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???!!!

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.

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.

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!!

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

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.

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!

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!!

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

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