Pregnant & Classroom Placement

I'm a NYC DOE teacher and I am currently pregnant. The last 3 years I have taught on the third floor (where we have 3-5 graders). When we come back in September, I will be nearing the end of my second trimester. I am high risk due to a congenital heart defect I have and my high risk obgyn has already informed me that come third trimester, I will no longer be permitted to climb stairs. It's 40 steps up to my classroom and we don't have an elevator. If I have a medical note from my doctor, is the school required to provide me with a first floor classroom?

Re: Pregnant & Classroom Placement

I don't think so as its a short term issue, not a permanent long term one. Maybe go out earlier on short term disability? How many weeks pg will u be when u return?

Re: Pregnant & Classroom Placement

I will be 26 weeks when I return in September, so that's a long time to be on disability. It would effect my seniority and wouldn't that effect my time off after baby?

Re: Pregnant & Classroom Placement

Not sure. Have u called the uft to see what your options are?

There's a few women at my school who know all the angles. And two who were put on bed rest at 20 weeks. They both went on shirt term disability, then took the 6-8 weeks after delivery.

Re: Pregnant & Classroom Placement

Is your principal a reasonable person? Can you talk to them w/your UFT rep? It's not in their best interest to have to find a sub for you if you go out on disability, so they might work with you.

Pregnant & Classroom Placement

I'm not sure but in my school they accommodate children who have an injury so they should accommodate teachers. I would talk to your principal ASAP since he/she is probably working on assignments for next year. Good luck.