher showing you her abdomen unless the conversation had drifted in that direction (and even then!), or unless you were very close friends.

Most teachers I know do not want to disrupt their class by being out for any reason. Who would want to come back to put things back together after a lengthly time out? School districts can look ahead on this pregnancy issue (mine usually does) and should be cultivating retired teachers and others for just such long-term leave situations. The subs I have had(one for pregancy, 2 for illness or surgery) did a good job, and I still worked (unpaid) from home. But, child-lovers as we tend to be, we are frequently thrilled to have a pregnancy of our own, if only to prove we can do a better job raising children than some of the ones we work with. The reality of that can be sobering, but that discussion (are teacher’s children smarter/better behaved than others?) is for another day.

By catlady

July 26, 2006 11:20 AM | Link to this

Someone please be sure Eric knows the baby is not in the teacher’s “stomach”. He sounds old enough to know this, but maybe he was using the generic term. And yes, Eric, it is normal for babies to move, visibly. As for her showing you, I cannot imagine a teacher showing you her abdomen unless the conversation had drifted in that direction (and even then!), or unless you were very close friends.

Most teachers I know do not want to disrupt their class by being out for any reason. Who would want to come back to put things back together after a lengthly time out? School districts can look ahead on this pregnancy issue (mine usually does) and should be cultivating retired teachers and others for just such long-term leave situations. The subs I have had(one for pregnancy, 2 for illness or surgery) did a good job, and I still worked (unpaid) from home. But, child-lovers as we tend to be, we are frequently thrilled to have a pregnancy of our own, if only to prove we can do a better job raising children than some of the ones we work with. The reality of that can be sobering, but that discussion (are teacher’s children smarter/better behaved than others?) is for another day.

By SNY

July 26, 2006 11:26 AM | Link to this

Okay, so far, I have had no problems with teachers being pregnant. It is their right and none of my business. However, if I had to be honest, it would probably upset me a little bit if my daughter was of child bearing age and her teacher was pregnant. Especially if she really liked and looked up to this particular teacher. I wouldn’t want her to get any ideas. Of course, that also goes back to the way that I have ultimately raised her. I hope that she receives all of the messages that I give loud and clear. Let’s face it though, we know that no matter how hard we try, some kids are going to do what they want when they want.

As for 770, I went to school in VA and many of the teachers in my high school were pregnant. And I actually had a male teacher whose wife was expecting. He was very excited but he managed to get his subject taught without any incidents. The baby was born, he took off for 2 weeks. He came back ready to teach and the students had no problems adjusting. Kids today should be able to make that transition just as smoothly as we did. Any other excuse is ridiculous.

By catlady

July 26, 2006 11:28 AM | Link to this

And as to parent comments, I have had parents that seemed upset when I have had to be out but I choose to think that they were just very concerned that their children have a good year. Since I shared that concern, I did not take offense at it. Maybe, judging by the comments here, I should have!

By catlady

July 26, 2006 11:38 AM | Link to this

Note to SNY: being around a pregnant teacher, married or not, does not cause pregnancy! Just kidding, but you made it sound like it “rubs off” :-))

By Nel

July 26, 2006 11:54 AM | Link to this

This discussion is pointless. What would people say if their employer mandated when they could give birth? Lawsuits everywhere. So teachers are lesser human beings? At my elementary school teachers get pregnant, they have surgery, their parents like many of us, are elderly and need care. When necessary, they have a pool of people they call on and typically get to keep things consistent for the children, if they have prior notice. It also depends on the the school Administrator and if he/she has a clue and is willing to work with the staff. I’ve also seen how happy and understanding the children are when their teacher explains to them early on that they are going to have a baby, and keeps them informed as things develop. When the teacher has a connection with the class, they include them in the process and touch base periodically with them until they return. I recall the excitement from my children when the teachers did this and also brought the baby for them to see. It’s all about good planning on the part of the school.

Here’s an idea, maybe they should only hire gay men.

By Nja

July 26, 2006 12:15 PM | Link to this

Ha, Nel! Wonderful idea! Oh wait- that would give parents something else to complain about. Ah well. Back to the drawing board.

By Leia

July 26, 2006 12:18 PM | Link to this

SNY - wasn’t your daughter around you when you were pregnant with your younger child?

