I am excited that ABBOTT ELEMENTARY is back for season two. It is a comedy sitcom with real, authentic pearls of wisdom about a group of teachers who work for one of the poorest districts in the country. So why do they do it? Simple… they love being a teacher.
All teachers can relate to this series. Throughout their first season and this opening episode, viewers are given an inside look at what this profession can give and take from its staff, professionally and emotionally. The strength of this show rests on Janine’s (Quinta Brunson) shoulders. She is the creator, writer, and lead actress. She named the school ABBOTT ELEMENTARY after her second-grade teacher in real life. She is committed to sharing a teacher’s life in today’s society. Janine is a young, impressionistic, naive, hard-working, financially struggling teacher who has huge dreams of making a difference. She is surrounded by an incredible ensemble that includes more “seasoned” veteran teachers and a crazy principal. Together, they are a force that will do almost anything for their students.
“Being a teacher is asked to do the impossible day after day, and the only solution is to show up and do our best.” In order to be a teacher, you must love what you do. There is no other way to survive and get through those hard years to retirement. I know this to be true because I was a teacher for 35 years. I always thought of myself as blessed to be able to do what I did. Once a teacher…always a teacher.
ABBOTT ELEMENTARY showed how everyone worked together, even before the children walked through the doors, to be ready for the school year. It is a rite of passage and what is done every August around this country.
ABBOTT ELEMENTARY can shine a light on a profession that is often taken for granted yet expected to excel on every level. The writers and the cast do this with grace and humility. Kudos. Don’t miss this series. It is worth your time and respect.
ABBOTT ELEMENTARY is available to stream on ABC Television.
