what to do when you go on maternity leave?

[luv2teach]

I'm pregnant and after having my baby will/need to take at least 3 months off from teaching.   I have less than 10 students.   What do teachers normally do in this case? Do you transfer them to another teacher temporarily?  I worry about switching them back and forth because many of them just came to me 1 year ago from another teacher.

[elsie07]

I don't have any advice, but just wanted to say...

Congratulations on your baby!

[m1469]

Congratulations .

Do you have any of your students who might wish to, and are able to, actually teach the others ? 

I have subbed for a friend of mine before when she had surgery and was out for a bit.  I don't think it was 3 months worth, but it was long enough for her to want to hire a sub.  So, that is an option if my first suggestion isn't an option.  I think she even took "something off the top" at the time (it was awhile ago by now and I don't remember many of the details).

Cheers !

[wenat]

Congrats! 

It depends where you teach as well.  If you teach at your own home/studio, and with less then 10 students I feel you could manage to continue teaching.  Having had 3 of my own children, and teaching at home, I managed to just take of a couple of weeks before resuming teaching.  You work around it...perhaps not teaching all the students.  My hubby was a great help. I'd work out my schedule round his, so someone was always with the baby. A student who is able to help out is also a great idea.

Best of luck!

[luv2teach]

Thank you.   I found a teacher who will sub for me so that's a relief!

[dan101]

That's a tough question. Off the top of my head, I would suggest loading up each student with a lot of work that is just slightly easier than you normally issue to them. They can then work a bit on their own until you're ready to resume teaching. Good luck with whatever path you take.