Pregnancy and Interviews!! Advice

petalgumdrops

I'm a part time teacher - two years qualified. I am applying for Jobs and I am hopeful that I will get an interview. I am 12 weeks pregnant and I really need advice in regard to any interview I may get.

In your opinion should I disclose my pregnancy during an Interview? I am a very honest person and I feel I should tell but I am also afraid that my pregnancy will go against me? Surely no principal wants to employ someone who will be leaving half way through the year? I do not want to start of a Job without honesty but I really want to be Judged on the basis on my suitability to the Job and not because I am pregnant!

Has anyone ever been in this position?

RealJohn

Technically they can't use it against you but I imagine you're right that nobody is going to want to hire you knowing you'll be going on maternity leave in a couple of months.

I would say that you should do the interview as normal and when they ask you at the end if you have any questions or anything to say, that's when you should tell them about being pregnant. At that point they should have marked you in the various categories they mark you in and hopefully at that point it will be awkward for them to change anything if you were the best candidate otherwise.

I'm sure most people will just tell you to say nothing mind but I have to say I like your wanting to be honest and hopefully your prospective employers will too.

I would say that if you don't tell them then you can be guaranteed you'll be doing interviews again next summer but in the short term, that might not be an issue for you.

petalgumdrops

Thanks for your advice RealJohn. Ireland is a small country and I wouldnt want to get a name for myself. I am looking for a career so I feel it is important to be honest but again I just feel I would be at a disadvantage. I had thought about telling at the end of the interview so I might run with that.

highly1111

There is no way i'd mention it unless I was offered the job. I was in the reverse situation last summer. Signed fixed term contract on July 6th and found out I was pregnant on July 10th. I wouldn't say it at the end of the interview as they'd probably find some reason to deem you unsuitable. I'd only say it if you were offered the job. Your pregnancy is your business and for your babies sack you need this job. I would anyway - I obviously don't know your circumstances. Pregnant teachers are nothing new and you're fully entitled to it - remember you're bringing another taxpayer into the world! I do completely emphasise though but charity begins at home. I was completely bricking telling my principal but there was no need to worry at all. And as family members said, regardless of what they're actually thinking - they have to smack a smile on their faces and congratulate you anyway!

Congratulations on your pregnancy btw

petalgumdrops

Yes thats exactly my fear- that they could find something to deem me unsuitable. Its so hard to know what to do. My husband thinks i should say nothing. As a matter of interest wer u kept on in that school after your contract expired?

highly1111

petalgumdrops wrote: »

Yes thats exactly my fear- that they could find something to deem me unsuitable. Its so hard to know what to do. My husband thinks i should say nothing. As a matter of interest wer u kept on in that school after your contract expired?

Unfortunately my contract came to a natural end as it was only a one year career break. However my principal and I had an excellent relationship & he gave me a brilliant reference. Even if I had known I was pregnant I would have done the same - sure I could have told them as soon as I found out I was pregnant but as far as I was concerned it was none of their business and charity begins at home. I couldn't have afforded to pass up a job offer. I'm with your husband on this one. You also could be stressing over nothing as you may not even get the job and If you don't you'll know that it'll have being for the right reasons (if you know what I mean) instead of always asking - what if? You could end up kicking yourself.

rainbowtrout

Personally I wouldn't mention it at all at the interview. Jobs are so scarce in teaching at the moment that I think if you mentioned it at all you would probably find that you didn't get the job, and someone else would be deemed more suitable for the job one way or another. You do have to look after yourself and your baby and not feel bad about being pregnant going for interview. Pregnancy is a part of life and with such a high proportion of female teachers in schools you won't be the first and you won't be the last.

We had a teacher start an RPT contract with us a few years back when she was pregnant. She walked in the door at the start of September 8 months pregnant, so either they thought she was the best candidate for the job at the interview or she managed to hide it. I know she didn't tell them about it. Principal wasn't too happy at having to get a sub a month later, but she had to look after herself.

seavill

Not having a go or anything but does anyone else think this is not overly fair on the kids. There is a bit of a difference here knowing about being pregnant before the interview compared to finding out after starting a job.

I agree the pregnancy is a part of life and like the last poster said you wont be the first or last but if you are going for a 9 month contract and you are going to be absent for 7 or so months this is not fair on the school or principal.

