I never had a teacher who gave nicknames to avoid pronouncing real names, but I also went to a small-town rural school with extremely limited diversity. I have also never been the teacher to give nicknames. Considering the Hollywood story, though, I can see how that would be extremely offensive, especially in the face of an award or accomplishment. Using nicknames is a tricky game because you never know how the person will respond to it. I suppose the biggest factor is why the nickname came to be. Is it to commemorate a positive trait or memory surrounding that person, something they could be proud of, or is it out of laziness in learning their name, something that casts shame?
What would be a great opportunity to grow would be to take the time to learn about the predominant cultures of students who live in the district, including key beliefs, traditions, common words or phrases. For names specifically, learning how certain syllables are typically pronounced, to be able to identify patterns.
What would be a great opportunity to grow would be to take the time to learn about the predominant cultures of students who live in the district, including key beliefs, traditions, common words or phrases. For names specifically, learning how certain syllables are typically pronounced, to be able to identify patterns.