By SNY

July 26, 2006 12:29 PM | Link to this

Leia,

Yes, she was 5 at the time. But what I was referring to are the adolescent years. When again, I hope that all of my years of hard work and COMMUNICATION pays off. I still do not believe that I would have a problem with the pregnant teacher. I just think that it could become one of those situations when I have to be what it is that I asked for many years ago. A PARENT!! That’s when it will become my job to sit down and talk with her - again, about the do’s and don’ts of our family and our beliefs.

BOTTOM LINE - IF A TEACHER WANTS A BABY IT IS NONE OF OUR BUSINESS AS PARENTS. THINK ABOUT IT, WE OBVIOUSLY MADE THAT EXACT SAME CHOICE YEARS BEFORE THESE TEACHERS HAVE. WHY IS IT OKAY FOR US BUT NOT THEM?

By Leia

July 26, 2006 12:41 PM | Link to this

SNY - One of my colleagues, Miss X, has been pregnant twice in the last 4 years. It always makes for a very uncomfortable situation because the female students (who adore her) bring up the fact that Miss X is not married. I sometimes fear that they will try to emulate her, since she is an awesome teacher and seemingly has a handle on her situation.

By Really?

July 26, 2006 12:45 PM | Link to this

Do you all not see trolling for what it is?

When someone like 770 jumps in with over the top insulting information only loosely connected to the topic at hand, it’s usually someone doing it intentionally just to start a fight.

Don’t fall for it.

Continue with your normal conversation, and don’t get sucked into a “Georgia sucks” debate.

Even if 770 is really sharing his experience, and is not a troll, his commnents reflect such insulting tone and poor logic that it’s not worth addressing. (Because your own family didn’t have a pregnant teacher before you lived here, it says something about Georgia teacher’s attitudes towards prenancy? Is that a valid conclusion? Because of your kid’s experience with AP, that must mean the policies were different statewide? Whatever.)

By jim d

July 26, 2006 12:49 PM | Link to this

WHAT?

How in the world could anyone feel its any of their business?

I actually like my child having a teacher that is in a family way. I find that with the motherly instincts kicking in, they generally have a better disposition when dealing with their students.

As for the subs? Well, since High School it really hasn’t been an issue. We have a great principal who has done an excellent job of finding the right person for the job.

BTW, my child has had 5 or 6 teachers that have taken maternity leaves. NO BIG DEAL

By jim d

July 26, 2006 01:00 PM | Link to this

Leia,

Again Why should anyone care if Ms. X is married as long as she does her job.

I know, I know—the old argument about morals. If parents do their job though it doesn’t fall upon the teacher to set an example.

Any kid that would try to emulate her could do a lot worse. It would appear she had a college education and a good paying job before she started her family. I’d say she’s demonstrating responsibility quite well.

By SNY

July 26, 2006 01:37 PM | Link to this

Leia,

BTW, I wasn’t yelling in my last post. Just thought what I was saying was important enough to be capitalized.

But your subsequent post is exactly what I was trying to say.

By TeacherToo

July 26, 2006 03:42 PM | Link to this

First of all, “770” I cannot believe you are in the teaching profession with the attitude that you have. I read your comment about giving the good teachers to the smart kids and stopped short. Do you also think that we should put the less-than-average children in a special building and give them the old books that the smart kids are finished with? Hmmm…what was that court case?…Oh thats right! Brown vs BOE. If you are not up on what that is you might want to go revisit it. All children deserve quality teachers and a quality education. While there are certainly teachers who do not take into consideration how their pregnancies might affect their students and school year, I really do believe that they are in the minority. A quality teacher is going to think things through and do the best that they can for their students. Perhaps your coworkers were misusing “the system” or perhaps they were just glad to get away from your sarcasm, rudeness, and ill mannered personality which has NO business being in the education field.

By TeacherToo

July 26, 2006 03:42 PM | Link to this

First of all, “770” I cannot believe you are in the teaching profession with the attitude that you have. I read your comment about giving the good teachers to the smart kids and stopped short. Do you also think that we should put the less-than-average children in a special building and give them the old books that the smart kids are finished with? Hmmm…what was that court case?…Oh thats right! Brown vs BOE. If you are not up on what that is you might want to go revisit it. All children deserve quality teachers and a quality education. While there are certainly teachers who do not take into consideration how their pregnancies might affect their students and school year, I really do believe that they are in the minority. A quality teacher is going to think things through and do the best that they can for their students. Perhaps your coworkers were misusing “the system” or perhaps they were just glad to get away from your sarcasm, rudeness, and ill mannered personality which has NO business being in the education field.

