Why ‘Abbott Elementary’ Matters by Flipping Impressions of Urban Public Schools (Guest Blog)

Since its premiere in December, the ABC sitcom “Abbott Elementary,” has seen its audience skyrocket as the comedy set in a Philadelphia public elementary school has become a breakout hit of the new season. The brainchild of creator/actress/producer Quinta Brunson, who stars as an overly earnest teacher named Janine Teagues, can attribute its success to solid storytelling and a cast of savvy veterans like Sheryl Lee Ralph, Tyler James Williams and Lisa Ann Walter. Looking deeper, though, “Abbott Elementary” also marks a significant cultural moment in onscreen representation and why it matters.Growing up in New York City in the 1980s, I did not have one Black male teacher in elementary or junior high school. I was a 15-year-old junior at Brooklyn Technical High School when I encountered my first Black male teacher. A fond shout-out to Mr. Brereton for Building Construction! After Mr. Brereton, I would have...