A Farewell Tribute to my Favourite Students

After receiving the news that GoGoKid was going to suspend all further classes I decided to make a video as a tribute to some of my favourite students on the platform.
I’m still trying to figure what my next move will be in the world of online teaching and when I have something to announce I’m sure I’ll post about it here.
Until then, you can read more about China’s new education rules here: foreignpolicy.com/2021/07/28/...
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#goodbyegogokid #chinaeducationrules #eslteacher

[@RobKruss]

I couldn't watch to the end. I just cried missing my kids. I was lucky because VIPKID let me know my contract wasn't renewing, so I got to say goodbye to a few, but I'll miss this job so dearly.

[@MichaelVenn]

Nice that you got to say goodbye. Wishing you all the best moving forward! Thanks for watching 🙂

[@giverny28]

The washing hands exchange made me cry. Wow.

[@MichaelVenn]

❤️

[@arkreynoldsa]

I am so glad you did a goodbye video. Closure is needed and fortunately for me my teaching ended just a week before all of this new Chinese rulling became effective. I had 2 TIT's and then failed their IT test so VIPKid put my bookings on a 30 day freeze. Seeing the writing on the wall I took the last class with my students to say goodbye. I'm so glad I had the opportunity! I will greatly miss my students. I wish you the best as you go forward. Please keep your followers posted in your progress through change. I'm confident you will prosper! Hugs

[@nurseware4527]

Your passion for teaching just radiates off the screen. One day the younger children will understand what’s happening but right now, I just hope that the parents are able to lovingly soften the news. Those kids will never forget you! I was still in the application/interview process for 2 ESL companies. I already wake up super early bc I work hospital shifts and was looking forward to teaching in this manner as a second job. Bummed that it’s not meant to be and epic fail on timing for me. I think these skills you have and your presence on stage/video would do wonders for young kids with speech delays (English as s first language). I’m working with my daughter who is 21 months with speech delay and all these principles with ESL (TPR, etc) are very applicable. There are some videos like this out there and we watch each one what feels like a million times. Lol. Thanks teacher Michael for all you do and thank you for keeping the stereotype of how Awesome Canadians are alive for me. LOL.

[@MichaelVenn]

Thank you for such a kind and thoughtful comment. The timing might be off for you but I hope you are able to find another company to work with. Best of luck!

[@jackclements2163]

I've experienced too many situations where I haven't been able to adequately say goodbye to students. When I was maybe 5 years old, I remember from time to time teachers were leaving my school for whatever reason and finishing their time working with us. Some began to cry and as a kid you can't help but wonder..."why is she crying!?". Now I'm a teacher...I know EXACTLY why she / they felt that way! I hope your video here reaches those you miss!

[@MichaelVenn]

Thanks for sharing that story Jack! Moving on is definitely tough, even for the teachers. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment 🙂

[@Howetoplan]

Such cute moments 😊 I have a Mom that watches the class from another room. Every once in awhile, especially if the student and I are playing Pictionary, I’ll hear her yell the English word from the other room. One time I showed the student my yard when it snowed a lot. I could hear her react so excitedly from the other room. She even thanked me in a 5 Apple feedback. It was adorable.

[@MichaelVenn]

I love that! It’s equally as rewarding when a parent gets excited about what you are showing the student. Thanks for sharing

[@halliebrown3282]

I (think) I just taught my last VIPKID class today. I had been holding off watching the video because I was still teaching and didn’t want to deal with the “feels” yet. The only parental reaction I really got was the sassy girl I taught where all the feedback from other teachers was very negative about her attitude. I made sure to ask her what reward she wanted and she behaved well - most of the time. One time her mom came on camera and told me I was the only teacher she would listen to 😆. Good luck to you! Theater is BACK and I hope you get another show soon!

[@mlinnenburger]

So sweet. I haven’t taught in over a year and always intended to go back. Maybe I can try to connect with my VIPKID regulars before it’s too late.

[@staceyc0123]

I love this. Thank you for sharing. I cried watching it. It’s so sad that we couldn’t say goodbye. I miss teaching these wonderful children and really loved the platform. Good luck to you in your next teaching adventure.

[@MichaelVenn]

Thanks Stacey! It’s always sad when you can’t say goodbye to a student you connected with. Thanks for watching and good luck to you as well 🙂

[@jensbz]

Thank you, Michael! I have already gone back and taken screenshots of some of my favorite GGK students to add to my photos to remember them by. I think you've inspired me to take a few minutes out of my search for new employment to go back into the portal while I still can and make a few screen recordings as well. My first foray into online teaching has been an amazing journey. Thanks for your encouragement at the end that we can likely extend the journey.

[@MichaelVenn]

I think it’s a great idea to save some screenshots to add to your camera roll. Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment 🙂

[@valariesuffern7918]

Wow, watching brought back so many memories with my GGK students! Thank you for sharing! What great memories we will have forever!!