It is especially not fair on the kids. They are already getting a new teacher, we all know how long it takes to properly settle into a new school and new kids. But then 2 months in to get another new teacher. You could have exam classes also so I feel particularly unfair on them like it will be Christmas before things settle down properly,.

Yes you do have to look after yourself to a certain extent but you are in a very unique situation.

I know I am going to be slated for having this view but up to now no one has mentioned the effect this will have on the kids.

rainbowtrout

I would agree with you seavill, but life does go on and the OP and many like her have to work at some point and can't put off having children all their lives. There will always be a Leaving Cert class who get a sub because their teacher is on maternity leave.

Currently the OP's alternative is not to work and not have money coming in when she is capable of working and sitting at home saying (sorry AH comment coming up) 'Won't somebody think of the children?' won't pay the mortgage etc.

Every now and again there is a post on the Leaving Cert forum from a student of the type 'my French/English/Geography/Irish/insert subject here teacher has gone and got herself pregnant and will be on maternity leave for half the year. How inconsiderate of her when she has an exam class.

If female teachers were to have to take this into account they would never be able to have children. I'm sure the same women who are pregnant and going public would like to see the same consultant every time they visit the hospital but that's not always the case and it could be argued that a change of personnel every time they visit is not good either as the person is not familiar with their medical history.

Female teachers outnumber males on my staff by at least 3:1 if not 4:1. There are a whole load of us in the 27-37 age group and many have married in the last couple of years. We were all hired for the most part within a couple of years of each other when we were in our early 20s. We all saw what would happen down the line and now it's happening, at least 2 maternity leaves a year for the last 5 years and there's no sign of it stopping for another 5 I reckon. The students are surviving without their regular teachers.

At least with a maternity leave a teacher can give notice of when they will be leaving and when they will be coming back. The school has time to interview for a suitable candidate and the person getting the job knows they have stable work for 6 months. Far worse situations occur all the time when a person gets sick suddenly and are gone and the school are scrambling for a sub and don't know from week to week if the person is coming back or not. In the meantime the sub gets a better off (often a maternity leave) and leaves for the more secure employment. We had 2 out on maternity this year and 3 out on sick leave of the type I describe, the sick leaves were far more disruptive than the maternity leaves.

Boober Fraggle

No I wouldn't tell. It's none of their business and not really relevant at interview stage. If you get the job tell them then.

I don't think it would affect your chances of being kept on. I think the principal would be very careful not to discriminate against you because he/she wouldn't want a case taken against the school.

If you get the job, you could be there for 30 years after your maternity leave. I wouldn't worry about a lack of consistency in one of those 30 years!!

seavill

I agree completely with what you say but you missed my point in the first paragraph.

There is a distinct difference between being a class teacher and getting pregnant and getting a years contract knowing you will not be able to fulfill 90% of what you were employed to do.

As I said in my original post she isn't the first and won't be the last I have no issue with maternity leaves etc. I actually believe fathers should be given greater time off if needed however this sort of case is different.

I also agreed originally that to a point she has to look after herself but from the point of view of the student it is not fair

rainbowtrout

seavill wrote: »

I agree completely with what you say but you missed my point in the first paragraph.

There is a distinct difference between being a class teacher and getting pregnant and getting a years contract knowing you will not be able to fulfill 90% of what you were employed to do.

As I said in my original post she isn't the first and won't be the last I have no issue with maternity leaves etc. I actually believe fathers should be given greater time off if needed however this sort of case is different.

I also agreed originally that to a point she has to look after herself but from the point of view of the student it is not fair

But she could also be kept on the year after that maternity leave if the job still exists.

I don't have children myself but I do feel that women should be able to apply for jobs if pregnant as is their right and often need. And if the situation arises that women in Irish society feel pressurised into not applying for jobs when they are pregnant because they will be going on leave fairly quickly, it becomes more acceptable not to hire pregnant women or even those that are in that age category, which ultimately makes it harder for them to get jobs.

seavill

fair point again but I will have to leave it with agreeing to disagree with you on this one

petalgumdrops

seavill wrote: »

fair point again but I will have to leave it with agreeing to disagree with you on this one

Thank you all for your replies - food for thought.

