Is it appropriate for a teacher to call her student "sweetie"?

Question

Haley is 15 years old. Recently she's got a new teacher for her cello classes. The teacher is very nice and Haley really likes her. A couple of days ago when Haley played her best the teacher called her "sweetie".

Is it appropriate? professional? or should I start worrying? I just don't want her to take advantage of Haley.

Haley is all excited about that. She has got a real crush on her.

Answer 1

Look at the situation...does the teacher call Haley "sweetie" on a regular basis? Does the teacher behave in any way inappropriately with Haley? Does Haley feel uncomfortable with the use of the term? From what part of the country is the new cello teacher?

I have taught for 30 years and I am known to at times use "pet names" such as sweetie, honey bunch, my dear, etc. when speaking to a student or group of students. There are times when I call all students by two names, their first name and then "Louise" as if it were their middle name. I do not do so on a daily basis and I do so to lessen the formality of the class if I feel it needs to be done. This may be more common in the South.

I think you are making a mountain out of a mole hill. However, if it bothers you or your daughter, take the teacher aside and ask her not to...it is as simple as that.

Answer 2

Personally, I don't there's really anything overly inappropriate here. I think it's simply the music teacher is a very personable woman who thought she's being complimentary.

And if she's an older woman, that's the way many of them speak. They're respectful and use the word "sweetie" as a compliment to ones doing a good work, rather than in a sexual nature.

But if Haley doesn't feel comfortable with being called sweetie, then there's nothing wrong with letting the teacher know that perhaps she wants to use a different word.

If it was a male teacher calling her sweetie, then that could be inappropriate. In my case, I always avoid words that may be mistaken by some, and sweetie is one of them.

Answer 3

I've been known to call a class of students my love-bugs when they're good and little monsters when they're bad - it's just a way of addressing them and doesn't mean anything. Sometimes I use a term of endearment when talking to a student because I can't remember a name or because that student seems to need some verbal praise. I really wouldn't read anything into it.

Does Haley seem disturbed by the appellation? There's where you should take your cue.

Answer 4

I live in the south and it is very common to hear sweetie this or sweetie that. If it is a teacher of the opposite sex and you are concerned then maybe talk to the teacher and explain you are uncomfortable with it

Answer 5

teachers call students sweetie all the time. Basically though, it depends on how it was said, whether it sounded serious and affectionate or not. But lots of times it just means they're nice.

Answer 6

As a male teacher, I would never call any of my students, "Sweetie"--just as I would never call anyone but my wife and kids, "Sweetie.'

A 15 year-old is a high school student; I would consider this unacceptable and demeaning to a young female.

Just my thoughts, but schools have changed since we attended--even if it was just a few years ago.

Answer 7

If the teacher's really old or really young then its okay and if the teacher has a young child thats fine too. I guess it doesn't really matter at all.

Answer 8

Highly unbecoming of teacher to use such names " she can call her by her name", or add miss Haley.
I personally take a stern view of this street language.
Female friends of their ages/class can sparingly use in love and tussle.

Answer 9

It is not appropriate for a teacher (male or female) to call a student (male or female) 'Sweetie" unless that happens to be the student's name.

Answer 10

i think ur overreacting a wee bit, there's nothing wrong with that, especially since it's a female teacher...if it was a male teacher, then I'd worry.