When colleagues leave...

A fantastic colleague of mine is leaving today and I feel really sad. Usually I am not emotional about these things, perhaps it is my age but I think it might be due to the circumstances. She is leaving because her husband's job takes her to a new country and the whole family are to relocate.

When I move from a school it is because I am ready to leave and it means I am looking forward to the next steps in my teaching career. And the same has applied to people who leave my school; I am pleased for them as they are going to bigger and better things.

This is different. Not only is my friend and colleague moving to a distant continent, but I don't feel she reached her potential in our department or impacted on it the way that she might have done. It feels unfulfilled.

However, I wish her and her family well and hope that they have a smooth transition to their new lives.

Who gets to say what makes a good teacher?

Last day at my current school today. The group I have taught for 4 years (with a few substitutions, but more or less the same) have gone to extreme lengths to send me off in style.

I don't usually consider myself to be an outstanding teacher. (I haven't been held up as being a shining example, and no one from management has said anything about me being a good teacher that has left a lasting impression).

However, all of that is irrelevant because today I discovered that the students I teach appreciate what I do. I have managed to inspire and make physics fun for the students and hopefully hold their engagement to the end of the course. That is all the matters.

What makes a good teacher? Positive relationships and enthusiasm.

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Location:Rudgleigh Ave,Easton-in-Gordano,United Kingdom