ABBOTT ELEMENTARY is a teachers’ dream show. It highlights the ups and downs of most everyday aspects of the teaching world that the public never thinks about. It shines a light on what makes a teacher want to teach and stay within a profession that does not value the valiant efforts attempted every time the school bell rings for the start of another day.
The writers of this Emmy award-winning show “gets” it. The entire ensemble understands their roles and plays them with humor and realism. It is touching to see how quickly a situation in the classroom can warrant tears, laughter, or just plain joy and wonderment. This is what all teachers face every second. Lesson plans are created, but how the day will play out is never truly known. Teachers stay in the moment and react at the moment. Students’ lives and teachers’ lives can get tangled at every turn. It is how a teacher takes the time to detangle those interactions and keep a calm, peaceful demeanor for their students that is so difficult to understand fully. ABBOTT ELEMENTARY does, and they did it even better in season two.
The subject matter this season was authentic. Teacher appreciation days, holidays, not having enough supplies or budget money, maintenance people vs. the staff, obnoxious, hurtful parents, kids who don’t have the bare necessities to survive, administrators, awards, competitions, family issues, friendships, loneliness, and trying to find love and be loved were just some of the topics touched upon. I cried. I laughed. I sighed. I remembered my 35-year teaching journey. ABBOTT ELEMENTARY knows what they are doing and how to get us there.
My favorite episodes of the season must be episode 20, EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR, and episode 21, MOM. These two tore at my heartstrings and really hit home. It’s all about those growing pains, and ABBOT ELEMENTARY does it best. They illuminate what it takes to be a kind, caring human being. Kudos.
ABBOTT ELEMENTARY is a diamond among all the “wannabe” shows about teaching. It makes teachers feel even more pride for what they do for your children. Maybe one day, the inequality will change, and teachers will receive the salaries they deserve. They are true superstars. This season helped point the way for the world to see and know what is true. We are a proud group. It is always an honor to do what we do. ABBOTT ELEMENTARY gets it right. I cannot wait for season three. It must see tv at its highest quality and caliber.
ABBOTT ELEMENTARY is available to stream on ABC.
