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Middle-School-Teacher
Middle-School-Teacher Member Posts: 2
edited July 2021 in Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues

Hello all,

I will have my lumpectomy in 2 weeks, then I'll be back teaching middle school.


Any advice on what to say to students about why I missed school, and why I may have to miss because of treatments?


Thanks!

Tracy

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  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 12,424
    edited July 2021

    Middle School Teacher,

    I just retired ( so weird to say that!) and I taught elementary school but here’s what I did. I simply said that that I had a medical problem and would be out for a while but would be back as soon as possible. Middle schoolers may ask for specifics on your medical condition and it’s entirely up to you with respect to how much you disclose. I am a very open person but I did feel a need to protect my privacy at such a stressful time.

    I think everyone handles this situation differently depending on the age of their students and their own comfort level with discussing medical conditions with students. One more thing to consider is that any information you give your students regarding your absence will be shared with those they know. So in effect, everything you share with them will become public knowledge. I was very open about my bc once I returned to work but prior to surgery, there seemed to be too many unknowns and I preferred a bit more discretion.

    I taught for 10 years beyond my stage IV diagnosis. After a few years most people forgot all about my bc but Iwas able to support a parent and an instructional aide when they were diagnosed so I am glad that I was open about my situation. It will be beyond weird to not start getting ready for the school year but I look forward to this new chapter. All the best to you for your surgery and the school year.

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  • ruthbru
    ruthbru Member Posts: 57,235
    edited July 2021

    I was a middle school teacher. I was honest and factual with the kids, but didn't go into detail. "I have breast cancer, I will be gone more than usual for some of my treatments. I will tell you ahead of time when I have to be gone. I am going to be okay (which I wouldn't have said if I hadn't believed it), and you will be okay too." I felt it was a teaching moment about how to handle fear & uncertainty with some grace under pressure. And also to take the stigma away from a cancer diagnosis, and a cancer patient.

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  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 12,424
    edited July 2021

    Oh, you middle school teachers have my admiration! I can only deal with the K-3 world 😊.

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  • star2017
    star2017 Member Posts: 827
    edited July 2021

    I am a teacher, but was parttime when I was first diagnosed and took a year off. This new diagnosis occurred just as the school year ended. My colleagues know, but not the students.

    Best wishes to you.

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  • Middle-School-Teacher
    Middle-School-Teacher Member Posts: 2
    edited July 2021

    Thank you for your advice, especially that anything I tell my students will become public knowledge. That slipped my mind, and it's good to be reminded. I'm going to be missing the beginning of school, so I won't even know these students.

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