Teaching vs Demanding
One of the biggest differences that I’ve noticed teaching in the south is the demand for respect via Yes, Mam, No Mam. Up north, a simple yeah or yes was accepted, but here it’s different. I respect my children and I expect them to respect me. It is a requirement in the classroom, but when I have parents requesting that I demand that their children reply by yes mam, no mam, it’s tricky. It’s hard to not let it slack because I’m not used to this formality but I do apprectiate the respect and courtesy. After a year, I’m used to it. I value the importance of teaching a child repsect as part of a life skill. Some may argue that I’m pushing my values onto the child but I feel that it is my job as an educator to help these children to be members of society. Please don’t make fun of my child someday when you ask a question for understanding and he or she says Yes Mam or Yes Sir.
