[Elizabeth101]

Hi all, well I finally told my principal about our adoption, althought I had some misgivings about it because she is so hard nosed when it comes to taking time off. Well she told me that I had too many personal problems with this adoption thing, and that I needed to start looking for another job right now, and not to sign my contract when it comes out! I didnt know that adoption fell under the umbrella of "personal problems", and all I told her was that we were adopting and I would be taking maternity leave when the time came. I have been teaching in this school for 4 years and feel that she is totally wrong. I have been very upset about this. Are there any teachers out there in GA who can give me some advice? I am a member of PAGE. Should I contact them? Please help! Thanks, LIZ

[lisainatlanta]

First I'm speechless! I too teach in GA and can't believe your leader/principal would act so non-professional. You need to call PAGE ask them or contact human resources!! Maybe even your superintendent - his boss! PM what school district are you in? My principal and everyone at my school was extremely happy for me – even gave me a baby shower! I really think what he told you is illegal.

[kagmbg98]

I am not a teacher or live in GA BUT... you are allowed FMLA (if you meet your states guidlines). I would think what she is doing is illegal. Sorry to hear it was taken negatively.

[tookie12]

Contact your union...i believe adoption sould fall under Family leave as well

[kacmom1]

I would ABSOLUTELY look into the legality of this. And, you may want to look for a new job anyway! Who would want to work with such an unreasonable person!?
Good luck....I support you!

[AwaitingBeloved]

Elizabeth,
I do not blame you for being upset. I would be very upset, and surprised. I think FMLA covers you for this. It should. I can't believe your principal reacted that way. I'm in shock. Definitely contact whoever you can that can advocate for you and your rights. I can't believe growing your family can be a cause for losing your job!

Good luck, and I agree with Kelly, you may want to look for a new job now anyway. This is so upsetting.

Best Wishes.

[Shoshana]

Elizabeth -- Wow! I can't give you any other advise but I just wanted to offer my empathy.

I'm a college professor. When I told my division chair that I would be taking FMLA, he stated that it "could negatively impact the institution's tenure decision." EXCUSE me? The dean and the human resources director were stunned & quickly set him straight. A (tenured) colleague told me not to worry about it, that if nothing else, he had all but guaranteed that I would be tenured! (I was awarded tenure this summer).

Keep us posted, I hope it works out okay for you.

[tookie12]

this really pissed me off! I would think a school district has more than50 employees?

according to the Georgia Sec of State

http://www.sos.state.ga.us/firststop..._employers.htm

The FMLA requires that employers with 50 or more employees, who are employed within a 75 mile radius, provide eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave each year to care for a newborn or newly adopted or foster child; to care for a seriously ill child, spouse or parent; or because of the employee’s own illness. Employers may, under certain circumstances, require employees to take unpaid FMLA leave rather than accrued paid leave. It is, however, always the employer’s responsibility to designate whether an employee’s use of paid leave counts as FMLA leave, based on infromation provided by the employee and it is the employer’s responsibility to notify the employee of this designation.

[becky]

I do believe your principal is wrong.

Go to your Teacher's Union...I am sure that in your contract you are protected and you may have even better coverage than under FMLA, many teachers do. In my old school district, I could take a full year of 'child rearing' leave off and be guaranteed a job upon returning.

I do agree with others though...this prinicpal stinks...you might want to change schools just to get away from her!!!

[Evansmommy]

I taught in a school district for 15 years. I'm sure the reaction to adopting would have been nothing like what you received! Things might be different in GA, but I wouldn't think that the principal can keep you from signing a contract--right? I might ask for a meeting with your union rep, principal and superintendant. It would be entertaining for her to have to repeat that in front of those people. I'm sure the super and the rep will set her straight on how adoption falls under FMLA. Good luck.

[spaypets]

Even if you don't fall under FMLA, she is discriminating against you by essentially firing you for becoming a mother. THAT is illegal. It is possible that she could tell you that you couldn't take leave (if for some reason you don't qualify for FMLA). In addition to the union, I'd also call your state's equal opportunity office.

[jnancynancy]

I'm not a teacher, but trust your gut on this one. It is wrong.

Would you be in "trouble" had you announced you were pregnant? Or had a pregnancy with complications causing stress and missed work? I doubt it!

Fight the good fight! It may educate the educator.

[lockharts]

You boss is a JERK. And that is nice compared to what I really want to say.
I can't believe this! I would definately contact your union. I would also have her JOB for saying that too! Good luck. I hope you get some support. If you don't, PM me her e-mail address I would love to send her an e-mail!!!!!!!

[BebitosMama]

Time to send the principal to the principal's office.

Definitely out of line, and most likely illegal on top of it.

Get some advice to keep your job and get the leave you deserve -- but I'd definitely look around anyway for the future -- who would want to keep working for Cruella De School in the long run anyway?

[dj29again]

She is out of line. I would find out who her supervisor is and report her or find myself an attorney who specializes in employment related issues. Don't take her advice. In fact, absolutely sign the contract. You are abiding by your rights by taking time off during an adoption. If she has a problem with it she can consult with the state and federal attorneys who drafted legislation/law to support and protect parental leave during adoption.