Teacher Reputation

[ameliatan]

Dear Teachers – I am very sorry to continue this thread from previous post ‘Unprofessional Teacher’. Thanks for all your advice. I just took this as a learning experience, and strangely it has motivated me to focus more on my students now. I guess, it’s the feeling of being labeled as a bad teacher, that has motivated me to become the best there is!

My only fear is this unhappy lady is likely to ‘bad-mouth’ me to potential clients. Would you as parent hesitate to call me if you heard accusations which are untrue – but of course, how would you know unless you asked me what really happened! I hope this doesn’t sound silly but, I don’t know how to behave if I meet her (or her son)??  In my last reply, I just apologized for being unsuccessful with her child and didn’t bother to defend myself – will take too long to post!
The good news is I am teaching 3 kids in the same condominium whom I think are happy with me. It was one of their parents who recommended me to her! I am just focusing on making lessons fun and enjoyable for the students I have now, even more so for these 3 kids. Its just that there are many kids in my apartment, I have seen them grow and they are at a teachable age now. My only fear is my reputation (teaching and personality-wise ) is ruined just because of this 1 student 

[vaniii]

Don't take yourself so seriously.

When a student like this leaves, we feel responsible, however the bad feelings are usually not without warrant.

Some students bounce from place to place complaining about teachers, but, "If there is a funny smell where ever you go, check to sole of you shoe".

Your reputation matters very little in these circumstance, providing you are who you say you are.

If you do what you do, to a high quality, with good students, and evidence of good students and teaching, people will gravitate towards you.

Generally speaking, the people who gossip are not the sorts of client you want.

Please get over it; its not as bad as you think or feel.

Was that your first?

[keypeg]

If as a parent or an adult student I hear feedback about a teacher, I assess that person's attitude as much as I assess their words.  I think most people do.  I.e. don't worry about it.  Someone like that tends to complain everywhere about everything, and listeners take it all with a grain of salt.

[quantum]

When searching for reviews (can extend to things like contractors and other professionals) I am highly suspicious of reviews that paint 100% approval from everyone.  Not everyone will agree with you, and there are just some nasties out there that you will come across from time to time that are determined to bring you down.  If you are being true to yourself and your teaching philosophy, there will be those that disagree, and that is absolutely fine! 

Teach for your students, not the potential reviews they could give.