Congratulations! You are expecting! There is a lot of planning and preparation that takes place before a baby arrives. In addition to getting things ready at home, you’ll need to prepare for your teacher maternity leave. It is a very busy and exciting time!
The days leading up to maternity leave for teachers can be stressful if you don’t plan and prep early. Grab the tips and ideas below for how to make your life a little easier at work while pregnant and how to make the most of the time before your teacher maternity leave.
When to Tell
It is completely up to you when you would like to share your exciting news. Many people wait until the end of their first trimester (12 weeks). Be sure to talk to your school administrator before sharing your news with anyone at work. Your principal will greatly appreciate this gesture.
10 Tips to Survive Teaching while Pregnant
- Bring a large water bottle to school
- Keep healthy snacks on your desk
- Find a teacher buddy to cover your room for when you need to use the bathroom
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes
- Prepare for maternity leave early
- Create a stock of emergency sub plans
- Go to bed early
- Sleep as much as possible
- Don’t be afraid to take time off
- Share your experience with students
20 Ideas for Snacks at School
- Oranges and cheese
- Grapes and cheese
- Apples and cheese
- Celery sticks and peanut butter
- Apples and peanut butter
- Banana and peanut butter
- Popcorn
- Pretzels with mustard
- Trail mix
- Almonds
- Dried fruits and nuts
- Whole grain cereal
- Greek yogurt and berries
- Veggies and guacamole
- Veggies and hummus
- Pita bread and hummus
- Smoothie
- Protein bar
- Sweet potato chips
- Cheese and wheat crackers
What to Wear to Work when you are Pregnant
Comfort is key! Invest in a few staple maternity pieces that are neutral colors. The neutral colors will help you mix and match pieces because of their versatile nature. Also, be sure to invest in a comfortable pair of shoes. You won’t regret it!
How to Prepare for Your Teacher Maternity Leave
Prepare Yourself
You’re having a baby! This is a big time of change in your life. Be sure to give yourself time to reflect and prepare during this very busy time.
Prepare your Administrators and Colleagues
Consider telling your administrators before your colleagues to ensure that your administrators hear it from you first. Once you tell your school principal and other administrators in your building, feel free to share the exciting news with your colleagues.
Prepare your Long Term Substitute
It can be helpful to invite your long term sub to spend time in your classroom before you leave for maternity. In addition, some other recommendations include sitting down with them and going over your classroom procedures and routines, providing them insight into each of your students, supplying them with your contact information, introducing them to your team members, etc.
Prepare your Students for your Maternity Leave
Openly talk to your students about how you will be going on maternity leave and explain they are super lucky to have a wonderful new teacher. Depending on your preferences, you can give your students your contact information so they can write letters to you.
Prepare your Students’ Families for the Transition to Your Long Term Sub
Notify your families that you will be going on maternity leave. Consult with your administration when this would be appropriate. In addition, send home a letter with your students introducing the families to your long term sub. This will help facilitate a smooth transition and ease your students’ families’ concerns.
Here are some additional resources to help you write sub plans for your teacher maternity leave…
- Read these other blog posts about planning for a substitute teacher.
- Download the free Clutter-Free Classroom’s Guide to Preparing for a Substitute Teacher.
- Purchase the printable and digital emergency sub plans.
