A trusted school counselor or administrator should talk to students when their teacher resigns.
Although rare, a teacher may resign her position before the end of the school year. Even if the students know about it ahead of time, the transition may still be difficult because the students have bonded with the teacher and gotten comfortable with her teaching and discipline style. After a teacher leaves, the students will probably have many questions and concerns. A respected principal or trusted counselor should discuss the situation with the students to help put them at ease.
Instructions
1. Plan to address the topic directly with the students on the day they return to school and find a substitute in their teacher's place. Don't just expect the kids to forget about their former teacher.
2. Ask the teacher to write a short letter to the class. Read it to the students after she resigns. This will help the students feel remembered and cared-for.
3. Determine ahead of time how much you will share with the students. Avoid engaging in speculation and politely shut down invasive or inappropriate questions.
4. Speak truthfully. Although confidentiality concerns may prevent you from answering every question, be as honest as the situation permits.
5. Allow students the opportunity to vent their feelings over the loss of their teacher. Older students may worry that their grades will suffer under the different expectations of a substitute or new hire.
6. Reassure students that it's not their fault. Younger students may feel abandoned and guilty when a teacher resigns without warning.
7. Send a letter home to parents as soon as possible. Explain that the teacher has resigned and describe how the school is handling the transition. Encourage parents to talk about it with their children.
Tags: with students, ahead time, students feel, that their, their teacher
