I’ve worked with teachers a lot over last several years. They definitely have to put up with ever-changing rules.
I think just using the name (first name_last name) that the pupil is registered at the school under, is the safe way to go. If the child wants to go by a different name, then the parent can update the registration info. Then teacher can address child by the different name–after student registration has been updated.
Then just say “they” and “person,” and drop any he/she boy/girl references. That way everyone is covered regardless of laws, fads, or personal preferences. It’s extreme, but it’s the way so stay out of any drama.
Before I retired, that’s how referred to my co-workers.
Example:
Co-worker: “Hey, do you know where Julie is? Did she go to lunch?”
Me: “Not sure. I think they mentioned something about lunch, but I don’t know the timing or anything. Call them on the phone I guess?”
No one ever had an issue, or as far as I can tell, even noticed what I was doing.
Chucklestheclown@hilariouschaos.com 1 day ago
I’ll be moving to Florida soon. I want to live in a red state again. The culture war isn’t that important to me. For some people it is.