[@MichaelVenn]

Thanks so much for stopping by Valarie! Great memories indeed 🙂

[@HarryPotter-qd4ut]

I just want to mention that you’re an amazing person and especially an amazing teacher.

[@ravonnadow9065]

Aaaaaand cue the tears. Sobbing in my kitchen pretty much every day this week after my classes. As a person who came into online teaching from an acting background, you, Michael, have been such an inspiration and an amazing mentor. Thank you for your giant heart and your incredible talent. You've been such an important part of my journey over these last four years. The future is bright! Thank you also for that reminder. A beautiful tribute to your precious students. Be well.

[@mariaregina-ix9xj]

You're such a talented teacher. No wonder why your students love you.

[@MichaelVenn]

Thank you Maria!

[@ayeshahafeez7712]

Wow this has effected so many people so deeply, bcz so many of you didn’t get to say goodbye to these sweet angels. This video is so sweet. Thanks for sharing.

[@MichaelVenn]

Thank you for being here and watching! 🙂

[@gabrielaavalostapia2599]

We always learn from our young students, looks you had a lot of fun😁you have a new subscriber🙌greetings from Guadalajara México 🇲🇽💖

[@ashbyfamily5]

Thank you for your positivity and great attitude! I continue to hold out hope that we will be able to continue teaching online somehow. (I'm with VIPKid).

[@kingjustin81]

Teacher Michael! You don’t know me, but Thank you so much for your videos and helping me take the leap into online teaching a year ago. 4000 classes later I have built so many relationships on VIPkid and got to know so many students in China and around the world! From one Canadian to another! Thank you so much!!

[@MichaelVenn]

Hey Justin! So happy to hear that my videos helped you discover the world of online teaching. I hope you continue to teach and show your students there’s more to Canada than just snow storms and maple syrup haha 🇨🇦

[@teacherlena6194]

Thanks for the video. Got me teary eyed. An end of a chapter and on to something new. I look forward to what videos you decide to do next! :)

[@MichaelVenn]

Thanks Lena! I appreciate the encouraging words 🙂

[@janies-c2260]

This is awesome! Your channel has always been a great inspiration for me! Thank you 🙏

[@MichaelVenn]

Thank you! I appreciate you being here and taking the time to leave a comment. It means a lot 🙂

[@Ben25709]

Oh teacher Michael. I think those kids are going look back their favorite parts. I think that someone could use a hand puppet with goggly eyes.

[@brookestark885]

Great video! Thank you! ‘Still going with VIPKid, and haven’t done more than initial research for the next step. I enjoyed your student clips.

[@MichaelVenn]

Thanks Brooke! I think for a lot of us, myself included, it’ll take a few moments to figure out the next step. Doing research is already a good first step. Best of luck to you!

[@cindyj3441]

Thank you! As soon as I heard the news, I started checking your channel for your input. I loved this video, but it also made me a bit sad. But new things will come. New doors will open. And hopefully new videos from Teacher Michael.:) Thank you for all the help and videos over the past couple of years. I look forward to more videos and hearing about your upcoming adventures. Take care and best of luck.

[@MichaelVenn]

Thanks Cindy! I appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment. More videos to come in this channel, that I’m sure of!! Take care 🙂

[@AntcesRivasMaestra]

So sweet teacher Michael, I love my chinese students si much!!! Success teacher!

[@mechellleroux2]

Such a pleasure to watch. Thanks for sharing Michael!

[@MichaelVenn]

Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment 🙂

[@KristensClassroom]

Michael, this is so incredibly sweet! Thank you for sharing this! :)

[@MichaelVenn]

Hey Kristen! These kiddos were a particularly sweet bunch. Thanks for watching 🙂

[@ragdollerae]

Thank you Michael, I really resonated with so many sentiments that you shared. The fact we weren't able to say goodbye has really hit hard the last few weeks and I really miss my wonderful students! All is not lost and I know our students will remember us and the fun we had! Looking forward to other doors opening in the ESL world, watch this space! Really appreciate your encouragement 🙏 You've inspired me to recap some of my lesson videos 😊

[@MichaelVenn]

I agree with you, I’m sure your students will remember you as much as you remember them. Thanks for watching!

[@3monstersg]

What a sweet tribute to your students! And to the many students who were part of this amazing adventure. Thank you for this wonderful video, Teacher Michael!

[@MichaelVenn]

Thank you for watching 🙂

[@ligiamontani]

I have to say thank you so much for this. I didnt make it with out crying. I appreciate you and your work and your videos that help me land this job in the first place. Your joy for what you do is infectious and I wanted to bring that joy abd energy to my classes too. I so agree there are so many skills I developed in the last year and a half... over 4000 classes... to think I used to be camera shy.... i think the most valuable skill I learned was to kearn to connect quickly and build that relationship. The parent reactions are the best... the most where when we were sharing in the joy of their child learning those moments were beautiful... i will forever be grateful for this opportunity... thank you for the reminder ❤ all the best in your future adventures!

