Meet the West Philly teacher who inspired Quinta Brunson's 'Abbott Elementary'

Joyce Abbott, who taught Quinta Brunson's 6th grade class and inspired the show 'Abbott Elementary,' reflects on her years teaching at Andrew Hamilton Elementary in West Philadelphia.
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[@timy9197]

It’s touching that her 6th grade teacher had this much impact on her

[@MarcosIsABaritone]

My 6th grade teacher, Mrs. Edinberg was a phenomenal force in my life.

[@kissame104]

My 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Harris, had a huge influence on me and how I approach teaching/learning.

[@alexaecho4273]

I think many teachers along my education have meant this much to me. My 4th grade bilingual teacher, my elementary school bus driver, my freshman year school counselor. I wouldn’t be the person I am without the love and compassion all these people had on me and every student that wanted to be more.

[@sheila9371]

People in a person's life, especially those that spend so much time with a child, can have profound impact on kids far into adulthood. It works the same qith special teachers and evil ones.

[@SuzetteRiddick]

God bless teachers like Ms. Abbott. ❤

[@mrwrightdaughtr]

Amen

[@allieharmon3926]

And everyone compassionate like her

[@dlmg5707]

To have a WHOLE show named after YOU, means you definitely had an impact. And that impact keeps spreading. Well done and thank you for your service.

[@TheBiggestMoronYouKnow]

that's love

[@comedianpottymouth]

I'm about to google Quinta philanthropy cause I know she gave a check to the public schools if she is this thoughtful

[@FilmSureelist97]

This teacher deserves to have that school named after her too. It’s sad how public school teachers are treated.

[@tametra_lasha]

She still has pictures of her students from all of those years ago 💞

[@virgoqueen8950]

THAT IS TRULY AWESOME

[@FCLaney]

Real teacher not doing it cuz the degree or job was easy to get

[@gerardparker4220]

That’s how you know

[@lorenw6747]

The fact she has a whole scrapbook of her students 😭 and she still has Quinta is crazy. I wish our teachers would be treated better than they were.

[@ThatsJustMyBabyDaddy]

Ms Abbott changing Quinta's life to the point where there's a hit TV show about teaching is literally going to change the world. ❤️

[@virgoqueen8950]

I just finished binge watching and that Emmy Quinta received was well deserved

[@thedangerousbeauty]

😩🙌💛

[@dennistmennace]

Quinta said in a diff interview-w/Trevor Noah-that her mom (who’s also a teacher) is actually the one who inspired her to make a show about teachers. I’m sure she still wanted to pay tribute through the title though.

[@tinamarie8061]

When she called them “my children” you know its real

[@eliciaellis7428]

So true!

[@chaallus]

"It's overwhelming, but it's an honor." W O W that got me in the feels!!

[@mssunshine3450]

I have tears running down my face right now😢

[@tammyg8659]

To be one of her students. No wonder she had such an impact on Quinta.

[@virgoqueen8950]

@@mssunshine3450 DITTO

[@chefsadedancy319]

Ms Abbot is the best teacher I’ve ever had!! So gentle but firm, supportive, intelligent, kind.. I could go all day!! Always pushing her students to their highest potential!! She is truly an angel here on earth.. a GODSEND for sure. I feel blessed to have been able to be a part of her life. 🖤🖤🖤

[@ambriaashley3383]

That's amazing! She sounds so special and so needed 💕

[@loveinthematrix]

Omg!!! Amazing ❤

[@jagbrit3723]

Alright Chef Sade, excellently put ma soeur. Clearly, she made a remarkable impact in your life; with your fine self. God bless and keep Ms. Abbott.

[@CharliStitchezPplPlacesThings]

Yeah we in here ! Hey Sade

[@utube0803]

I am so jealous right now!!! Lol Truth is though, I did have a Miss Abbott in my life ❤.

[@projectpamaphd7042]

The city has money to build sports stadiums, but no money for education. Really?! Teachers like Mrs.Abbott need more support.

[@Whimswirl]

Because the stadiums being in millions! They only want to put money into things that will make them money, unfortunately.

[@PITTSBURGH06]

GENTRIFICATION AT ITS FINEST.. THE SAME THING IS HAPPENING TO ALL MINORITY NEIGHBORHOODS.. 😢😢

[@thedangerousbeauty]

Yup horrible academics but if they win state championships...new stadium. Backwards thinking.

[@zerospecs2331]

@@Whimswirl An intelligent and healthy society will always bring in money. It's backwards thinking.

[@Whimswirl]

@@zerospecs2331 Not the kind of money the rich people in power are looking for. A truly healthy society is an equal one, where money is shared.

[@davidpeer5769]

Teachers like this are the backbone in so many children's development and aren't compensated nearly enough for the incredibly vital work they do. Hats off to Ms. Abbott and all the teachers like her!

[@manbearcow]

I am not a teacher and there for am not speaking based on direct experience. That being said I have a number of close friends that are either teachers or work in some capacity in education and they have all expressed at times that there is an intangible reward for the work they do that can never be quantified in a monetary value. That being said, PAY THESE HARD WORKING CARING PEOPLE WHAT THEY DESERVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@beyoutyisinthei5552]

Teachers go through a LOT! We are mommies and daddies, doctors and nurses, friends to a degree, hairdressers, food suppliers, support givers, shoulders to cry on, actors and actresses, and the list goes on. It is absolute torture to hear such terms as "glorified babysitters" or "just a teacher". Here is my take on it, if you think so little of us YOU keep your kids. YOU make sure your kids are up to par academically. YOU deal with your kids behavior everyday, all day and your own lack of support. YOU keep being the perfect YOU who seems to have all the answers.BUT keep your child. And have a blessed day.🙏🏾

[@Lildeadthing420]

the hair dresser part hit me. i remember coming in with headaches everyday in first grade and my teacher mrs.nolan losening my ponytail for me that my mom would always have up too tight

[@almondiefrancis9451]

👏👏👏👏👏 I can't clap hard enough or loud enough for this. It's sickening how underpaid teachers are and how overpaid reality stars are.