Seavill i understand where u are coming from hence why I have a real problem trying to decide what to do? I want full disclosure but I am afraid of the consequences! I am very early into my pregnancy - If I were to get a Job I would work from August until the xmas holidays in December.

It is not an ideal situation for students but like most non permanent teachers I really have to get my foot on the ladder and at least have continuity of employment.

Like many of the posters have said I have a mortgage and bills and I dont have the luxury of staying at home.

Thank you all for your advice I would really like to hear from a principal/ vice principal for any advice..

highly1111

The Driver is a deputy principal (from memory) so maybe if she/he doesn't see this, PM them.

bdoo

seavill wrote: »

fair point again but I will have to leave it with agreeing to disagree with you on this one

I can see where everyone is coming from on this one. I am inclined to agree with seavill a bit more.

However, the likelihood is that as this os a temp position any teacher who is appointed might up sticks at any point in favour of a job closer to home etc.

Hiring a non pregnant teacher will not guarantee anything in terms of sticking around for the year.

Concentrate on doing a good interview and impress them.

Ms.M

seavill wrote: »

Not having a go or anything but does anyone else think this is not overly fair on the kids.

I have to say seavill, I don't know how you can bring fairness into this. I'm in a similar position to the OP and I don't have a permanent job. I've been teaching for eight years. I'm thirty and married. I can't put off having kids forever and I can't afford a year of unemployment. There's nothing I or the OP can do about it. I would suggest OP, that you look out for yourself and your family. Principals are used to hiring and firing, they're the least likely to take affront to this. Don't mention anything in your interview. Do keep detailed records for the person who'll be taking over the job after you if you get it however. I've taken over a few maternity leave positions half-way through the year and records really help. And don't leave someone with loads to do!!!

And Congratulations!!!

2011abc

Sorry seavill but in my (male!) opinion your position is indefensible .Looks like it will be the twentieth SECOND century before women gain equality!(And will there EVER be solidarity with colleagues ?)And yes I would feel the same if this lady were teaching my kids .Congrats OP and say nothing!

seavill

Ms.M wrote: »

I have to say seavill, I don't know how you can bring fairness into this. I'm in a similar position to the OP and I don't have a permanent job. I've been teaching for eight years. I'm thirty and married. I can't put off having kids forever and I can't afford a year of unemployment. !

2011abc wrote: »

Sorry seavill but in my (male!) opinion your position is indefensible .Looks like it will be the twentieth SECOND century before women gain equality!(And will there EVER be solidarity with colleagues ?)

I think you should both read all my posts carefully before criticising.

Everyone is entitled to an opinion here just because it does not agree with yours does not make me sexist or whatever you are trying to imply.

I have stated that I have no objection to maternity leaves etc. I posed a point of view that had not been discussed so far in the thread.

I have never said people should put off having kids, should not be entitled to have kids and have a job, should not be entitled to get maternity leave.

I would ask that you be careful before putting words in my mouth.

I have stated clearly several times there is a difference in this particular case knowing going into a job that you will not be able to fulfil what you are promising (without words obviously).

People here have mentioned about someone who was 8 months pregnant walking in in September. The OP has cleared up that she would be there until Christmas hols, again these two situations are different.

implausible

In fairness OP, you are only 12 weeks gone, which, even if you were in permanent employment, could be considered early for telling people. I have waited until I was 16ish weeks+ before telling my colleagues and management. I would not mention it at interview and would get settled into the school for a few weeks before informing them.

As for "won't someone think of the children", temporary possible disruption to some students in one subject is hardly in the same league as your need for financial stability and employment for your new baby and yourself.

Fuinseog

2011abc wrote: »

Sorry seavill but in my (male!) opinion your position is indefensible .Looks like it will be the twentieth SECOND century before women gain equality!(And will there EVER be solidarity with colleagues ?)And yes I would feel the same if this lady were teaching my kids .Congrats OP and say nothing!

why would a school employ an outsider who is going to clear off after a month or two?
how is that fair on the kids?

Ms.M

seavill wrote: »

I think you should both read all my posts carefully before criticising.

Everyone is entitled to an opinion here just because it does not agree with yours does not make me sexist or whatever you are trying to imply.

