I'm a teach and struggle with this a lot because I grew up in the midwest and comical overpoliteness is really natural for me. Recently, I've found my students (early elementary) are most responsive to 'ayo'. Very little kids also find it cool and mysterious if you call them 'little one'.
With older students, if you are able to naturally and confidently say 'student' the awkwardness is manageable. Practicing to make it automatic is probably your best option. Esp. with subbing, the stakes if you flub bad are one bad day or just one bad period if you are not self-contained. Also if you are only a little uncomfortable, I recommend wearing a trans pride pin.
I'm a teach and struggle with this a lot because I grew up in the midwest and comical overpoliteness is really natural for me. Recently, I've found my students (early elementary) are most responsive to 'ayo'. Very little kids also find it cool and mysterious if you call them 'little one'.
With older students, if you are able to naturally and confidently say 'student' the awkwardness is manageable. Practicing to make it automatic is probably your best option. Esp. with subbing, the stakes if you flub bad are one bad day or just one bad period if you are not self-contained. Also if you are only a little uncomfortable, I recommend wearing a trans pride pin.