This made me so sad for you!! You deserve the time off with your baby, and I can’t imagine the stress you’re under. Asking your teammate to double print her plans seems like a great option, and I feel like your kids would be able to grasp it all completely. Especially if you reiterated everything a little bit once you come back! I hope you find peace and are able to settle this soon! Merry Christmas!

why can't your sub use the other fourth grade teachers' plans?

That situation is the worst! I can relate because I had my baby on Nov 3 last year (exactly 4 weeks early), and my water broke while I was giving a phonics test on the day that my long term sub was shadowing me. I had a lot prepared but still had a lot that wasn't ready. I had to be in communication with her and do quite a bit of planning/prep for her while I was at home with my son. It wasn't ideal but it was better than being back at work. If you go back to work early you may regret it, but you'll never regret the time spent with your son.

First, you need to share your frustration with your principal. Second, although I understand your desire to plan because you want the best for your students, I agree that you need to take the time with your son. The person who said you will regret missing that time with him is absolutely right. Also, realize that the fact that you're worried about this is what makes you such a great teacher! You are so right about people not understanding what planning for a daily sub is like. My dad actually asks me, "Why do you have to plan if a substitute is there?" 😧

Girl tell them to figure it out! The other grade teachers should be able to assist the sub. I’m sorry you’re going through this! This should be the least of your worries right now during maternity leave. 😢

I think all teachers can relate to this. I would be dead sick and barely able to stand, everyone is like "you need to get healthy, you need to stay home." What do I do, I go to work. Why? Because it is our responsibility.

I'm so sorry to hear about that! I would feel the same - the kids and their learning IS my responsibility. HOWEVER, so is your son. I would do what you are thinking...Plan the amount you feel comfortable with and then really knock it out when you go back. Like a previous commenter stated that you'll never regret the time spent with your son. You love those kids of yours, yes. But time with your son is precious. Your students sound like a great group and they'll work hard for you :) I really hope you get an awesome sub for these several weeks.

Oh wow! I’m so sorry you are going through this and are now contemplating planning for a day to day sub for four weeks! I can totally feel your frustration. I’m so sorry you are going through this. Yes, I completely agree that planning for a sub is A LOT more work than planning for ourselves. I like the idea of your grade level teacher helping out by providing her plans. I hope everything works out in the end for both you and your students.

Don’t do any planning. Your executive/management at your school will sort it out. That’s what they are employed and paid to do! It is their responsibility, not yours at this point. If that occurred at my school, I imagine the grade buddy of the teacher on maternity leave would print their plans for the substitute. If there are programs to teach from then it’s not too big a deal, they can just go on from the last lesson. Any substitute worth their salt can read a program and work out what to teach next.

This "sub" problem shouldn't be your problem... you already had it set up so why is it not the schools responsibility for getting your class covered? I am in nursing and not teaching so maybe I just don't get it but it doesn't make sense to me, this is your time to relax and be a mom.

it would be super cute for you to read the cards and letters from your kids in a video!! Im so sorry about the situation with your sub :( i hope youre able to find another LTS soon so you can continue to spend time with your little one!!

Oh this stinks!!! I’m so sorry! Don’t go back! Do the minimum and let the sub team up with your partner teacher. Your number one job is Mom. The kids are incredibly resilient and they will bounce back when you return in Feb.

Spend that time with your baby. You will never get it back. You can catch them up when you get back.

Your corporation should not expect you to draw up sub plans once you have already fulfilled your initial duties before leaving for maternity leave. Do Not Plan any more. Your students and parents will understand. You are so special to them and they know you need this time for you and your child. It is only for a month. They will survive! For your well being, let the sub do the work.

Oh no! Argh worst thing losing a long term sub! Haven't watched all of the video yet, hopefully you find another sub asap x