I have stated that I have no objection to maternity leaves etc. I posed a point of view that had not been discussed so far in the thread.

Seavill, I understood your post clearly. I don't find anything morally repulsive about wondering if it's fair on the kids, I was just giving my two cents. All I said was "I have to say seavill, I don't know how you can bring fairness into this." I went on to to give my own opinion and experience, without addressing you again or making any reference to you whatsoever. I was not accusing you of being sexist. I don't even know what gender you are. I think you read a tone into my post that wasn't intended. I didn't type that exclamation mark either!

........

If you manage to get a TWT contract, it means you get paid in full for your maternity leave, if you do not manage to do so, you will more than likely be unemployed for an entire school year. I actually think getting paid in full for maternity and the possibility of putting yourself out of employment for a year are both a bit unfair compared with other professions.

Replacing a newbie teacher with another newbie teacher is less of a disadvantage for kiddies than replacing a teacher they've known for years with a newbie. I honestly don't think it'd make a massive difference. Students might actually do better, there are too many variables. Not enough justification imho for anyone to put themselves in a position where they're going to see a serious fall in their living conditions. If you've two years experience OP, I presume you don't have much savings! I completely agree with you implausible that

"temporary possible disruption to some students in one subject is hardly in the same league as your need for financial stability and employment for your new baby and yourself."

seavill

Ms.M wrote: »

I have to say seavill, I don't know how you can bring fairness into this. I'm in a similar position to the OP and I don't have a permanent job. I've been teaching for eight years. I'm thirty and married. I can't put off having kids forever and I can't afford a year of unemployment. There's nothing I or the OP can do about it.
!

Up to this point you are clearly answering me before you go on to offer your advice/opinion to the OP.
Here you speak about putting off having kids forever.

I never mentioned anything of the sorts and never suggested that she should have to do the same.

Ms.M wrote: »

Seavill, I understood your post clearly. I don't find anything morally repulsive about wondering if it's fair on the kids, I was just giving my two cents. All I said was "I have to say seavill, I don't know how you can bring fairness into this." I went on to to give my own opinion and experience, without addressing you again or making any reference to you whatsoever. I was not accusing you of being sexist. I don't even know what gender you are. I think you read a tone into my post that wasn't intended. I didn't type that exclamation mark either!

........

Replacing a newbie teacher with another newbie teacher is less of a disadvantage for kiddies than replacing a teacher they've known for years with a newbie. I honestly don't think it'd make a massive difference. Students might actually do better, there are too many variables. Not enough justification imho for anyone to put themselves in a position where they're going to see a serious fall in their living conditions. If you've two years experience OP, I presume you don't have much savings! I completely agree with you implausible that

You will note that I multi quoted from you and another poster in my previous post if you read their post they reference their "male" opinion and "women's equality". This was the obvious reference I was making to being made out to be sexist.

I would have to disagree with you on your final paragraph. Replacing a newbie with a newbie replacing the original teacher means that student has had 3 teachers in a few school months compared to having only 2. there is a distinct difference there. I have replaced people for the last 5 years and there is no denying that even with the best plans in the world it takes a few months to get to know kids, their abilities & weaknesses, and what work has been covered or not or how well. For these kids that process will have to happen twice.

Someone mentioned moaning on the LC forum about teachers on maternity leave etc. I am doing no such thing. I experienced in 3 years of doing my Junior cert 5 teachers for a particular subject (all men so no maternity leave) this had an absolutely huge impact on how I did in this subject and effected by ability in it afterwards (as well as my classmates) People who think it has no effect are incorrect.

I am not saying she should not be given a job or should put off having babies etc. The OP asked for opinions I stated mine which was, based on my own experiences as a student and a replacement teacher for the past few years, that it would have effect, and the fact that people are suggesting that she hide this fact is wrong in my opinion

rainbowtrout

Fuinseog wrote: »

why would a school employ an outsider who is going to clear off after a month or two?
how is that fair on the kids?

Because the OP is entitled to work and while there are laws against discrimination, telling an interview you are pregnant in reality is as good as kissing the job goodbye. It's very easy for any of us to say 'won't somebody think of the children?' but the OP has to think of herself and her child and put herself first in the situation. Taking the moral high ground is grand, but it doesn't pay the mortgage or put food on the table.

