Abbott Elementary took the world by storm in 2021 when the first season aired. The comedy series won three Emmys and three Golden Globes, including Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy, among numerous other awards. Abbott Elementary's second season finale aired on April 19, and the series was renewed for a third season.
A mockumentary set in a public school in Philadelphia, the show follows the teachers' lives, mainly inside the school, and their everyday struggles to make the best out of very little for the students. The series is a commentary on the public education system of the United States and an underappreciated profession that changes lives. Everyone remembers their favorite teacher from some time in school, and the show highlights everything these people have to do their jobs.
Abbott Elementary's first two seasons are available to watch through ABC and Hulu. Here's a quick guide on the central teaching staff of the Willard R. Abbott Elementary School.
Quinta Brunson as Jeanine Teagues
Janine Teagues is the lead of the show. The character is played by Quinta Brunson, who is the creator and showrunner of the series, as well as one of the writers. In the first season, Ms. Teagues (as some students call her by her first name due to her age and height) is just starting her second year as a second-grade teacher — and let's say she has a lot to learn.
With an overactive heart, as described in the show, Jeanine is passionate about teaching and goes out of her way to ensure they have everything they need. She's young, optimistic, and a little naive, but her love for her job makes it all disappear, as she always has the best intentions.
Sheryl Lee Ralph as Barbara Howard
Barbara Howard, the role that Sheryl Lee Ralph won an Emmy for, is one of the veteran teachers at the school. She has been a teacher for the past 20 years. Mrs. Howard is deeply respected by her colleagues and every child in the school. She has a short temper and demands the best behavior. Nevertheless, Mrs. Howard is one of the best and has been doing her job successfully for so long for a reason.
She is a mentor figure for Janine and, even if she gets tired of her relentless optimism, Mrs. Howard is always there when the new teacher needs her, proving that she is not only a good teacher but a nice person.
Lisa Ann Walter as Melissa Schemmenti
Melissa Schemmenti, played by Lisa Ann Walter, is also a second-grade teacher and one of the older ones at the school. She comes from an Italian immigrant family and knows every other Italian immigrant family in town. Mrs. Schemmenti is not only a great teacher but deeply resourceful: she has a guy for everything and every situation. It may require her to pay in the form of an Italian dish, but she doesn't mind it.
Fun and non-bullshit type of person, Mrs. Schemmenti has been friends with Mrs. Howard for a few years, and they have had a lot of experience with new teachers and young children, who give them more or less the same amount of work.
Chris Perfetti as Jacob Hill
Jacob Hill, played by Chris Perfetti, is one of the younger teachers who joined the school with Jeanine and the other 20 teachers, and they are the only ones left. He teaches history to sixth-grade kids. While Mr. Hill is lovely, he is a pushover for kids and colleagues. He usually follows Jeanine's crazy plans, not knowing how to say no.
He is more reserved than his friend would want him to be, but his walls eventually come down, and he feels secure enough to open up. Mr. Hill always tries to make sure everyone around him is okay and that he is politically correct at all times.
Janelle James as Ava Coleman
Ava Coleman, played by Janelle James, is the principal of the school. She got her position by blackmailing the superintendent rather than for her curriculum or affinity for the job. The teachers only like her a little, as it is clear she doesn't have the school's best interest in mind, or if she even knows what those are.
Nevertheless, she is one of the show's funniest characters, mainly from her inability to understand how to behave near children. It has to be stated that while her plans are always creative, they do sometimes work — to the surprise of the audience and her staff alike.
Tyler James Williams as Gregory Eddie
Gregory Eddie, played by Tyler James Williams, is a substitute teacher for the other new teacher that survives with Jeanine and Jacob because she got fired for kicking one of the children. He is solemn and rigorous, which translates into his teaching methods.
Mr. Eddie is not the most liked teacher, but soon he will understand how to connect better with his students. He starts as a substitute teacher as he plans to become a principal, which he got the job for, but it went to Ava instead. There may be more reasons for him to stick around than the kids, and he is optimistic and always eager to help, even when no one asks him to.
William Stanford Davis as Mr. Johnson
Mr. Johnson, played by William Stanford Davis, is the school's janitor. He helps out whenever he can or the others need. One of the funniest characters in the show, he doesn't think twice before making a joke at someone's expense.
Mr. Johnson has a lot of wisdom and insights he gives the teachers, showing different ways of solving problems. But not letting him teach the young students about the Illuminati is probably the way to go.