Seriously, based on the next IM convo alone, I think I should be nominated for a Humanitarian Award. I mean, I re-read the convo, and was wow’ing over how much I truly CARE about my former students.. and how much this parent really cares about the education of her child and her child’s peers. It’s truly incredible to see how much of a positive impact and influence I had in just my one year of teaching last year. It’s touching to know that my presence can be so favorably long-lasting to these littles. I never really thought I’d get soooo attached to my students. (It prolly makes it easier now since I’m in a rather crappy situation at current school.) But, I need not say anymore.. but have you read… I guarantee that you’ll think my portrait should be up there alongside Mother Teresa… LOL

These kids are SOOOOO smart.. would put the 5th graders in my current school to ridiculous shame!!..and I’d like to say even more advanced than Stateside kids at their grade level, and this new teacher of theirs is KILLIN’ their enthusiasm to learn!! Arggggggh!

(P.S. Nay – If you think that last one was sad, check this one… )

[Again, I opted for the bold statements that got me whoa'ed.]

Ms. M says: Sorry about before, I had some students in the office.. I meant to ask… how is E doing with her Science and Social Studies?
Former Parent says: She is a sweet girl, she studies hard even if she cannot grab the meaning directly, she always try to finish all the work with me or daddy. We at home, help her to the utmost, however,I feel the teacher does not bring over the knowledge at class very well…
Ms. M says: You mentioned Open House yesterday, were you able to see the new teacher teach?
Former Parent says: It’s a joke, I tell you . Dean arrange a Chinese class for us to observe.
Former Parent says: we have to complain to her and finally we will get a chance for this coming Friday.
Ms. M says: aye yah!
Former Parent says: next week is mid-term exam. I took out her handouts from Sep and Nov, they nearly learned 100 new spelling, but I noticed, more than half of the words, E cannot remember the meaning, some even I have difficulty to know it, they are not frequent used words at all- at least from my point of view.
Ms. M says: That is a lot of words.
Former Parent says: yes, and can you image that they check them one by one and write down the definitions one by one.
Ms. M says: My concern would be the students losing interest and confidence in their English… because they really shouldn’t. Each of them are very much capable.
Former Parent says: such little kids that they have to spent so much time to write down the meaning from the dictionary, and finally they still do not know the meaning of it…
Former Parent says: yes, some kids are afraid of going to school on Wednesday, cos today has most english classes
Ms. M says: awwwwwwwwwwwwww don’t tell me that!
Former Parent says: can you image, girls like Hannah , crying at home and afraid of not finishing her homework because she does not understand it …
Ms. M says: Yes, I am aware… you’re not the only former parent that has reached out to me. It makes me sad to see/hear that their confidence be exhausted.
Ms. M says: But aside from spelling and reading.. how is grammar, science and social studies?
Former Parent says: i feel for grammar, there is a lot of repetitions so far, still review a lot of statement, questions, exclamations,
Ms. M says: That’s what grammar will be…. the hard part was first grade, to introduce it.. once they master it.. that will stick with them..and will continue to review throughout all upcoming years. From that, they will gradually move on to writing etc.
Ms. M says: My fear is the kids “fearing” to speak/practice and use their English.
Former Parent says: ☹
Former Parent says: they do not get writing task on a regular base, however, suddenly a lot, for eg, during the past National Holiday they were asked to write 7 journals for 7 days! And until today, we do not see any feedbacks from teacher on the journals yet…
Ms. M says: oh boy.. now u see how much I worked last year.. I was going a little nuts myself! But somehow, I survived! hahah
Former Parent says: hehe, yes, we all appreciated your work, image that how we miss you
Former Parent says: to be frankly, I would like so much to get you back … by pushing the school principal, but on the other hand, I see that you must be enjoying your current teaching life!
Ms. M says: Thank you, I appreciate the kind words… but yes, it wouldn’t be so easy as I can’t just leave my current school behind… as much as I do care for my former kids.
Former Parent says: well, I am not pushing you.(I am happy that you spend time to listen to our problem, and I get good insights from you as a teacher to better guide my kids…) This is school responsibility to ensure the teaching quality level.
Ms. M says: Yes, I know.. but in many ways.. I feel attached as if they are each my own sons and daughters too… (I can’t help it, especially when I’ve spent so many hours with them on the daily for one year.)
Former Parent says: you are just born for kids!
Former Parent says: I believe, wherever you teach, you will use your heart and will fall in love with your kids. Your current kids are just as lucky as our kids last year… only 1 year is really too short for ours….
Ms. M says: My concern at this point is the kids’ enthusiasm for English… (practicing oral and creative writing)… if there is something that I can do, to bring that back up.. let me know and I’ll see what I can do.