Miss Lockhart

This is a tricky situation for everyone involved - the OP and the school and I can see both sides of the story.

However, when it comes down to it I think the most important factor is that this country has decided that becoming a mother should not disadvantage a woman in any way when it comes to employment - getting a job, keeping a job or getting a promotion. I think that is a very important value to uphold.

A woman's right to be given equal consideration and opportunity regardless of her children is the most important factor at play here imo.

There is no obligation to disclose the pregnancy at this stage and I think you should go ahead without saying anything. Good luck OP.

seavill

rainbowtrout wrote: »

Because the OP is entitled to work and while there are laws against discrimination, telling an interview you are pregnant in reality is as good as kissing the job goodbye. It's very easy for any of us to say 'won't somebody think of the children?' but the OP has to think of herself and her child and put herself first in the situation. Taking the moral high ground is grand, but it doesn't pay the mortgage or put food on the table.

Firstly using the phrase "won't somebody think of the children" is certainly not in the context of how I brought up the point. It is quite belittling to turn it that way.

You have said that "the OP has to think of herself and her child and put herself first in the situation." which you are quite correct. However someone else can think of the pupils in the situation. The parents are entitled to look at it from that point of view.

I am quite shocked on this thread that educated people cannot have a proper debate on an issue and look at it from all sides rather than dismissing any other opinion that does not agree with your stance.

Yes we all have to look after ourself, as lets be honest no one else will really, however that does not negate the ability to have a proper debate on all the issues surrounding a certain subject. Some of the posts here are more like AH posts rather than in the T&L section

rainbowtrout

seavill wrote: »

Firstly using the phrase "won't somebody think of the children" is certainly not in the context of how I brought up the point. It is quite belittling to turn it that way.

You have said that "the OP has to think of herself and her child and put herself first in the situation." which you are quite correct. However someone else can think of the pupils in the situation. The parents are entitled to look at it from that point of view.

I am quite shocked on this thread that educated people cannot have a proper debate on an issue and look at it from all sides rather than dismissing any other opinion that does not agree with your stance.

Yes we all have to look after ourself, as lets be honest no one else will really, however that does not negate the ability to have a proper debate on all the issues surrounding a certain subject. Some of the posts here are more like AH posts rather than in the T&L section

My post wasn't directed at you seavill, I didn't even quote you, I quoted Fuinseog. Nor did I say that I wasn't looking at it from all sides. The OP asked should she disclose her pregnancy at the interview stage which to me means the thread is about her job prospects if she does/does not and not about the effect it has on the students - that is a whole other debate. So I have no idea why you think I'm attacking you.

seavill

rainbowtrout wrote: »

My post wasn't directed at you seavill, I didn't even quote you, I quoted Fuinseog. Nor did I say that I wasn't looking at it from all sides. The OP asked should she disclose her pregnancy at the interview stage which to me means the thread is about her job prospects if she does/does not and not about the effect it has on the students - that is a whole other debate. So I have no idea why you think I'm attacking you.

I meant to reply to the topic, I did not mean to quote you within my post. My 1st 3rd and 4th paragraphs were responses to the thread in general only in the 2nd paragraph was I responding to you personally.

I will bow out of this thread now as I seem to be at loggerheads with everyone.

The last thing I will say is in relation to like you said the OP about disclosure.

If I were the principal and found out afterwards that you had known in the interview and did not disclose at some stage either at interview or when offered the position I would feel that I had a staff member that I could not fully trust.

rainbowtrout

seavill wrote: »

If I were the principal and found out afterwards that you had known in the interview and did not disclose at some stage either at interview or when offered the position I would feel that I had a staff member that I could not fully trust.

It's not about trust and I don't think most principal's would view it that way. Could a teacher attending an interview be fully confident that information she discloses voluntarily to an interview panel about a pregnancy not be taken into account at all when deciding who would be the best person for the job? We all know how hard it is to get any job at the moment, so it would be incredibly naive to think that a person would not be discounted for being pregnant regardless of what the law says, particularly if it is physically noticeable or the interviewee discloses it herself.

seavill

rainbowtrout wrote: »

It's not about trust and I don't think most principal's would view it that way. Could a teacher attending an interview be fully confident that information she discloses voluntarily to an interview panel about a pregnancy not be taken into account at all when deciding who would be the best person for the job? We all know how hard it is to get any job at the moment, so it would be incredibly naive to think that a person would not be discounted for being pregnant regardless of what the law says, particularly if it is physically noticeable or the interviewee discloses it herself.

