Job Discussion Forums

Kurochan · Joined: 01 Mar 2003 Posts: 944 Location: China

I'm going to be moving to a new school next year, and I'm not sure about how/when/if to tell my students about it. They seem to like me a lot, and I think some of them will be disappointed. Sad

They're college freshman now. How should I go about telling them? I think if I didn't say anything, they might feel kind of cheated, and they might sign up for classes next year because they think I'll be teaching them, when really I won't be.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Tell them you're leaving at the last possible time. It isn't much fun teaching a class when they know you are going. Don't tell them it is about money or that the current school isn't very good. Never hang dirty laundry out so students know about it. Usually they know if there are problems, but the info shouldn't come from you.

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

laodeng · Joined: 07 Feb 2004 Posts: 481

I wouldn't worry too much about this. I almost hate to say it, but almost five years' experience here tells me that a lot of the "attachment" they seem to manifest is purposeful. "Ships that pass in the night . . ."

nicdoering · Joined: 28 Mar 2004 Posts: 45 Location: Beijing

Loadeng you're a bit cynical - I left my school in Hunan almost a year ago now and I still get regular phone calls and letters from many of my students and colleagues.

I'm leaving my current school in Zhengzhou next week, and will be telling my students in the last lesson that I'm leaving. It may feel like you should tell them in advance, but it can get awkward, and remember - they are used to things happening at the last minute.

Nic

Shaman · Joined: 06 Apr 2003 Posts: 446 Location: Hammertown

Saying goodbye is nature of the beast in this biz. I just left yesterday and I told my students in advance. Both Gordon and ls650's points came up. I enjoyed my stay, but it was time to move on. Regardless of any possible bad situations through the school, it's better to make the graceful exit.

Shaman

Capergirl · Posted: Sat May 29, 2004 3:45 pm Post subject:

It's pretty rare for an ESL/EFL teacher to stay in one position for years. Surely our students recognize this to some degree. I'm sure my own students wouldn't be too shocked if I were to announce my impending departure. Disappointed, yes. Surprised, no.

debbie10864

TEACHER? WHY ARE YOU SMILING SO BIG?

Very Happy

ha! ha! ha! BECAUSE I'm LEAVING! ha! ha! ha! Very Happy

The way that I see it leaving is the ultimate revenge for all the poop you deal with!!!

YEAH! Countdown 86 days!

laodeng · Joined: 07 Feb 2004 Posts: 481

Good girl, Debbie.

Laura C · Joined: 14 Oct 2003 Posts: 211 Location: Saitama

I second that!

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

debbie10864 · Posted: Mon May 31, 2004 1:57 am Post subject:

83 days!!!!!!! Laughing

Do you think it sounds shorter if you say 12.5 weeks, or 3 months or 83 days????

I think somehow the weeks sound shorter!

Let me tell you at the beginning of May I found a calendar for my desk and started crossing off the days with a big thick black marker with a face like this Very Happy

...the Korean teachers started to look at me really concerned....BAH!

REVENGE WILL BE MINE!

Aramas · Posted: Mon May 31, 2004 2:19 am Post subject:

Someone is becoming cynical Smile

debbie10864 · Posted: Mon May 31, 2004 2:47 am Post subject:

Not cynical my friend.......

Just smelling the sweetness of freedom...... Razz

foster · Joined: 07 Feb 2003 Posts: 485 Location: Honkers, SARS

I told my students once I was certain I was leaving, which was about a month before I left. I still get emails from some of my private lessons from Japan, but shockingly, none of the Nova students write! Smile

My ladies were upset, but their class was being cancelled anyway. My Yao Boys were sad as well, but I still email them and a good friend of mine took over the class, so I have an inside contact.

My students now are asking if I will move up to Form 4 and 2 with them. There is a good chance with the Form 1's I will be going, but not the Form 3's. Some are relieved, others are genuinely upset. Yeah, I can feel the love! Smile