Oh dear.
One of my sweetest, chattiest, High School Musical obsessed students proudly came into my classroom the other morning carrying not one, not two, but three love letters. For whom? For me! As I conjured up my flattered teacher voice (ok it wasn’t that difficult) I bent over to give her a hug (yep, we can hug here!). It’s always nice to receive little notes and pictures from students.
Then I began to read the largest piece aloud.
I Love You Miss Jill.”
You my love
You my heart
You in my mind”
Luckily the topic quickly turned to… feminism!
At school I write my name, “Ms. Jill.” However, the distinction is completely lost because my students (and fellow teachers) pronounce it “Miss Jill.” I don’t really care too much because I keep my Ms-ness in my heart and overlook the naive connotations attributed to “Miss.” Consequently, I find myself being instructed that “Sister [says] ‘Ms. Jill’ no good! ‘Miss Jill!'”
In America I easily explain to students the distinction between Mrs., Ms., and Miss like so: “‘Mrs.” means ‘married’ … ‘Miss’ means ‘not married’… and ‘Ms.’ means ‘It’s none of your business if I’m married or not!'” Of course it’s really not quite so simple, but the message is delivered.
Standing at my whiteboard with my eager student looking up at me, I decided to give it a go. “In America… this [Mrs.] means husband… you know? Like mama and papa? Husband? This [Miss] means no husband… mafi… and this [Ms.] Mizzzzzz… means maybe husband, maybe no husband…” She was out the door by this point.
I tried.
xo, jill
I really enjoy your stories about your students, Jill! There really is nothing like getting a note from a student. However, I can’t say I have ever experienced anything quite like yours!
Too funny, Ms. Jill!
I’m “speechless.” Nothing like being put on the spot by something totally out of left field! Hope you’re still “friends.”