09/06/2026
💠What’s in a name? More than you might think.
For educators, learning a student’s name is one of the first steps in building a meaningful relationship with them. But it’s not just about remembering what to call them—it’s about taking the time to understand and respect the person behind the name.
A name can carry culture, family history, identity, and meaning. Taking the time to learn how to pronounce it correctly may seem like a small thing, but to a student, it can send a powerful message:
I see you.
I respect you.
You belong here. đź’™
For current and future educators, creating a welcoming and inclusive classroom can start with something as simple as learning every student’s name—and saying it correctly.
📚 Read “What’s in a Name?” from ASCD for a thoughtful look at names, identity, and belonging in education.
Name pronunciation reveals an uncomfortable truth about “who belongs."
