If you haven’t yet tuned into the ABC sitcom Abbott Elementary, now is the time to do so. This mockumentary-style series centers around a group of educators at Abbott Elementary, a severely underfunded public school in Philadelphia. The teachers strive not just to survive the challenges they face, but also to provide their students with a comprehensive and caring education. Created by and starring the talented Quinta Brunson, this comedy has quickly garnered a devoted audience, attracting over 7 million viewers as reported by the network.
For anyone who has worked in public education, the humor in this show hits home in a painfully relatable way. One memorable scene features the school janitor, who believes in conspiracy theories, stepping in to teach a class due to a significant staff shortage. Another moment highlights the school’s lack of funding, with flickering lights in a hallway causing fear among students who must brave the seemingly haunted corridor. As a former teaching assistant, I immediately recalled my own experiences, like when we had to seal off an entrance due to a termite infestation that the school couldn’t afford to repair. Yes, it really happens.
Even without the added pressures of COVID-19 protocols, Abbott Elementary resonates deeply with teachers everywhere. Brunson, who portrays the enthusiastic new teacher Janine Teagues, cites her upbringing with a mother who was also an educator as a key influence in creating the show. She aims to shed light on the myriad issues facing the public education system and to spark important conversations. “Schools are at the center of current debates surrounding COVID, gun violence, and educational policies like critical race theory,” Brunson mentioned in an interview. “Three years ago, the conversation around teachers wasn’t as widespread as it is now. I hope this show helps improve the treatment of public education in our country.”
The good news is that the conversation surrounding the show has already begun, particularly among teachers — both current and retired. They agree that Abbott Elementary captures the delightful chaos of teaching elementary students. Many are even suggesting potential episode themes, like a Scholastic Book Fair episode, which many educators would love to see.
While the show is often light-hearted and warm, it also addresses serious topics, such as systemic racism in public education and the school-to-prison pipeline. In one episode, the teachers receive new tablets, but Principal Ava ultimately takes them away upon discovering that the data is monitored by prisons.
Moreover, the show highlights a familiar struggle for every teacher: that one student who always finds a way to evade assignments, no matter the approach. We all have our own “special” students.
Here’s hoping Abbott Elementary secures multiple seasons and continues to highlight the tireless efforts of teachers, who often work hard just to keep the lights on.
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Summary
Abbott Elementary is a groundbreaking sitcom that resonates with teachers by depicting their challenges in a relatable and humorous manner. The show addresses the real-life issues of underfunding and systemic problems in public education while providing light-hearted moments that resonate deeply with educators. Its impact has sparked conversations about the state of public education, making it a must-watch for anyone involved in the teaching profession.
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