I think majority of my educators have maybe a master’s degree at my community college and I’m conflicted whether I should address them as ms/mr, professor, or even doctor. I’m most comfortable addressing them as mr/ms but I don’t want to seem rude and say the incorrect honorific.
Sorry if this is in the wrong topic this is my first post.
If I’m not sure what the instructor is, I say “Instructor”. Ex: “Instructor, how do we…?”
If it’s an email, I’d look them up on the CC’s website. Try googling their name or finding them on LinkedIn.
I’d go with Professor, personally.
If they have a PhD I call them Dr.“Last Name”, if they don’t, or I don’t know, I say Professor.
I second the advice to google them to see their degree level.
(Edit: My CC was SMC, and most of my professors were PhDs)
Would it be rude if I used ms/mr (last name)?
Just don’t. Call them “Professor X” until/unless they correct you.
I teach at a cc. Professor in this context is an honorific that has nothing to do with degree or rank. As such, its the best first guess. If the person has another preference, they’ll probably tell you or you’ll find out another way
I always address them in email and in person as Professor. If they are a Doctor I address them as such.
It’s generally a good rule of thumb to ere on the side of more formal and respectful so I would recommend going with Professor, if they don’t specify how they would like to be called. If they have a PhD, then “Doctor” is fine. If they prefer something else, they will tell you. Is there a reason you don’t feel comfortable addressing them as Professor?
I just came out of high school so I guess I’m just adjusting from calling my educators mr/ms for 13 years. So far I’ve been calling them mr/ms, do you think any of them are offended?
U don’t have to read their resumes to find out tbeir highest degree. Since they are professors, then just address them as “Professor”.
Probably not, if you have no indication that they are (by having someone correct you, based on someone’s reaction or affect when you speak to them). But I mean, it’s not that hard to just start calling them professor. It’s nice, respectful, and appropriate. Many students make the transition all of the time. Keep it in mind when addressing them, and after a couple of weeks, it’ll just be a habit. Easy.
It depends. I recently finished up at a CC, and some of the staff were fine with being called by their first name, Mr. or Mrs./Professor. If they had a PhD I would also address them as professor.
Probably. But if no one has corrected you yet, then it’s not a major issue for them.
Is there some reason you feel it’s too difficult to use “professor”, which has long been an appropriate term?
I call them by professor something. I my do hey you if I don’t like the guy.
I’m not sure you can call them professors… I was always under the impression that “Professor” is a title reserved for that specific job (full-time employees of a university with responsibilities including expectations of research, training others to do research, possibility of tenure, etc.) while “Instructor/Lecturer” (and possibly “Adjunct”, but in a different context) are reserved for employees of the school who only teach classes.
It sounds somewhat strange to me, but I’m very title-conscious/always want to use the appropriate title with whoever’s teaching my course.
Edit: As aforementioned, I’d call them “Instructor” and look up whether they’re a Mr/Ms or Dr when sending an email.
“Professor” is acceptable for anyone teaching at the college level. It does not require you to know their academic title. Calling someone “Instructor” just types you as an oddball.
The only thing I would add is that female PhDs are often referred to as Ms. So-and-so, when their male counterparts are referred to as Dr. So-and-so. For that reason, I try to look up the names and degrees of my professors (it takes 30 seconds on google)!
@purpleacorn, I’ve never heard a female with a doctorate called “Ms.” unless the person doesn’t know she has a doctorate. Dr works for both sexes if you can confirm that they have a doctorate.
I do agree with the above statements that say “Professor” unless otherwise stated. I’d like to add though that if you meet them in person, address them with whatever title and name they introduce themselves with.