At what age can an adult start addressing former teachers by their first name?

Answer 1

We don't call teachers Mr/Mrs because they are teachers - we do so because it's the correct form of address.

It's always correct form for a youth to address an adult formally: Mr. Smith, Mrs. Jones, Dr. Johnson, Coach Brown,....

It's also always correct for adults to address each other this way but it's an etiquette issue that has been lost on the last couple generations. In a non-social environment, even adult - adult address should be formal.

I address all teachers (and everyone else) by title and (often to their shock) insist that they do the same for me. I do this even when they say "call me John" - it's just the proper courtesy.

Now, when we're out having a beer or on the court for a friendly game -- I might still do it the proper way.

You call your friends by their first name - everyone else has a title. And, so do you - insist people use it. ☺ Shock some people you know, use titles.

Answer 2

I think it's a respect thing. You really shouldn't call a teacher by their first name unless they say it is okay with them. If it makes the teacher uncomfortable, tell them Mr or Ms is the way you'd like to be addressed. I've seen some of my teachers from 10 years ago and I still call them Mr/Ms...

Answer 3

I think teachers assume a small parental role and that level of respect develops. And though you are much older, that teacher had a hand in making you what you are today and that feeling sticks in our most of minds and the teachers'. But I think it ultimately depends on the teacher and the type of relationship he/she wants with you (adviser, friendly, confidant, etc.).
When you become a teacher, I think the relationship changes from parental to apprenticeship (sort of). But, in this case, you're more of a co-worker and a peer, so it maybe cool to call the teacher by first name. But again, it depends on the type of relationship.

Answer 4

When I became a parent I began to call teachers by their first names. If they objected, I used the Mr./Mrs.. I called my elementary school teachers by their last names. So my answer is 25

Answer 5

That's an interesting question! When I really think about it...if I ran into my former high school math teacher, I would probably still call him Mr. Cordova...and I'm 35 years old. Old habits die hard!

Answer 6

The best indicator is the teacher's invitation. I had a physics teacher who I ran into a year or two after high school. Before I had a chance to finish my sentences ("Hello, Mr....") he cut me off and just said 'You can call me Peter!'

Answer 7

When I began teaching alongside my former teachers, it became okay. Until then, it was respectful to continue to use Mr. or Mrs. X.

Answer 8

It's not an age thing, but a respect thing. It would occur naturally if they become colleagues. But I wouldn't cross that border until the teacher asked me to.

Answer 9

When the teacher says, 'Call me Melissa.' (Or whatever her first name is)

Answer 10

You really shouldn't call anyone by their first name unless that's how you're introduced, or they ask you to.