I have a weird name–Kaechele. No one can say it right. If a stranger pronounces it correctly then I ask who they know in my family. Before my education career, I worked many years in concrete construction. I had a boss for years who never learned to say my name right. He called me “Ka-she-lee” with a heavy emphasis on the “she.”
My extended family pronounces it “Kek-lee” with a short e. My immediate family pronounces it “Kak-lee” with a strong Michigan “a”(as in apple). In college, most people called me Kax, and they had no idea what my real name was.
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My name is German in origin and means “small kitchen tile.” Apparently my ancestors were masons, but I prefer to believe that we were foodies. I once met a German woman who informed me that my entire family pronounces our name wrong. I can’t even remember how to say it correctly, just that it was guttural. This is as close as I can find.
Over the years, I have found my weird name to be a source of culture building in the the classroom. Students have called me many things: Kackles, Mr. Calculator, Kax, or just Kaechele. I answer to all of them. Some adults might find it disrespectful that students omit Mr. but I have never cared.
Important caveat: This does not work both ways. It is important that teachers always learn to pronounce student names correctly. Names are a vital part of our identity, and we must honor students by using their correct names and pronunciations.
I currently have a student who says, “Good morning, Mr. Kaechele” in a sing song voice every time she sees me. I can’t walk down the hall or pass the lunch room without her yelling it out. It’s a joke to her that she finds funny. But to me it is evidence of a connection that we have. Last week a student called me “Ka-she-lee” and was surprised when I answered her. Honestly, I am so used to my name being mispronounced that I didn’t even notice.
To me, nicknames represent a level of trust and comfort between myself and students. We are past the awkwardness of the start of school that I have never enjoyed and have developed a sense of community. It is also part of a culture that means I don’t take myself too seriously. That’s why I do Throwback Thursdays, playing 80’s jams when kids enter the classroom.
Oftentimes the rituals of my classroom happen organically as we get to know one another, but I am always intentionally seeking moments to create them. It feels natural to students but it is calculated on my part. One of the most under-appreciated aspects of the teacher is their power to create classroom culture. Mine reflects my personality-laid back, personable, while thinking deeply.
What kind of community and culture do you value? How do you create it in your class?
Pulse of PBL
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Learn with me!
If you are interested in how your school can use a PBL framework to teach SEL skills, I would love to have a conversation on how I can help. I have limited availability for PBL & SEL workshops during the school year so contact me early. Check out my workshop page or drop me an email at mikejkaechele@gmail.com. I would love to chat and co-plan meaningful PD for the educators at your school.
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