Teachers - do you mind being called by your first name (by parents)?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Taught school. I cannot imagine having the kids use my first name. It's the same as dressing appropriately. If your are dressed better, you behave better.

But the OP's question is, how do you feel about having the PARENTS use your first name?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Mr, Ms, Mrs, keeps it professional regardless of age.

But these titles are rarely used between adults in a professional setting these days, especially after the first meeting.

[Anonymous]

Call me Sir, godammit!

[Anonymous]

We used to be at one of those first name only schools, and now no longer are. There was more respect between parents, teachers and kids at the first name school, no question. If you use first names without the high expectations, maybe that would be an issue.

I am more comfortable having a teacher use my first name and would like to be able to do the same at the current school. I tend to use the titles when the kids are present.

[Anonymous]

I am a teacher and yes, I do mind, especially if I am still teaching your child. We can go on a first year basis after I am done teaching him/her. Otherwise, it just sends the wrong message.

[Anonymous]

Is there any other profession where it is still common to use last names (other than doctors)? Teachers are actually aging themselves and making themselves look less professional by insisting on the usage of last names.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My child's school uses only first names for teachers, and I am so glad. This is a community, why all the competition in what titles should be used. Call everyone by their first names and get on to bigger issues, such as teaching.

Just curious--do you feel that way about all professions? Personally, I'm fine with my first name being used; but I wouldn't address a parent by his/her first name.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Mr, Ms, Mrs, keeps it professional regardless of age.

But these titles are rarely used between adults in a professional setting these days, especially after the first meeting.

Exactly! I've been a lawyer for almost 20 years now, and I can't remember a single time that either I or another lawyer (who isn't a judge) has been introduced using Mr., Ms., or Mrs. At this point, I think doing so would be incrediby awkward. It is no longer the professional norm.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is there any other profession where it is still common to use last names (other than doctors)? Teachers are actually aging themselves and making themselves look less professional by insisting on the usage of last names.

Oh no! How awful!

</sarcasm>

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My child's school uses only first names for teachers, and I am so glad. This is a community, why all the competition in what titles should be used. Call everyone by their first names and get on to bigger issues, such as teaching.

Just curious--do you feel that way about all professions? Personally, I'm fine with my first name being used; but I wouldn't address a parent by his/her first name.

Absolutely, unless it is a titled profession (doctor, the honorable, ...). I don't ever want to be addressed as Ms. or Mrs. When it is done, it is usually done wrong. Please do not call me by my child's last name. I will respond, of course. But, I will think less of you, your attention to detail, and your knowledge of the complexities of names among professional women, especially if you actually know my correct first name.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My child's school uses only first names for teachers, and I am so glad. This is a community, why all the competition in what titles should be used. Call everyone by their first names and get on to bigger issues, such as teaching.

Just curious--do you feel that way about all professions? Personally, I'm fine with my first name being used; but I wouldn't address a parent by his/her first name.

Absolutely, unless it is a titled profession (doctor, the honorable, ...). I don't ever want to be addressed as Ms. or Mrs. When it is done, it is usually done wrong. Please do not call me by my child's last name. I will respond, of course. But, I will think less of you, your attention to detail, and your knowledge of the complexities of names among professional women, especially if you actually know my correct first name.

I would agree with you, except you excluded doctors, judges, etc. Sounds very 1950's . . .

[Anonymous]

When I'm in court, we use titles. We don't use first names.

I always use the teacher's title. I want my kids to understand that they are not on the same level as adults.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When I'm in court, we use titles. We don't use first names.

I always use the teacher's title. I want my kids to understand that they are not on the same level as adults.

You use titles when just talking to opposing counsel in the courtroom or when you are in front of a judge? I have never used a title with another attorney unless we are actually speaking to the judge, and we typically don't speak to each other during open court. When directly speaking to opposing counse in a courtroom when court is not in session, I use first names.

[Anonymous]

Um, a teacher does not have "a title." Unless you are calling him/her "Teacher."

[Anonymous]

As a parent, I always call teachers Ms./Mr. SoandSo, and they do the same for me while my child is in their classroom. The next year, if they seem friendly and call me by my first name I go ahead and say their first name. I address emails Ms./Mr. but sign my first name last name. They often respond without Ms./Mr. but I just can't seem to call them by first name easily - I guess I'm old fashioned.