DEAR ABBY: I live in a small town in Pennsylvania, where I teach fifth grade and coach at the local school. I love my job and feel lucky to be teaching next door to my mentor.
The problem is there's another teacher and a student with whom I share the same name. I can't help but feel discouraged when colleagues and students refer to me as "Junior ( )" or "Fake ( )" and make jokes about it on a daily basis. I try to laugh it off, but it does get to me. I feel I should be respected because I am a professional. Is there a better way to handle this so it doesn't negatively affect my day? -- FRUSTRATED TEACHER
DEAR FRUSTRATED: The people who do this may think they're hilariously funny, but when students do it, it is disrespectful. Tell them you would prefer to be addressed as "Mr. (first initial of your last name)."
As for your colleagues, remind them that you are an adult now, nothing about you is fake -- and give yourself a nickname more acceptable than "Junior." Do it with humor. If they slip up, keep reminding them, and eventually it will catch on.