This article was originally published in The Notebook. In August 2020, The Notebook became Chalkbeat Philadelphia.
As Philadelphia students get ready to return to school next week, some teachers got a little homework in the form of a handbook that includes a glossary of Philly slang.
Students created the guides for first-year teachers in Philadelphia’s School District to help acquaint them with unfamiliar territory.
The handbook includes sections on how to engage students; offers insights on recognizing good behavior and resolving problems; and features student reflections on inspiring teachers.
Compilers Horace Ryans III and Khalid Abogourin, who were inspired by a teacher handbook from Omaha, Nebraska, believed they could do better.
“We can make this Philly. We can make it ours. And so that’s what we decided to do,” said Ryans, a rising junior at Science Leadership Academy.