With glossary of city slang, Philly students create jawn for new teachers

These two students want to make sure teachers understand their language.

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.

Read the rest of this story at WHYY News