Let’s talk about names—specifically, the importance of getting them right. I’m not just a parent; I’m someone who has spent years in the classroom and understands the challenges that come with remembering names. However, that doesn’t excuse the continual mispronunciation of a child’s name, especially one that carries significance and history.
When my daughter, who was in second grade at the time, approached me teary-eyed during snack time, I knew something was wrong. She shared that her teacher, a familiar face from her special classes, had been consistently mispronouncing her name for over two years. I gently encouraged her to correct the teacher, which she did. Unfortunately, the same issue resurfaced the following week. After discussing it with her, I reached out to both the principal and the teacher. Miraculously, her name was pronounced correctly from that point forward.
Fast forward to third grade, where my daughter found herself in a class with only one other Black girl. Despite their distinct appearances and completely different names, the teacher repeatedly mixed them up—despite their efforts to correct her. It was disheartening to witness this pattern, especially knowing the care my husband and I took in naming our four children. Each name holds a story, a piece of their identity, and a link to their heritage.
Like many parents, we spent considerable time choosing names that not only resonate with us but also honor our children’s backgrounds. Hearing others express disdain or confusion over these names, labeling them “too ethnic” or “ghetto,” is painful. Yet, the same people might not blink an eye at unconventional names like Skylar Moonbeam or Jaxon Storm. This inconsistency highlights an uncomfortable truth: names of people of color can make others uneasy, leading to judgments rather than effort to learn and pronounce them correctly.
As educators and staff in our schools, it’s your responsibility to ensure that every child is addressed by their correct name. Initially stumbling over a name is one thing, but by mid-year, there should be no excuse for continued errors. Names can often be seen prominently on backpacks, sports jerseys, or even handwriting guides on desks.
As a former college writing instructor, I had 70 students each semester and made it my mission to learn their names. It took effort, but I managed to get it right. If I could do that for a large classroom, surely you can do the same for a single child in your care.
To all school staff: if you can differentiate between three Aidens and two Olivias, you can certainly learn my child’s name. Trust me, she is the only one in her class, school, and district with her beautiful name. There’s no reason for her to feel dehumanized or overlooked.
My children are excited about school, from riding the bus to making new friends and discovering new ideas. Let’s keep that spark alive by ensuring we address them by their rightful names.
There’s an age-old question: What’s in a name? As a mom, I can tell you—quite a lot.
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In summary, let’s commit to respecting our children’s names and identities. A name is not just a word; it’s a part of who they are.