Former Parent says: come back for them,,,,,,,,,
Former Parent says: :-(
Ms. M says: HAHAHAHAH
Ms. M says: I’d love to have them again….but it is sooooo farrrrrrrr for 5 times a week… Imagine that – I was doing all that work on top of commuting!
Ms. M says: If the Dean lets me hold class once or twice a week..then OK.. hahaha
Former Parent says: really!!!
Former Parent says: if there is one single chance… we go for it
Ms. M says: haha, well i meant if it were for a new school year. i can’t do that now.. because I work 5 days at this school.. i only have my weekends!
Former Parent says: well, once ro twice a week is also not realistic… but you have a one-year contract or 6 month with your current school?
Former Parent says: i mean, will we have the chance after winter holiday?
Ms. M says: it is a one year contract.
Former Parent says: :-(
Former Parent says: The Dean said to us that you only stay in China for 6month and then go back to USA
Ms. M says: for this yr? what does Dean know??? hahaha that is funny
Former Parent says: well, cos we complain them that they cannot hold qualified teachers, so they try to convince us that we will lose you anyway…
Ms. M says: The school is able. They have 3 current teachers who are going on their 3rd and 4th year.
Ms. M says: Like I said, mine was a personal (lifestyle) decision. I have a good rapport with the Dean… no problems. I left on good terms.
Ms. M says: But from my perspective, I didn’t think it would cause such an uproar with me leaving. I mean, there could’ve very well been a very good new teacher for them this year, you know?
Ms. M says: I certainly can’t do anything now, because I am under contract with a different school.
Ms. M says: I am almost a bit shocked to hear from different parents that express more/less the same views as you do.
Ms. M says: Unfortunately, when I visited the school, the new teacher was not there, so I did not get to meet her.
Former Parent says: you already mean a lot to me and kids, when you spend so much time and show much concern on them,,, these two days with me .
Ms. M says: But if you and the other parents feel quite strongly that the kids’ enthusiasm and willingness to learn English is diminishing..and can’t keep up with their current lessons, and if there’s a way that I can help… MAYBE even giving up a couple hours from one day of my weekend.. tutor or mentor whichever, I may consider devoting some time to the kids… because it is a shame that even the “top” kids are going home, crying over homework.
Former Parent says: oh, no. I am not very sure about doing that, I am afraid that they will only want to learn with you at weekend, instead of in the class at day school. You may agree with me that knowledge is important, but establishing a positive learning behavior at school means more…
Former Parent says: I mean it is a nice offer from you …really touched
Ms. M says: Yes absolutely, but at this point.. that’s all I can offer of my own self-physically… I know parents are reaching out to me to try to get me back, but there is no way I can make two of myself to be in 2 places at once.
Ms. M says: But honestly, it’s not just the parents. When I went to visit, the kids themselves told me… and it was awful to see the sadness in their eyes.. and they pleaded and asked if I would come back. So trust me, when I know. …and all I can do is offer advice to you parents.
Ms. M says: But at least, if they still see and are reminded of English… in a proper setting.. with somewhat frequency, they won’t lose all interest. They are too young and too bright to lose interest!
Ms. M says: (The kids were smart. I asked them if I taught them, what about my new students at new school?.. They told me, they have a new tv in the classroom, so they can see me teach and follow along the lesson.) hahahahaha
Former Parent says: yes, yes, E still now when she is making homework, she is always saying ‘oh, this I have learned from Ms. M, oh that, Ms. M taught us before,,,” you know, in their little brain, you are still their english teacher !
Former Parent says: hahahhah
Ms. M says: I was impressed with their idea!
Ms. M says: Well, the kids will always remember their first teacher. E is a smart girl… I don’t want her to think she is anything less of that!
Former Parent says: maybe I shall think over about your offer…
Ms. M says: It’s of no pressure from my end. (I mean, I can use the extra hour of sleep and rest on my weekend as well.) But these kids really shouldn’t be stressing ..AT GRADE 2!!
Former Parent says: if we come to you for private tutoring, it is our pure personal choice – us parents and children.
Ms. M says: But again, I don’t want to add pressure on you or the kids.. especially if they already have homework. It is a suggestion as since I for sure, can’t just leave my contract and head back at this point..but I keep hearing all this drama from former parents, I feel it is at least “something” I can do for my little babies.
Former Parent says: it will be among few of close friends,however, I believe more parents would like to come to you if one day they know it.
Ms. M says: sorry, be right back.i have a meeting
Ms. M says: sorry, it was such a long meeting.. i am about to leave the office now.. we can talk more another time.. have a good night!

….so this will be TBC…

. . don’t burn the day. .