- Calling Names

[meboriqua at aol.com]

I prefer being called by my first name all the time.  When I first 
started teaching, I was allowed to let my students call me Jenny.  I 
liked that a lot.  Where I student taught, everyone was on a first 
name basis, and there were no problems with respect because of it.  
Everyone at that school got along very well (were very good friends, 
in fact).

Where I teach now, even though I love it, nearly everyone (and I'm 
referring to adults here) uses last names when talking to each other.  
When I speak to my assistant principal, I call her Ms. Lastname.  It 
makes for an atmosphere that has more noticeable tension.  

Occasionally my students will think they're being daredevils and call 
me Jenny in class.  It never bothers me.  These kids are 18 - 21 years 
old anyway, and I call them by their first names.  I do get angry if 
they call me Jennifer - only my parents can call me that!

I'm just not a formal person.  I've been known to call my mom by her 
first name, but that's usually just to get a reaction from her.  I 
actually have a tendency to still call her Mommy (as does my sister).  
I don't know why.

--jenny from ravenclaw *******************************