How Should I Tell My Students That I am Pregnant?

Question

I am a substitute teacher. I work mainly in the junior and senior high as that is where I am trained. I am pregnant and there is no way to hide it. I am usually pretty tough on detailing with behavior issues, but this is a new one to me. Do any teachers have any suggestions? I can only imagine how I would be the butt of all jokes.

Answer 1

Just come out and tell considering that probably at least one girl in the room is pregnant her self.

Answer 2

As a teacher you do not have to tell your students that your pregnant. Since you are not a full teacher and only a sub then u don't have to tell them nothing.

Answer 3

It seems to me that unless you are on a long-term assignment, it would be inappropriate for you to talk about it unless they ask.  Your being pregnant is not a behavior issue, so I don't know what being tough on behavior issues has to do with it.  This doesn't seem like something which would make you the butt of all jokes.  Pregnancy is normal, and I'm sure many of their parents or siblings have been pregnant recently too.  If they joke about this, they would joke about something else if you weren't pregnant.

Answer 4

If you are only going to be there one day, and you are not showing, why do you need to tell them anything?

Answer 5

I would do it in the beginning, as you are introducing yourself. But don't act all excited about it, because then the kids will think you're soft. You can tell them that being pregnant causes crazy mood swings, so they better watch out. Then laugh. Then abruptly stop laughing.

Answer 6

I would not.

If you were their main teacher the questions may come naturally, but as you are a sub it would be inappropriate to discuss such.

Answer 7

maybe as ur saying ur name, say a couple things about urself (including that ur pregnant) but do it subtly. kids may make fun but kids r stupid. i should no i am one.

Answer 8

Honestly, if you can't hide it (you're far enough along), you won't need to tell them.  They'll figure it out :)

If you're fair, tough, and honest with them, they won't make fun of you.  If some of the kids start acting up, let them know that pregnancy doesn't make you very patient ;) and go on with the lesson.  If you don't act like anything's all that different, they most likely won't either.

Answer 9

You definitely don't have to tell students. Are you experiencing behavior issues directly linked to your pregnancy? Are students making fun of you? Because that would be way out of line.

But anyways, just let them know when you are introducing yourself. The best way I can think of is says, "Hi! I'm Mrs. So-and-so and this is _____" while motioning to your stomach. If you don't have a name for your baby yet, just say "... and yes, I'm very pregnant." Make a little joke of it.  Mention how you are craving sardines and ice cream or something.  It should take the tension out of the situation and the target off your back.

Good luck and congratulations!