Part 1: Pronouncing Names... Butchering Roll Call

Since my time at Sweet Home, I've definitely had my fair share of mispronouncing student's names. =( It seems to be getting more and more difficult with each passing year. However, with that said/in my mind, I absolutely try my best to pronounce their name correctly the first time. If that doesn't go well then having a conversation with that student or students to make sure that I get it right in the future. Also, them realizing and understanding the importance of their teacher getting their name right (eventually). That's their God-given name and it needs to be pronounced correctly, whether they think so or not. I'm okay calling them a nickname or something shorter, as long as that's okay with them. This year I've done that with a girl name "Lala" and a boy name "PK." Two students who I have a very good teacher-student relationship with. Again, it all goes back to having a solid, professional, respectful and genuine relationship with our students. Where neither party feels offended if it goes poorly, etc. I will continue to try/do my best and improve where I need to improve.

It often annoys me when people mispronounce my last name. It seems to me that it is simple and straightforward, and that if someone doesn't try to get it right, that they just don't care enough. 
I am proud to say that I have always tried to pronounce people's names correctly. Since I teach in the Library, I see every one of our 440+ students every week. I keep an updated roster for every class, and there is a space next to every name for notes I jot down. Whenever we get a new student, I ask them to say their own name for me, and I repeat it back to them, asking if I got it right. I try a couple of times to make sure I have it. I also ask what they like to be called, even if it is a name like Nicholas or Amanda. I never assume anyone wants their name shortened. (My son likes Nicholas or Nick, but my daughter would take your head off if you called her Mandy:)  I then jot down any nickname they tell me, and the phonetic spelling (or accented syllables) for their names. 
Another part of my job is producing our school's daily news broadcast. Fifth graders announce every student's birthday on air. I demand that the kids practice the names until they can say them correctly, and I teach them how to spell names phonetically on the script. Sometimes I need to correct them during a live broadcast because I believe it is that important. 
My bigger problem is when I can't remember someone's name, whether it is a common one to me or not. I will sometimes go months without knowing a person's name, even though I see them regularly. This mostly just happens with adults, and I feel ridiculous saying "Remind me of your name, again." I guess it's the next thing I need to work on.

My name is a good example is how people pronounce our last name.  People say Pietek, they totally forget to say the short a sound in it. (Piatek) 
I am a callibrator because I make sure I pronounce their names correctly.  I understand that it is important to the individual.

This podcast emphasized the importance of pronouncing a student's name correctly.  It stated that when you pronounce a student's name correctly it"recognizes the person for who they want you to see them as. It is worth the effort to get their name right." They talked about three different categories for name calling.  Callibrators require the most  effort.  They try to help make everyone feel important.  When you pronounce the student's name correctly it shows the students they are important.

My name was always questioned by adults and by teachers. I was constantly asked what my real name was.  Not many believed that Molly was my real name. It was often used as a nickname for Mary or Maureen. I was often told that it was weird that Molly was my real name. I was also the only Molly in my school from K-college. I used to hate my name because of this. I know how it feels for something to think you have a weird name. 
I hope I am a calibrator in school. I am in many different classrooms all day long, and I try to learn as many names as I can. Many students have names that are only 1 letter or one sound different from another student. I often ask those students to say their names for me and I try my best to pronounce them correctly when I am in their room. Many have such beautiful and unique names, I don't ever want them to think they have a "weird" name. 

Growing up, my name was misspelled and mispronounced by family, friends and teachers. And, it's not even a hard name (I think).
1. I have definitely mispronounced students names. I've been the accidental bumbler who tried to get it right. Thankfully, I've never been the asshole or arrogant mis-pronouncer. I listen when students tell me how to pronounce their names, I repeat it and keep repeating it until I get it right. 
2. I've steadily become a calibrator. I ask students which pronouns they prefer, how to pronounce their name and what they prefer to go by. It's their identity, a huge part of who they are, and I want to respect that.

