Are you getting ready to head back to work after Maternity leave? taking a leave of absence? Maybe you welcomed a new addition to your family (maternity leave) or maybe you were out sick? Either way, returning to work after a leave can present unique challenges. I would know, I’ve gone on maternity leave three times in five years I know, crazy right?). As you prepare to transition back into your role as a special education teacher, here are some tips and tricks to help make the process as smooth as possible. Click here to see how I prepped for my maternity leave.
Communicate Early
My first recommendation is to reach out to your colleagues, administrators, and support staff well in advance of your return date. Inform them of your anticipated return to work date, any accommodations you may need, and any updates on your classroom or caseload. Open communication sets the stage for a supportive environment and allows others to prepare for your return. TIP: This would be a great time to get out your planner to add in important dates/information. Writing down things will ensure we do not forget.
As a nursing mother, my first concern was making sure I had a pumping schedule set in advance and someone in place to replace me while I stepped out. This helped take off a lot of pressure on my first date back. Consider reaching out to the diagnostician for any information or updates on any upcoming IEP meetings to help you better prepare. The last thing we want is surprise meeting the day or even week of our return.
Ease Back Into Your Routine
Returning from maternity leave can be overwhelming, so pace yourself before jumping back into your full workload right away. The week before my return, I decided to visit my classroom with my new baby. As a special education teacher, it is very important to me that my students understand that the reason I was “gone” was because I had a new baby. This really helped me get excited for work and students were excited to know I would be back soon. TIP: My para took a photo of my students meeting my new baby and I shared with parents upon my return to let them know I was back.
I took this opportunity to catch up with the speech pathologist, teacher assistant and my co-teacher on any updates/important dates coming up such as IEPs, progress reports, report cards or SHARS. Consider grabbing anything you may need off your desk or cleaning any clutter off. I actually had christmas gifts waiting on my desk for me which made the trip well worth it! This is a recommendation that helped me, easing back to work for you may look different and that is okay.
Lean on Your Support System
Do not be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Whether it’s assistance with lesson planning, classroom management, or personal tasks, lean on your support system both at work and at home. This could include fellow teachers, paraprofessionals, family members, or friends. My co-teacher was extremely gracious and continued to teach the class my first couple of days back while I got back in the groove of things!
Consider having your teacher assistance/para assist you with organizing any paperwork, updating IEP data sheets, rotating IEP bins; basically anything that will help take the stress of you.Everyone understands that you’ve been gone and usually want to lend a hand. Remember, it takes a village to raise a child, and the same holds true for navigating the return to work.
Learn more about Sub Binders here!
Prioritize Self-Care
Books, baths, walks, oh my! Taking care of yourself is crucial during this transitional period. Make time for self-care activities that help you relax and recharge, whether it’s exercise, meditation, or simply taking a few moments to yourself each day. Remember that you can’t pour from an empty cup, so prioritize your well-being to ensure. TIP: Consider leaving work at the end of your contract time the first couple of weeks to prioritize that work life balance.
During my maternity leave I found myself reading again which is one of my favorite pastimes. Now that I returned to work, I have been prioritizing reading a chapter or two before bed. I find that this helps me calm my mind and it creates that work/life/mom balance. If you do not know what works for you, try new things until you find something you love!
Celebrate Milestones
As you navigate the ups and downs of returning to work, take time to celebrate the little moments along the way. Whether it’s your first day back in the classroom, successfully managing a challenging situation,updating data sheets or simply making it through the week, acknowledge and celebrate your achievements.
Recognizing your progress will help boost your confidence and morale as you continue to juggle the demands of work and family. Take it one moment, one day at a time. Remember that your job is one of the most important jobs out there. #TeachersRock
Returning to work after maternity leave is undoubtedly a hard transition, especially for special education teachers. By communicating effectively, setting boundaries, leaning on your support system, prioritizing self-care, staying flexible, and celebrating milestones, you can navigate this period with confidence and grace. Remember, you are not alone, and with the right support and mindset, you can successfully balance your roles as a teacher and a parent.