I didn't say that it wouldn't be taken into account, that is why I mentioned to wait to say it if the job is offered as opposed to say it in the interview.

I would say you would struggle to find many principals who would not take it into account if they knew (despite anything else they may claim), however I stand over what I said if I were the principal and I had decided she was the best person for the job and had not disclosed at least at time of offering of the job I would definitely feel during the year that I could not fully trust that person as they had not been fully honest in the past.

petalgumdrops

Seavill It was defo not my intention for people to argue over my original post. I understand where you are coming from - I understand that the less disruption for students the better but if you were offered a Job in a county outside your own and were then offered one closer to home- would you not take it? Surely you would feel that to be closer to home would suit you? Wouldn't you then be leaving Students at a disadvantage! Im not trying to sound harsh or dismiss your opinion but teachers come and go and in the end a teacher has to do what is best for them!

My question simply was if people thought i should disclose my pregnancy?
I honestly feel that It would be held against me.. I have a mortgage and Im lucky that my husband has a permanent Job that can support us but I dont want the fact that I am pregnant to be the reason I dont apply for Jobs. I would not be leaving in september or october as some posters assume but would stay until xmas and would consider returning before the end of the school year.

petalgumdrops

Fuinseog wrote: »

why would a school employ an outsider who is going to clear off after a month or two?
how is that fair on the kids?

Any teacher can clear off after a month or two if they get a better offer!! And if you read my posts you would see i am just 12 weeks and would continue in school until xmas!

seavill

petalgumdrops wrote: »

Seavill It was defo not my intention for people to argue over my original post. I understand where you are coming from - I understand that the less disruption for students the better but if you were offered a Job in a county outside your own and were then offered one closer to home- would you not take it? Surely you would feel that to be closer to home would suit you? Wouldn't you then be leaving Students at a disadvantage! Im not trying to sound harsh or dismiss your opinion but teachers come and go and in the end a teacher has to do what is best for them!

My question simply was if people thought i should disclose my pregnancy?
I honestly feel that It would be held against me.. I have a mortgage and Im lucky that my husband has a permanent Job that can support us but I dont want the fact that I am pregnant to be the reason I dont apply for Jobs. I would not be leaving in september or october as some posters assume but would stay until xmas and would consider returning before the end of the school year.

There is no point in going into other scenarios really because every story is different.

I have said I will depart previously so i actually will now I have answered your question about disclosure in my last post so best of luck with what ever you decide to do. It really does sound like you have your mind made up since your first post anyway but best of luck

petalgumdrops

seavill wrote: »

There is no point in going into other scenarios really because every story is different.

I have said I will depart previously so i actually will now I have answered your question about disclosure in my last post so best of luck with what ever you decide to do. It really does sound like you have your mind made up since your first post anyway but best of luck

No i dont have my mind made up at all as i said in my first post i feel disclosure is best but I wanted advice.. Ill weigh up the opinions and come to a decision! looking to hear form a principal hopefully!

rainbowtrout

petalgumdrops wrote: »

No i dont have my mind made up at all as i said in my first post i feel disclosure is best but I wanted advice.. Ill weigh up the opinions and come to a decision! looking to hear form a principal hopefully!

Don't think there are many on here. TheDriver is the only one I know of. Most of them are probably on holidays too as realistically July is the only month that they are fully off.

