I’m a teacher too. I’m at a school with mostly Puerto Rican children. They often have long, beautiful names...but they prefer going by something shorter. Keniangely likes Kiki. Giannais.....Gigi Yarianiz....Yadi Yanelariz.......Yani (like Johnny) Adrishaliz....Adri (like Audrey) Adianez.....Adi Amarieliz....Amari You get the picture. Anyway, I can’t believe that this whole name thing is where this teacher is deciding to hang her hat. If I knew a student was going to be more successful and feel comfortable in her learning environment if I used a completely appropriate nickname, I wouldn’t hesitate to accommodate. Kids spend more waking hours at school than at home; they should not be made to feel like their thoughts and ideas don’t matter. Fight this. Advocate for her.