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Hello everyone. So, I'm 36 years old and have two kids. I've been working and going to school for five years. I'm only student teaching away from certification. I also have some pre-student teaching hours to complete this fall. I'm supposed to student teach in January and I'm due in March. Student teaching is 15 weeks so if I don't deliver early, I'll be four weeks shy of completing. I'm going to be a planned c-section anyway. So, this is an unplanned pregnancy and I'm just freaking out. I'm so depressed right now that I can hardly take it. This is my one shot at student teaching. There's no way that my boss will let me take time off to have a baby and more time to student teach. I'm willing to be home for two weeks (I know ridiculous after a c-section) and go back and finish those four weeks. It's my only shot. I'm maxed out on federal loans and will not go to the loan sharks so I won't be able to do it a second time. I can't do it a second time anyway. I need my paycheck to pay bills. We already struggle. I don't know what to do. I need a prayer that things will work out somehow.
I've included the correspondence I've had with the school so far. I know I'm taking a risk telling so early because I'm not very pregnant, but I can't take worrying about what they're going to tell me for three months.
April



Amy,
I'm sure you're about sick of me. I go four years without needing much help and now I'm chatting with you every month. Go figure. I have a pretty big issue that I hope can be worked out somehow. I can make an appointment to sit down with you as well. Turns out, my husband and I are expecting a surprise baby due March 23, our third. I'm scheduled to student teach then. I really need to student teach because my work is giving me time off to do it and there's no way they'll let me take time off for a baby in the spring and student teaching in another semester. Is there any possible way I can start a few weeks early (December) and/or just take two weeks off after the baby and extend the time I'm supposed to be there? I will do the whole 15 weeks. I will do an amazing job. I know this isn't your problem. I'm just really worried that I'll never be able to finish and I've been hacking away at this program for five years now. Any guidance you can give me would be truly appreciated and I'm so sorry to bother you during your summer.


Her answer:

Hi April,
This is a really important question. Student teaching can be a very stressful time, and if you were unable to complete it, you'd most likely receive an incomplete and have to return and do another semester of student teaching.
I think you should speak to Dr. Barb Gorenflo, assistant dean of student teaching, about your concerns. You can schedule an appointment with her by contacting her assistant, Charlene Ford-Chambers, 734-487-1416. You would not be approved to begin your placement early, but perhaps you could discuss extending your placement.

Amy