Students call me Mr.?

Question

I want to be a teacher. Do the students absolutely have to call me Mr? I don't feel comfortable with this, since I started college w/ 60 hours and technically when I finish my degree this fall I could have been in high school w/ these students. Can they just call me Mike?

Answer 1

Well, don't let them call you just Mike.  First off, thats kinda awkward for the kid to call their teacher by their first name.  Second, you should show some authority.  My favorite teachers are those who are more like our friends, and who we can hang out and joke with, but there is a line.  Ultimately, they are our teachers, and there has to be that line for respect.  If you want, though, you could opt for a more familiar "Mr. Mike" or "Mr. M."  I know some substitutes who asked for first names, but just with a "Mr." in front.  Its less formal, but still gives you that authority thing.  If you're a cool teacher, kids might just start calling you "Mr. M" or whatever the first initial of your last name is by themselves, I do that with a lot of my favorite teachers.  

PS: I feel if they are high school kids, a more familiar name is ok, but don't do that if you teach elementary schools.  Its more awkward, and plus, it could confuse the kids, who should be learning that teachers are teachers, not friends.  As they grow up, they can learn how friendly is ok with a teacher, but at that age, they should get simple lessons without mixed messages.  

Answer 2

It's Up To You, just tell them. My name is Mr. and your last name and go and say u can call me Sir, Mr.  or Mike and they will appreciate it

Answer 3

It depends on where you teach.  Some schools want the students to learn respect and will insist that they call you Mr.  Others are fine with first names.  I will say, though, that since you are close to the same age as the students it may be more important than usual that you use things like your name to remind students that you are their teacher, not their buddy.  You will have a hard time getting them to respect you if you aren't comfortable being the adult.  It will become easier as the difference in age grows, and they will naturally think of you as someone to whom they should be paying attention.

Answer 4

The title of Mr. is a show of respect.  Even though the kids you teach may only be a few years younger than you it is important that you keep your level of teacher/student respect.  It would be highly inappropriate for them just to call you Mike.

Answer 5

Ive had teachers that didnt mind us calling them by their first name. See the teachers' guidelines to see if it's appropriate.  

Answer 6

I had teachers that would go by (for example) Mr. Mike.  That seemed to keep everyone satisfied but kept students at a respectful distance.

Answer 7

Not a chance.  The biggest mistake a new teacher can make is to get too friendly with his students.  You need to use the Mr. title so that they take you seriously.  They need to know the boundaries.  I know how you feel.  I remember being the new teacher who wanted to be "in touch" and approachable, but you have to keep boundaries or your students will be your friends and not your students.

Answer 8

They don't absolutely have to use your title, but I don't think it's a good idea.  I've been teaching 16 years.  One of the most important things you need to establish in the room is that you are not an equal to the students.  That's not to say that your students won't have input, or that you'll be a dictator. They need to see you as in charge.  It isn't a good idea to be too informal.  

Answer 9

your not there friend your their teacher