A quick lesson this time. I learned something early in my career that everyone should learn but few do.

I had a new student arrive in my classroom after attending a military high school for a few years. He was very quiet and attentive and when we finally had a chance to really speak, he kept referring to me as “Ma’am”. Now, I was in my early 30s at this point and I bristled at that. I know I made a joke about it and kind of gave him a hard time for calling me a name that made me feel ancient. He laughed and we went on with our day.

It wasn’t too much later in the day when I realized what I had done. I had been upset by a student who was being polite! How utterly ridiculous! When I saw him the next day, I apologized and told him he could call me ma’am anytime he wanted.

As teachers, especially high school teachers, we hear so much rudeness during our day that it becomes the norm. DO NOT LET THAT HAPPEN! This poor kid was being kind and respectful and polite and I didn’t like it. WHAAAAT?? I have never once since criticized or even joked when a student has been more formally polite than his classmates. Take politeness when you can get it!