Ms.M

OP, I've seen one principals reactions to a teacher leaving maternity leave half-way through the year to take on a permanent (probation) for what it's worth. I know it's not exactly the same thing but it would have the same impact on the kids. The principal congratulated him. Yes, they would hold your pregnancy against you. But they're human beings. They'll understand your situation. Certainly, tell them at the earliest possible opportunity once you've accepted the job and signed a contract. To be frank, I'd say they'd think you were a bit of an eejit if you did tell them before this... And don't feel guilty about the kids. Teaching has changed, there are plenty of very qualified subs that are well-versed in taking over a post during school term. It's not as big a deal as some are suggesting or stating as fact. Frankly, you could get replaced by someone in Christmas who has a better rapport with the kids and does a better job than you. Maybe... maybe not. The latter is as likely as the former. That's what I meant about newbie teachers, I read that now and it looks a bit belittling (I consider myself a newbie too; I didn't mean less qualified, just new to a school.) A permanent teacher is a big loss to a class that knows them well by virtue of that fact alone. I have great faith in us perpetual newbies. The kids will more than likely have two very competent teachers and an easy transition from one to the other. And you will have to play your part in that if you do get the job because the second teacher will want to sustain as many of your discipline, assessment methods etc that he/she can. The better job you do, the better position you'll put him/her in. Good luck!

dingding

Ms.M wrote: »

OP, I've seen one principals reactions to a teacher leaving maternity leave half-way through the year to take on a permanent (probation) for what it's worth. I know it's not exactly the same thing but it would have the same impact on the kids. The principal congratulated him. Yes, they would hold your pregnancy against you. But they're human beings. They'll understand your situation. Certainly, tell them at the earliest possible opportunity once you've accepted the job and signed a contract. To be frank, I'd say they'd think you were a bit of an eejit if you did tell them before this... And don't feel guilty about the kids. Teaching has changed, there are plenty of very qualified subs that are well-versed in taking over a post during school term. It's not as big a deal as some are suggesting or stating as fact. Frankly, you could get replaced by someone in Christmas who has a better rapport with the kids and does a better job than you. Maybe... maybe not. The latter is as likely as the former. That's what I meant about newbie teachers, I read that now and it looks a bit belittling (I consider myself a newbie too; I didn't mean less qualified, just new to a school.) A permanent teacher is a big loss to a class that knows them well by virtue of that fact alone. I have great faith in us perpetual newbies. The kids will more than likely have two very competent teachers and an easy transition from one to the other. And you will have to play your part in that if you do get the job because the second teacher will want to sustain as many of your discipline, assessment methods etc that he/she can. The better job you do, the better position you'll put him/her in. Good luck!

Great advice. I would not disclose either on the basis it does not matter as they can't use the info to discriminate agents you therefore it is irrelevant.

Why should you disclose information that is irrelevant to the decision making process anyway.

Also if you let them know in September there may be a second person who they interviewed who was suitable so it is just a case of offering them a contract after Christmas.

Why should you jeopardise the opportunity to work for 4 months possibly with maternity leave to prevent a minor irritation to a manager.

Best of luck with the interview and mums the word

evolving_doors

If you really think it won't affect future employment Say nothing, it's your own body/family/business..

On bigger level this question is symptomatic of what is wrong with the current part-time teaching situation... Would the OP still be asking this question if she was going for a permanent position... hell no, and why should she? I'm sure that 15 years ago when there were a lot more permanent positions available people wouldn't think twice about keeping their personal business to themselves. Yes maybe a little disruption for a few months but it's back to a solid professional career where you can develop your skills until you retire... but now, teachers are just thrown crumbs from the table (in the form of part time unsecured hours) and on top of that she is expected to feel guilty about trying to have a proper normal family life like any other 'professional'.

I can understand the OP's point of view in wanting to avoid conflict with a potential employer, but I really don't think anyone should put it on her about not being considerate towards the students etc.. if she was permanent nobody would bat an eyelid and the management/employers should be taking a long term view of your abilities as being the best candidate for the position. It's not her fault the teaching 'profession' is in a shambles.

Pebble on the Beach

I know it's already been said but you have no obligation to disclose this information at interview stage and if I were you I'd say nothing!! If you were not succesful you would no doubt feel aggrieved that you were treated unfairly and this would only cause you stress (which you obviously don't need given your current condition).

If you are offered the position you could let them know then so everything is above board. Yes, there will be an affect on the students but you and the school can plan ahead for this.

Good luck with the interview and good luck on your happy news!

French.teacher

petalgumdrops wrote: »

I'm a part time teacher - two years qualified. I am applying for Jobs and I am hopeful that I will get an interview. I am 12 weeks pregnant and I really need advice in regard to any interview I may get.

