Abbott Elementary is a popular television show that follows a group of teachers in a Philadelphia elementary school as they navigate their daily challenges inside and outside the classroom. While the show has garnered praise for its humor and entertainment value it perpetuates teacher stereotypes. I laugh right along but just to be clear.
The show perpetuates the stereotype that teachers don’t mind the low pay and stress because teaching is such a rewarding job. While it’s true that many teachers find fulfillment in their work and are passionate about making a difference in their student’s lives, it is not fair to imply that they are willing to endure low pay and high-stress levels simply because they find the job rewarding. Teachers deserve fair compensation for their hard work, and the idea that they should accept low pay as a trade-off for job satisfaction is inaccurate and unfair. Abbott’s narrative of they do it for the kids and being “noble” and sacrificing themselves for a cause is an admirable trait, is not conducive to teachers getting what they are worth. Teachers must demand fair compensation and working conditions and be willing to advocate for themselves and their profession. By doing so, teachers can help create a more sustainable and supportive system that values the hard work and dedication they bring to the classroom.
Secondly, Abbott Elementary perpetuates the stereotype that elementary school teachers are less skilled than other professionals. Merely because of how it depicts is new teachers. You are telling me out of all the new teachers there is not a single competent one. I just want to see a foil to Janine that isn’t old and had to learn on the job. This stereotype is harmful because it undermines the hard work and dedication that elementary school teachers put into their jobs. Teaching elementary school students requires a unique set of skills and challenges.
Another stereotype the show perpetuates is that teachers work fewer hours than people in other professions. I know it’s a show, but GEEZUS, they are always in the break room. How? Really How? In every school I have taught in, no teacher spends that much time in the breakroom. This stereotype is problematic because it suggests that teaching is an easy job that requires little effort. In reality, teachers work long hours inside and outside the classroom, often grading papers, preparing lesson plans, and meeting with parents after school hours. Planning periods are a luxury, and you often have to cover another teacher’s class. Lunch? Lunch is 15 minutes on a good day. In my first year of teaching, I got a kidney infection after they were slow to relieve me in my classroom. Recognizing the hard work teachers put in and appreciating the dedication and effort they bring to their jobs is essential.
The show also perpetuates the stereotype that teachers are supposed to perform and always keep kids entertained in the classroom and that teachers are always supposed to be super sweet and caring. While it is true that engaging students is an integral part of teaching, it is not fair to expect teachers to be performers who are always putting on a show. Teachers should be allowed to focus on teaching their subject matter effectively without the added pressure of entertaining their students constantly. While it’s also true that many teachers have warm and caring personalities, it is not fair to assume that all teachers must fit into this stereotype. Teachers come from all walks of life and have different personalities and teaching styles. No-nonsense nurturers are a thing. Recognizing and appreciating the diversity that teachers bring to the classroom is essential.
While Abbott Elementary may be a popular and entertaining show, it is essential to recognize that it is a SHOWWWWWW!!! I love Quinta Brunson, but this is a show through the lens of someone who admired a teacher’s sacrifice and is a comedian. The amount of people looking at this show as a factual documentary of what is like to be a teacher scares me.
Classroom to Corporate 