‘A Donkey Knocked Out the Electricity Poles’ and Other Reasons Online Teachers Cancelled Lessons
Yes, a donkey really did disconnect an entire community.
Successful lesson delivery is one of the most important operational aspects for online education businesses. If teachers don’t show up for scheduled classes, students demand refunds and the company’s reputation suffers.
But as much as you might plan to avoid cancelled classes, they happen. Your teachers are real people with real challenges in the unique environments where they are based all around the world.
Some regions have animals roaming around. Others are vulnerable to severe storms that can damage infrastructure. Others have their internet fibre lines running along the perimeter fence, vulnerable to the elements... and curious pets.
Having a remote, diverse workforce in 69 different countries leads to some interesting “I can’t come to work” calls!
10 Real Reasons Teachers Gave For Cancelling Classes
1. "My dog chewed my fibre cable."
When your pet literally (and semi-permanently) disconnects you from the internet.
2. "My eyeliner went into my eye."
Proof that getting camera-ready for class can sometimes backfire.
3. "I slept on my arm."
Apparently the 'dead arm' phenomenon is real - and occasionally class-cancelling severe.
4. "My laptop was struck by lightning."
Rare, dramatic, and unfortunately very effective at bringing an abrupt end to online teaching.
5. "My roof fell off."
Shocking, traumatising, and 100% justifiable.
6. "I am currently at a wedding after party."
Time zones and some questionable planning don't always mix well.
7. "My cat chewed my headset."
Pets: adorable, emotionally supportive... and often destructive. We're sensing a theme.
8. "I was robbed of all my internet devices."
Very specific, very suspicious, when all the other valuables had been left behind.
9. "I slipped in the shower and can't get up."
Would have passed, had the call not indeed come from a very upright teacher.
10. "My hairpin went into my eye."
Stay away from the eyes, teachers!
Life Happens, But Lessons Need To Go On
What ever the reason may be, managing cover for a short notice lesson cancellations can be challenging, and most of the time they end up in a missed class.
But that doesn’t have to be the case.
Online schools partnered with The Really Great Teacher Company have the benefit of a dedicated online teacher pool and management team, which means a fill-in can easily and quickly be arranged. At no additional cost.
If you are struggling to manage teacher attendance and your lesson delivery rate is under 99%, our TMaaS (Teacher Management and Development as a Service) can help!