[@MichaelVenn]

4000 virtual classes are bound to get rid of any ounce of camera shyness that might be left haha Thanks for leaving such a thoughtful comment Ligia

[@garrett5298]

Michael, I have enjoyed all of your videos over the last several years. You are a great innovator, communicator and teacher. Until next time. Be blessed, my brother. 🙌

[@MichaelVenn]

Thanks Garrett! I appreciate the kind words. Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to leave a comment 🙂

[@cherihulke9688]

Huge thanks for all the positive videos you've done! This was awesome! I didn't get to say goodbye to my students of 3 years but I can still send cards on the mobile app!!! I'm thankful for all the wonderful moments with these sweet kids AND for the support and wisdom from teachers like you, Michael! I know I was a better teacher having watched your videos. Wishing you all the best! Teacher Cheri

[@MichaelVenn]

That’s so kind of you to say Cheri! I appreciate your encouraging words and I wish you all the best moving forward 🙂

[@cynsue1618]

Thank you, it was uplifting and reminded me of some sweet, funny and interesting times of my own. I’ll miss my kids.

[@MichaelVenn]

I’m sure they’ll miss you too. Thanks for watching!

[@tryingcake101]

I'm vipkid. I'm simply heartbroken right now. I'll heal and go on. But today my heart hurts. We formed bonds that admittedly never should have been formed. I love my children and will miss every last one for a very long time. We were all apart of a great time.

[@MichaelVenn]

You’re right, your heart will heal but it still doesn’t take away the pain of today. Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment. Wishing you all the best moving forward!

[@dorothyly6651]

Thanks so much for this video. It was uplifting and a great reminder why we do what we do. I would love to save some videos like you did. I was wondering how you save the videos before I cannot access them any longer. Thanks so much! P.S. I attended your session on props with the VIPKID conference in Las Vegas a few years back. :)

[@MichaelVenn]

Hey Dorothy! That’s so cool that you were at the props workshop in Vegas!! To record the classes I usually watched the playback on my iPhone and did a screen recording 🙂

[@sermbaable]

This is so great! I really missed the fact I couldn't say goodbye to my students 😭..I was a Whales teacher. I still have access to my classes and will be recording some of them. With one of my last classes I had with one of my favorites, my student also came to the camera excitedly to show me her lost tooth!! It was so cute!! I really had some hilarious and precious moments with some of my students, it will be good memories!!

[@MichaelVenn]

Love the fact that you also got to celebrate a lost tooth with one of your kiddos! Thanks for watching Sara 🙂

[@patricethrives8830]

This past week I realized how much I need to have more than one source of income. I will miss my kids too. You will probably always remember the things in the video clip! Love Spiderman!

[@MichaelVenn]

Having more than one source of income is so helpful, almost necessary. Good luck as you figure things out and thanks for stopping by!!

[@kmrieff]

Loved this! ❤️

[@MichaelVenn]

Thanks!

[@darmakarma102]

so sweet - so many babies that I am going to miss. I do have time to say goodbye to my regulars, bc their parents bought a package. They are allowed to finish out their packages.

[@MichaelVenn]

That’s so great that you’ll be able to see some of your regulars for a little while longer!

[@selizabethallison7716]

I feel the same. At least at VIP Kid we are still having classes and I am saying my goodbyes each class.

[@jessicacole5400]

Thank you for sharing! I wish I had thought to record some of my favs. I hate not being able to properly say goodbye. I will however enjoy sleeping in. :)

[@MichaelVenn]

The blessing in disguise is definitely the extra sleeping in! Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to leave a comment 🙂

[@sandragordon6219]

I can’t watch this. Too sad lol. I was crushed when I found out. I need closure as well Ever class I have with them now I act like it’s my last and I always tell them how much I love teaching them and that they are great kids and that they made a positive impression on my life.

[@MichaelVenn]

I can understand why you couldn’t watch it all the way through, no hard feelings hahah Treating every class as if it’s your last is a great approach! Thanks for being here and taking the time to leave a comment 🙌🏼

[@aliciamoore8679]

I learned a lot from you.

[@MichaelVenn]

Thanks Alicia!

[@jackiesmith5901]

😭😭😭 so sad!

[@ermashahu961]

Would you please tell me something about onboard meeting in All Right ESL company please

[@universality5699]

Hey Michael, I am from India and I wanted to know where can I teach English? Any suggestions?

[@yarnfungirl]

How do you record clips from classes.

[@MichaelVenn]

I watch the playback through the mobile app and did a screen recording on my iPhone 🙂

[@teachingangel2941]

So tell us, are you teaching somewhere online now that you’re not with GoGo Kids, Michael?

[@crazyanime4360]

Why don't you teach as a private teacher now? You can always get students if you have contacts in wechat.

[@ang.giselle2024]

What are you gonna do now? 😊🌸 Are you going to go back to puppeteering? 🙂

[@linazhu7911]

I can help you to get students.

[@catherinedeng]

How to contact you