I have a teacher that just went into buisness with her friend and is opening a studio. There is nothing you can do to avoid them taking your students. Lucky for me, she opened up about 1/2 hour from my studio, so I did not have to worry. But, she was a very liked teacher and I am sure students would of followed her. I have no hard feelings and wish all new studio owners success. If we could only work together, but this is not how it works. If your studio and teachers on staff are good, people won't leave. It is that simple. If we keep our customers happy, than no one should be a threat.
I did help her out and offer my advise to her when she asked.
I was very worried that she would take some of my advanced students and if that happend, I am sure it would have been a HUGE problem, but everyone came back to me this year and we are all happy! (For now) She still teaches for me 1 day a week and is a loved teacher and employee. It will always be in the back of my mind and I think there is a little bit of a trust issue now. I don't feel as comfortable talking about the students and buisness with her now. But, when it comes to right and wrong, it is just WRONG to take students. We all know this, but it will happen. This is my first time having to deal with this and I am thinking about a contract for all new hires.