By SNY

July 26, 2006 04:24 PM | Link to this

TeacherToo,

770 is the type of teacher that I was dealing with this past year. Scary isn’t it?!

By Gwinnett Teacher

July 26, 2006 04:28 PM | Link to this

I never got the impression that 770 is a teacher. Did I miss something?

SNY - if you did have to deal with someone like this - I apologize on behalf of all Gwinnett County teachers!

By SET

July 26, 2006 04:58 PM | Link to this

Jim D & Co:

Some parents would have a problem with Miss X’s “choices”, even more so if she was having bastard children with a succession of men.

Now having said this one of my co-workers is a Lesbian who purchased sperm from a catalog and had two children several years apart who are full siblings. They have grown up to be at genius level academically and are remarkably even tempered and well behaved. The catalog evidently features donors by academic achievement as well as ethnicity, foreign-languages, music talent, etc. My co-worker had a lot to chose from and did very well. Anybody would want those kids for their own (Superbabies??). All who know the family know the story - it’s no secret. Maybe it’s a California thing.

After seeing her success I have no doubt at all that other single women of whatever pursuasion might well decide that they are better off with the catalog than what’s available at hand. I once might have been skeptical of this syndrome but not anymore (compared to certain alternatives).

So to each his/her own. I can’t live other people’s lives.

Nevertheless in a state school parents have no choice over who teaches their kids and what their kids are taught. They can moan and groan all they want, nobody cares. Government schools don’t exist to serve the parents, and they don’t require parental approval for anything.

That’s why we have private schools and why we intend to keep them private. No vouchers. If the parents no longer want to go along with the state propaganda factories let them vote with their feet.

770 is entitled to his opinion - the more we read about the US and how things are, the better.

Brave New World.

By Just Wondering

July 26, 2006 05:52 PM | Link to this

SET - do you have children of your own? I somehow get the sense that you are a single, childless, lonely man.

By SNY

July 27, 2006 09:08 AM | Link to this

Gwinnett Teacher,

I am telling you the absoulte truth, this 770 sounds almost exactly like what I had to deal with. But, from now on, I promise that I am over it and I am ready to move on. The new year is about to start and I am as well.

So, from now on, if I ask a question, please give me the benefit of the doubt about really not knowing the procedure or the answer. I know that my views are vastly different from most on this blog, but the anger towards public school and teachers has dimmed. I really credit that to the teachers on this blog. The ones that hate me and the ones that sometimes understand me. Getting a different perspective really does change ones attitude.

By 770

July 27, 2006 10:58 AM | Link to this

“If the parents no longer want to go along with the state propaganda factories let them vote with their feet” - SET

SET that would mean moving from GA which has always been an option but hard to do in a slowing housing market. In GA the privates (i’ve checked) aren’t much better than the publics at least not on level with the best public charters in NJ or NY. Growing up I went to public only 2 years in what is now one of the top publics school areas in the nation. My parents sent me and my other gifted sibs to private schools after realizing that they wanted us to have strong Catholic indoctrination. We just lucked out and got an excellent academic education in the process. I don’t know who started the rumor here that I’m a teacher. That’s funny. I would vomit (not from morning sickness) to be around all these “bless your heart” people all day.

By SET

July 27, 2006 11:21 AM | Link to this

770: I suppose that was a rhetorical statement. People can’t have it all. Either they do the Serenity prayer and live with what is happening in their town (fighting or changing what they can), or they have to go elsewhere. And yes, Parents do need to take responsibility for what is allowed to be modeled to their kids as acceptable. The parents may get it right or wrong a different points in time - but it is ultimately the parents responsibility and their perrogative. And that goes for chemo decisions also.

I did not mean to complain about my co-worker and her children, that worked out tremendously well and shows what planning can do. She did her homework, made a decision and announced it. She was the first I’ve known to do this but I understand now it’s pro forma here.

Maybe people have to think outside the box if they want to have it all - or have more then it seemed was available to them. As far as what GA families are going to do about their kid’s education - time will tell. I have no faith in the state education system and it’s my belief that people have to take responsibility for their own futures. That may well include some government schools or none.

It’s not that the teachers don’t mean well, but the factors and trends that mitigate against good education are overwhelming and not even within the control of the locals.

Education is a means to gain earning power. People who set themselves up to be unskilled labor are heading for a terrible fall in living standards.