In your opinion should I disclose my pregnancy during an Interview? I am a very honest person and I feel I should tell but I am also afraid that my pregnancy will go against me? Surely no principal wants to employ someone who will be leaving half way through the year? I do not want to start of a Job without honesty but I really want to be Judged on the basis on my suitability to the Job and not because I am pregnant!

Has anyone ever been in this position?

I was an identical position this time last year - 12 weeks pregnant during some interviews and eventually 15 weeks for the job I got. It's very hard, knowing what to do. The Union advised me not to tell them and they's what I intended to do. The Principal and Deputy offered me the job and as they'd been so open, I felt I couldn't start without telling them. They obviously couldn't retract the offer. I took this job because it was for a teacher on sick leave til January so I figured I could work til then do it would all dovetail very well.

The only regret I have is because had I not said anything I would have been given an RPT contract in my subjects which unexpectedly arose a few days later. Another teacher got it and they're still on the contract while I'm starting another Maternity Contract. That said, its in the same school. I worked hard for the tine i was there - Sept-mid Jan, proved myself and was appreciated for it.

My advice is to apply for jobs, do the interviews and if and when you get offered them tell them, if you feel most comfortable doing so, though you arent obliged to. Incidentally I got offered two positions - the sick one til Jan which I took and a Maternity cover til April. When I eventually declined the Maternity job as I felt Id be messing the kids around, I was honest with, the Principal about my situation. I was peteified telling him as I disnt mention it in the ibterview. After nights spent worrying, he said it didn't matter and they still wanted me. I took the other job for a host of reasons but in the end both Principals were hugely supportive.

I think you need to remember that most Principals have children and they understand. As for the students, just do your best while you're there, be straight with them and leave plenty of notes for whoever takes over. You are entitled to be pregnant AND to work, if you need/want to and don't let anybody tell you otherwise. All the very best. Send me a personal message if you need:)

Fellow teacher and now mother to a gorgeous 6 month old.

PS Sort it out asap so you don't spend your pregnancy stressing.

petalgumdrops

Thank you all for the advice, I am only seeing some posts now over a year later!

To update: I went for two interviews and got a job at the second having disclosed to them about my pregnancy in the interview (at the end)

The school that I was unsuccessful with seemed very keen on employing me However the principal was quite shocked when I revealed I was pregnant. He asked how long could I work for and when I said until Xmas I knew that I wouldn't get the job! I received a lovely letter from him saying I was unsuccessful but that he and the board admired my honesty and integrity. (Did feel I would have got th job if I didn't tell)

The school I got the job in didn't care I was pregnant they said it made no difference and that I was the best candidate for the job. I was employed on a pro rata basis! I was lucky enough to return to work in September this year with another years contract after my Maternity leave!

So thanks for all the advice. It's tough out there for teachers at the minute especially those without job security!

evolving_doors

petalgumdrops wrote: »

Thank you all for the advice, I am only seeing some posts now over a year later!

To update: I went for two interviews and got a job at the second having disclosed to them about my pregnancy in the interview (at the end)

The school that I was unsuccessful with seemed very keen on employing me However the principal was quite shocked when I revealed I was pregnant. He asked how long could I work for and when I said until Xmas I knew that I wouldn't get the job! I received a lovely letter from him saying I was unsuccessful but that he and the board admired my honesty and integrity. (Did feel I would have got th job if I didn't tell)

The school I got the job in didn't care I was pregnant they said it made no difference and that I was the best candidate for the job. I was employed on a pro rata basis! I was lucky enough to return to work in September this year with another years contract after my Maternity leave!

So thanks for all the advice. It's tough out there for teachers at the minute especially those without job security!

Fair play for following up, and congrats...I know everybody's in a different boat ..
If you a choice would you divulge again ?

petalgumdrops

Armelodie wrote: »

Fair play for following up, and congrats...I know everybody's in a different boat ..
If you a choice would you divulge again ?

Thank you. That's a hard one.. I think I would tell but I wouldn't feel obliged to like I did last year. I think that it's hard enough for teachers now and I think pregnancy puts women at a huge disadvantage when searching for a job. (There are some who will discrimate and luckily for me! Some who can see past your pregnancy) You should be judged on your credentials and suitability to the job not the fact that you are pregnant.