Korean Job Discussion Forums

[bixlerscott]

Tomorrow I will be teaching my last 4 classes, grades 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th for the last time. I've been teaching these same students for well over a year and I'll probably be letting them down where they'll feel like someone is giving up on them so I'm asking for your advice on how best to tell them bye. I'm not sure if Korean teachers are explaining this situation or what they say about me to the students so I don't know what my students know or don't know and expect, but a severe lack of communication between Koreans and the FET was the primary feature of this job outside the classroom as is common in Korea. I know the students will feel insecure for a few weeks and then get over it when they get used to the new teachers routine who's replacing me this Friday. Student/teacher relationships is why it's best for teachers to teach for 3 to 5 years in the same school, but I must return home as Korea is obviously not my home and I'm a wee bit too homesick and bored after some 480 days away. It's time for me to jet.

[asmith]

[Clockout]

Wow, I'm impressed by your dedication.

I can honestly say I wouldn't think twice about it.

[frankly speaking]

Just think that in public schools students only study with a teacher for a year. It is common for them to adjust. If these were young learners like 6-7 years old it might be hard, but as stated above I doubt that they will be too overwhelmed with grief.

Friday they will be excited to meet someone new. I think that you might feel stronger than they do.

Play some games with them, have some fun. Don't give out your email or do anything like that. Just move on. If some of their parents have made a friendship with you, then correspond with them.

Once you teach 1000s of different students you won't get so attached either. Just let them go. Even though we impact our students and hopefully give them more than just English skills, we are replacable and forgettable for the most part.

[halfmanhalfbiscuit]

They likely don't even know your name. You represent faff about time for 80% of students. They'll do a double take when they see the new guy and that's about it.

I'd just go. It's all moot as the KT will take it upon themselves to make class announcements.

[oldfatfarang]

I'm leaving soon, too. I'll really miss these lovely kids - we've had a wonderful year together, but I bet in 2 weeks they won't even remember my name.

Good luck.

[bixlerscott]

Good advice, Frankley Speaking. Yes, I think it was difficult for the kindergarteners I taught 20 hours a week for a year in hagwon, but won't be much of an issue for 8 to 12 year olds. That's right, they are with their homeroom teachers for only 1 year though homeroom teachers often share classes for different subjects such as art, science, math, and music in smaller schools like mine. Yes, I will just do a fun class and then go. Now I'm only anxious about my severance and airfare money which I'm supposed to get tomorrow.

[andrewchon]

You could play these farewell songs :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywbS0FdwLfU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEdUGfuaqmI

[madoka]

[Fox]

[teacherinseoul]

[valkerie]

I kept in touch with my elementary school teacher when I moved to a new area (I was 7 I think). Later met up as an adult and we comunicated by letter from me leaving until a year or two ago (when they died).

I taught kindy (homeroom) last year and still have contact with 2 kids. They call me sometimes.

I have been teaching for 15 years and can still recall most of my students.

[tek75]

I posted a question similar to this one not too long ago! (I had to say bye to the kids at the elem. school where I taught for 3 years)

Personally, I would explain to them why you're leaving and spend some time answering any questions they may have. I would make it absolutely clear that you're not leaving because of them and highlight the whole family factor ("My parents miss me and want me to go back to America/England/wherever"). The kids should definitely be able to understand that.

For others in a similar position, I would echo the solid advice I received here and say that it's better to tell the kids at least a couple of weeks in advance. It lets the kids get used to the idea and gives them time to tell you goodbye in their own way.

Some of my students probably couldn't have cared less, but I also ended up with over 100 notes and letters, along with various gifts (pencils, notebooks, glass jars full of paper cranes, a homemade cake, and one designer bathrobe!). I think it was good for the kids to express their feelings about leaving, and vice versa.

Anyhow, it's great that you want to leave on a good note with the kids, and I hope it goes well!

[benji]

Play them this short video clip....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjeAKrmu1o0

[bixlerscott]