I'm worried about my job!!

Hi girls,
I'm wondering about so much now that we're expecting! One thing I'm concerned about is my job! We got pregnant a little earlier than expected and I don't know how to deal with this! As some of you know, I switched careers this summer and became a NYC teaching fellow. I really like my job, but I'm worried! My baby is due at the beginning of next school year(9/15.) I will have only been at my school a year! Doesn't that look awful! How much leave do I get...6 weeks? Is it really bad to have to go on leave after just 1 year and at the beginning of a new year??
Also, with my program(Fellows) I heard they don't let you take your grad classes(which you take at night) if you're on a leave from teaching! That might disqualify me from the program and make me lose my job!!
I don't know who to talk to b/c it's still a secret! Would this be a form of discrimination? I'm in the UFT and pay dues, but what does that say for NYC Teaching Fellows?!!

If anyone can help, I'd appreciate it!
Also, how do I get my old screen name back???!!!

Re: I'm worried about my job!!

I don't know anything about NYC Teaching Fellowship, but I can tell you how my school district does maternity leave.

Unfortunately the only paid leave we get is accumulated sick time. We can have up to 2 years unpaid, but only our sick days are paid.

It stinks, but their attitude is that we get the whole summer off. Unfortunately not everyone can plan to have a summer baby.

It doesn't look bad for you that you'll have only been there a year and are taking a maternity leave. Hey, you're a young married woman, and you're entitled to have a baby. Don't worry about that. The parents hate when you go on maternity leave no matter how long you've been there.

Re: I'm worried about my job!!

Thanks! I'm trying not to stress! I just don't want to look bad as a new teacher! I feel lost enough as it is as a 1st year teacher! ! I was hoping my 2nd year would be better....but I'll miss the first 6 weeks already!!! Nevermind what will happen with the Fellows!

Re: I'm worried about my job!!

With a normal birth, you get 6 weeks off and with a C section, it is 8 weeks. You also have up to 12 weeks for Family Medical Leave. (For example, you take the 6 weeks for a normal delivery and then you have another 6 weeks from the FMLA act). They cannot discriminate against you because you are pregnant. You should talk to your union rep.

Re: I'm worried about my job!!

thanks...I can handle 12 weeks! I'm not tenured though(it's my 1st year) can they ask me not to come back/replace me? Also, still left w/the Fellows program problem!!

Re: I'm worried about my job!!

to be honest...I don't think that NYC schools would not ask you back (granted you are productive) - although I never saw an untenured teacher go through pregnancy...


what I do know is that you get maternity leave...but you MUST use your sick days...(personally I think thats crappy...but those are the rules) and you could probably take more time off unpaid...


I have also seen many people in my grad classes that have delivered during the semester...


I would definitely talk to you UFT leader in the school...and even untenured...you are pretty protected in NYC...there will be a spot for you somewhere...believe me...I saw awful uncertified teachers get shuffled around...b/c it was too hard to fire them

Re: I'm worried about my job!!

Shannon ... I don't have any guidance on this issue, but I just wanted to tell you that it all works out. What is the worst case scenario? You'll have a beautiful baby in your arms no matter what.

Re: I'm worried about my job!!

Shannon,

I also have only been at my job less than a year. In the grand scheme of things...getting pregnant just happens! And although you may have to take a leave from the Fellows program, I'm sure they would work something out with you. I think its best to talk to whoever your representative is...and especially find someone you can talk to in confidence. Good luck!

Re: I'm worried about my job!!

Thanks girls! I found out that I do get 6 weeks as a regular teacher and that the Fellows honors that. However, I can't take my grad courses at night while on maternity leave t/the Fellows. Actually, I can, but I have to pay for that part myself....That doesn't really make much sense to me....anyway, you're right, I will have a baby and that's the most important thing!
My hormones are out of control and I am the worst worry wart about this stuff! I was hysterical crying last night over all this! I know that can't be healthy for my little one! I'm really going to try and relax!!

Re: I'm worried about my job!!

fm Ron about getting your name. I wish you all the best Shannon

Re: I'm worried about my job!!

Hi there,

I'm a NYC TF and I'm in the same position, although I'm due in August. I was just wondering what had happened and if you could give me helpful details about how the leave from the Fellows Program works.

Thanks in advance!

Rachel

Message edited 3/31/2012 8:01:41 AM.