Daniel Tracz

Part 1: Pronouncing Names... Butchering Roll Call

I have experienced this with my last name and it has made me try to be a calibrator!

  • November 25, 2021 at 3:54 AM
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With a Z in my last name, my name would rarely be pronounced correctly. Tr-as would be the common way I hear and I would correct the person only when they ask for clarification once I hit high school. Maybe I had actually gotten used to it? I never felt embarrassment, but it got old when I was a kid, until the eventual acceptance in high school. 

2. I start every class in the beginning of the year by having the students make name tents and introducing themselves. I take notes on the pronunciation of the name. I also tell the students that this is an area I need to improve in, that I struggle with remembering names and pronouncing them. I tell them that is important to me that they correct me if I struggle as I want to know them and their name. I have gotten a lot of grace from students as they see that I try and I tell them to not hesitate in correcting me. I am absolutely glad I am not an "Arrogant Mangler" , yikes! Students appreciate the effort, but I think I could seek out teachers before hand and tackle names I think I might not have heard before.