My last name has been pronounced incorrectly my whole life. At my college graduation, in every new job I've held, and multiple times by people even after correcting them. I have found that when starting in a new job (or for our students - a new school), it is crucial to get the pronunciation correct from the start. I had so many experiences in my early adulthood where someone pronounced my last name incorrectly and other people caught onto this incorrect pronunciation. A name is part of an identity, and it can mean more to individuals of certain cultures. Finune shared a beautiful story about what her name means to the staff of Maplemere and it solidified this point even more for me. For some individuals, a name tells the story of their family, where they come from, or other important features of their life. To be a calibrator, I will plan to never assume I know how to pronounce a name when I meet someone for the first time and give my students an opportunity to share things about their name (origin, its importance, etc.) if they feel comfortable.

I often have students in my class that have (to many) difficult names to pronounce when seen on paper. I agree that taking the time to pronounce them correctly is important- I do not want to embarass the student but their name does matter. I have heard kids say "just call me..." and it's an "easier" version of their name. I never thought of how they are taking away from their own identity just to make it easier for others. I often tell students who reply "that's fine" to my pronounciation that I want to say it correct and be corrected. It makes me realize that they have probably had other teachers/friends/people "give up" on saying their name and expect it to be said incorrectly. I see how sometimes students don't want to correct adults because they may think it is disrespectful or embarassing, but then adults need to be better about showing the importance of it. 

I recall growing up with a friend names Cheyenne and in the school I went to, that was unusual for them. We were a small school but every year it took the teachers a couple days to say her name correctly. There were teachers who would check in as they said her name and there were others who just said what they thought and kept going. Cheyenne would always interrupt to correct those who said it wrong. She let their be awkward silence to teach the teachers correctly. By the time we were in 3rd grade, all the teachers new her name correctly. As having a school with ENL students I feel it is extra important to take the time to learn students and how to say them correctly. I never thought to try to learn it after the class or later privately. I never thought of how trying to learn a students name and not quite getting it right there, might make them feel embarrassed/humiliated. That is something that I will use if I am truly struggling to say their name correctly. I enjoy that this is an option to make them feel important and respected. 

Each year comes a new list of names, some of which may be difficult to pronounce. I always take the time to talk with the student, and have them work with me on how to pronounce their name correctly. I find that to be extremely important in showing the student that they are valued, and that they matter just as much as everyone else. Coming to Sweet Home and being surrounded by so many amazing cultures has been a learning experience in itself for me, and is one that I am so beyond grateful for. It has taught me to be more mindful, and I have learned so much about other cultures from being immersed in this environment . Having the students teach/show me how to pronounce, and even write their name(s) shows them that I am not perfect, and that I am continuing to grow and learn beside them. I also believe that it is extremely important to have their peers learn how to pronounce their name correctly. It creates a positive, encouraging, and welcoming environment for the class.

I'm really glad to share that I identify with the "calibrator" approach when it comes to pronouncing names. It means a lot to me because my own name is difficult to pronounce.
Being a "calibrator" is something I take seriously because I understand firsthand the impact it can have when someone takes the time and effort to get your name right. My own experiences with a challenging name have made me more empathetic and considerate when it comes to how I address others.
I believe that when teachers make the effort to pronounce names correctly, it sends a powerful message that individuals' identities are acknowledged and respected. It's not just about getting a name right; it's about creating an inclusive and respectful learning environment.
Because of my personal connection to this issue, I'm even more committed to being a "calibrator." I want to ensure that no one else has to go through the discomfort or humiliation of having their name consistently mispronounced. It's my way of contributing positively to my academic community and promoting inclusivity and respect. I plan to continue these efforts and encourage others to do the same.

In my lifetime I have had 3 last names that people manage to mispronounce or misspell. Kosmala (Russian), Ried (German), Notaro (Italian).  Most of the time I understand why this happens and I accepted the mispronunciation except when it mattered to me. What is especially annoying however is even when I have pronounced my name and spell it for them if asked, some people still do not get it right. For myself, I ask students to pronounce their names for me when I do not know them. On the roster, I write down my own personal pronunciation key so I can remember how to say it. I then refer back to it every time I say the student's name, at first checking if I said it accurately. A name is powerful and I want to honor it.