LOSS OF TEACHER

If the teacher becomes ill, moves away, or passes away, the student is left without a teacher and in need of seeking a new one. This situation is usually the most difficult for the parents because finding a new teacher can be difficult (especially if the former teacher did not, or was unable to make a referral). Usually, the parents and student were satisfied with their former teacher and will try to find a replacement that is similar or the same. Unfortunately, this approach may be more difficult than it seems at first glance, and the parents and student should prepare themselves for a new teacher that is likely to be VERY different from the former one.

In addition, the parents should not delay in their search, or allow their search to be dragged on by obstacles, as the student's progress is impeded with the passing of every week without a lesson. The effect a gap in education can have on a student is quite substantial, whether switching teachers or taking a break. (This is one reason KMI teaches year-round and strongly discourages students from taking the summer off.) As a simple rule, with the same teacher a student will usually need ONE catch-up lesson for every TWO weeks gap in continuity. (i.e. To make up for a summer off (12 weeks), a student will need at least 6 catch-up lessons which means a student resuming in September does not actually begin progressing again until around Halloween). With a new teacher, the student will need the same number of catch up lessons plus additional lessons as part of the adjustment period, just to begin progressing beyond where she/he left off with the old teacher. (See "Adjustment Period")