You can call me .....

I have taught so many years, I do run through a repertoire of names for the children based on their siblings, cousins, or parents whom I may have taught.  There is a reason I put nametags on each desk.  I tell them it is for other teachers who may be leading them.  I am not lying, just leaving out details.

I confuse my daughters' and granddaughter's names and I can't forget how I confuse my poor son-in-laws' names. 

When I first began teaching, it took me a while to get used to being called Mrs. Pride.  I also was called Mom and sometimes Grandma.  When I became a mom, I said it was ok to be called Mom, but not Grandma and that changed when I became a grandmother.

That brings me to my point.  Some teachers are offended when children call them Teacher.  It may be that they think the child is lazy or can't remember their name.  I take it as a term of respect.  There is a dear senior lady at St. John who always greets me with a huge smile on her face, "Hi, Teach!"

The disciples and other people around Jesus called Him Teacher.  I imagine them tapping His arm, plying Him with questions, and saying, "Teacher, Teacher, Teacher." If it's good enough for Him, it's more than good enough for me.

John 1:37-39New International Version (NIV)
³⁷ When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. ³⁸ Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?”
They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”

 P.S. The children are also thrilled when they can tell me they drove by my house and saw me mowing or saw my Christmas lights on.  They know "where I am staying" until I reach my heavenly home.  I pray to see them there, too!