I used to get in trouble for not saying Ma’am as a young refugee from the People’s Republic of NY ....
Apparently, the desired - or at least appropriate - term to address the teacher is “yes, bitch,” “no, bitch.”
I got sent to the Principal’s Office on the 1st day of 3rd Grade for saying “Yeah” when the Teacher asked Me a question.
We had just moved to Houston, TX from Old Bridge, NJ. I was still in shock from the Temperature and Humidity change.
The Principal was understanding and explained things to Me and I learned from it.