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I'm a teacher and I've been out on disability for a few months due to surgery.

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Anonymous

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I'm a teacher and I've been out on disability for a few months due to surgery. My date of return is this week. I have been emailing and calling the principal to make sure I am up to date on what I need to know to return. 2 days before my return date she finally responds. We are having a meeting on my first day back, then for 2 weeks I will be expected to work With the sub who has been in my place for a "gradual release". Mind you, there was no gradual release when I left.... why do I need a gradual release to get my own class back? It feels judgmental- thoughts?

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  1. Anonymous

    Enjoy. No reason to second guess it going in.

  2. Anonymous

    I think you are in good hands. Here is to a fresh start to going back to school! Have a fabulous week and let us know how your week went, too!

  3. Ama Edzie

    Maybe it's for the sub to transition or maybe they want to support you since you are returning from surgery and make sure you are successful returning. I don't think it's negative

  4. Anonymous

    Yes, I'm wondering if they owe the person a 2 week notice before letting them go, or are waiting to put them into another position. But 2 weeks for a gradual release sounds like overkill, I would appreciate 1-3 days.

  5. Anonymous

    Sounds like this is about the kids. Not you.

  6. Anonymous

    It's a difference transitioning out vs transitioning in and this is starting a busy time especially if there is testing going on. I work at a school and I handle the Sub coverage and we have given staff transitioning back a week after leaves sub assistance.

  7. Tricia

    Lucky! ? This is a respectful decision for you and talk about a smoother transition for not only you, but for your class/kids and the sub in your place.

    No need for you to rush in, review, prepare, catch up on everything before you go back to work. You can get caught up with the sub, make a good plan to pick up where they leave off. Plus you can catch up in emails, any issues going on with kids in the class, and not stressing as hard about having to do it all right as you come back.

    It’s temporary so enjoy the extra help when you return. Good luck and glad you are back to work.

  8. Anonymous

    I agree with these sentiments. In addition to keeping the students best interests front and center, recognize that your employer may truly care about you and the sub.

    This gives you a chance to slowly recover. Take it! It also give the sub a chance to transition out. If the sub has done a great job, they've created bonds with the students - be respectful of that and let them say goodbye. No one goes one leave gradually, but be thankful they're letting you come back that way.

    I came back from a car accident years ago. My employer gave me a week with my sub to transition. It gave me a chance to mentor to my students how to professionally work with someone and thank them for stepping in. I am still thankful for it and have remained friends with the sub.

  9. Anonymous

    Actually, they knew from the beginning of September that the surgery was planned, and promised to get a sub in advance so I could get them up to speed, but failed to do so. That's on the admin for that failure. I also happen to know the person from a previous job and I'm not so happy to have to work with them, but I will make the best of it.

  10. Anonymous

    Sounds like you are saying the opportunity here is adding a gradual release when people go on leave, good idea you should suggest it. Especially since coming back is covered and good for everyone involved, especially the kids.

  11. Anonymous

    The admin and HR knew in advance months before my date of leave, they were supposed to get a sub in advance but didn't. I left as many things ready as I could and prepped the aide to know where everything was and prepped the students to have routines practiced as much as possible.

  12. Shari Hattis

    I think you’re looking at it the wrong way. You have been out on medical you didn’t say for how long, but you know classes move fast and maybe it would be good to ease you back into it instead of getting everything dumped on you and you don’t have a clue what’s going on

  13. Anonymous

    Have the conversation with them first with your concerns or how this is making you feel. The message could have gotten lost in the communication.

  14. Anonymous

    So, they're going to ease you back into work after you've been out on a medical leave w/surgery, and you see this as a bad thing? Having a second person in the classroom that can get you up to speed with what they've covered, how the kids have been behaving, the challenges they've been having, and in general help you out for your first two weeks back to work. Would that be an accurate statement?

    I guess you can look at it as being judgmental. Personally, I see a hell of a lot of support for someone returning to work but, you do you.

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