Addressing teacher as Sir in an adult college?

James_is_Grounded · Oct 31st 2023, 4:32am

Hi everyone i'm not in school anymore now as i am 19. I just started a 2 year course in an adult college.
Anyway i have a male teacher and on the first day i immediately started addressing him as Sir at all times when talking to him. Now this is an adult college and its not the same as school. There isn't a rule that you have to address teachers as Sir but i just find that i like to show respect and saying Sir comes naturally to me.
I noticed that a couple of others also address him as Sir but most of the people in the class don't and even the ones who do aren't doing it as much as i am.
I wondered does anyone here think its necessary for me to keep doing this? I should point out that neither the teacher or anyone else in the class has said anything to me about it, the teacher hasn't told me to stop or that i don't need to so i assume i should keep addressing him as Sir.
Also i was the first one to say Sir on day one and some of the others started saying it after i did so maybe i influenced them haha
Also i am one of the youngest in the class. The age range is from 18-25

BlackParadePixie · Oct 31st 2023, 5:13am

I mean...I don't really think it's necessary. But I'm sure the teacher appreciates it. And might look more favorably on you when grading your work...even though technically they aren't supposed to do that...but it does happen.

gagefromtx · Oct 31st 2023, 1:27pm

Sir or Mam is just being respectful. I always do this with teachers, parents and most other adults. My dad always does this like even with a convenience store clerk.

naturelover-VT · Oct 31st 2023, 1:41pm

I would carry on as before. it shows respect for the teacher. In addition, as a higher-ranking/older person, he would be entitled to offer you the YOU (friendly/matey) beforehand.
I also address my professors at university as Mr. or Ms. Doctor/Professor.
EDIT: However, we students are also addressed as YOU (formally).

AshleighB · Nov 5th 2023, 7:49am

I think it’s just a natural way especially when you’ve had to do it while at school, but universities and colleges don’t really expect you to especially as we are all adults (well supposedly)

Robrob12 · Nov 6th 2023, 4:05pm

my parents have taught me that it is showing a sign of respect towards another person to address them as sir/ maam. I see no rrason not to continue as you are

Chris 17 · Nov 7th 2023, 1:40pm

Robrob12 wrote:

my parents have taught me that it is showing a sign of respect towards another person to address them as sir/ maam. I see no rrason not to continue as you are

I'm the same as you @Robrob12 and was taught the same respect for my seniors and I'm proud of it tbh

Henry Chen · Feb 16th 2024, 3:21am

In my school I feel like most of the younger kids call an adult teacher “Mr”, while the older students call them “sir”.

I think sir definitely sounds better than calling a teacher “Mr” haha

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