[@bckazee]

I personally want to tell you thank you for everything you do. I'm a person who had teachers who literally changed my life because they told me I could do anything I put my mind to. And now I myself am a mother. Whatever my daughter's teachers need I go out of my way to do. You guys don't deserve all the extra that's on your plates, and we as parents collectively have to do better. It breaks my heart that so many children dont have access to a quality education not because of the teachers, but their parents...

[@koushikraja331]

she's got Janine's infectious energy, Barbara's wisdom and classiness and Melissa's speech delivery and sense of humor.

[@Blaxdon]

🤔...great observation

[@nicksurfs1]

I was so lucky to have a teacher like her. Mrs. Bair, we love you. She used to have soap for the kids who didn’t have plumbing at home so they could shower at school. She also always had toilet paper they could take home. She was also the best teacher in the school to cry to. I was going through a lot at the time and her room was always the one I went to when I needed to cry. Many times there would be several of us sitting together at a table who had come to her room to cry and to feel heard.

[@mbirk2011]

Imagine being so inspiration that one of your students decides to name a hit television show after you!

[@bryaneberly3588]

PLEASE write that book! Thank you for being an example. Thank you for having and keeping a heart.

[@vecarter569]

May there be millions more teachers like Mrs. Abbott. Bless her always! 🙏🏾❤🌹👏🏾 She has given many kids hope and a different course of life projection...through her kindness.

[@curvelinedot]

may there be a better world and system for teachers like Mrs. Abbott, so more people can have the same redeemable priorities as her

[@Fumi_lola]

Quinta was also inspired by her mom who was a school teacher in Philly for 20 years.

[@gospel3067]

She is so correct about inner city. I interned a summer in high school at a grammar school in the Chicago projects and saw 1st hand how teachers go above & beyond as I went alongside to help lighten the load on them.

[@sheilawilliams5213]

No wonder Quintal remembered you so dearly in honoring you with this fictitious elementary. Well done.

[@GaiaCarney]

‘Abbott Elementary’ is an instant CLASSIC ✨ Quinta is a gem 💎

[@A2Zondeck]

it's overwhelming.....she needs help, support and assistance. I hope this piece does something to maybe gather support for her.

[@smnx127]

The love, the passion, and dedication she put forth really shows not only through her job performance, but also through the students she taught and inspired.

[@Simplyynaii]

Ya’ll really let that lady fool tf out of ya’ll 😹😹😹

[@virgoqueen8950]

@@Simplyynaii GO LAYDOWN SOMEWHERE

[@treylegall]

lawd...got me over here crying 😢 😭 so grateful for folks who live with compassion

[@udntknomeXX]

What an unsung teacher... 💐 to Ms Abbott & other teachers who care & believe in their students. Great job 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@tz7245]

Teachers like Ms Abbott change lives and we never ever forget them.. I can still hear my teachers in my head and I hold them close. Thank you Ms. Abbott.. thank you so much for giving us the foundation we need in this life.

[@loveofpassion7908]

I find it amazing that teachers can remember personalities after teaching hundreds of kids over the years. Wow

[@kimbronson3520]

Job well done Mrs. Abbott. You are an AMAZING teacher and now you have a show named after you.

[@thegazetteyt]

Its amazing to me how little we do for children in this country and then expect the goodness of people to pick up the slack for a failed uncaring system. Its so unfair. My mother was a teacher special ed) and it was amazing the things she would do and give for her students.

[@CharliStitchezPplPlacesThings]

She was also one of my teachers I as raised by my grandma and Ms Abbot went beyond her teacher duties and made sure my siblings and I had the most education and whatever else she could help with this almost made me cry I love you and Abbot and Ms Eleanor would absolutely love seeing this Ms Abbot and Quinta deserves this!

[@CozumelTy]

Tears in my eyes on this one. "My Children"

[@Cambrry]

teachers teach our future generations the kids who will grow up and be the future yet they get underpaid and mistreated im in 9th grade and learned to appreciate my teachers because they do this to help us learn and grow they deserve the world.

[@aucksun]

Wow someone is cutting onions in my room, God Bless Ms. Abbott and teachers alike ❤‍🔥

[@kennyfool8078]

I loved that we got to know the teacher that inspired such an amazing show. If she was the reason this Emmy award winning series was made, then she must be a wonderful teacher and person down to her core. Thank you for being you and your service as a teacher because now the industry has a new show and writer that are changing the game in Hollywood

[@reshaunc]

She mentioned how she didn’t do things for the recognition. Even her colleagues didn’t now. They all do now and it is deserved. Glad she is receiving her flowers

[@FuzzyStayBuzzin183]

Teachers like this are a dying breed. Shout out to her. I had a teacher in PS 32 in the Bronx her name was Janet Steinberg She left her impression on me I honestly don't know where I'll be if she didn't give me the advice she gave me at 11 years old.

[@nigeriangodissasuquo424]

Praying for God's continuous coverage and Blessings over Mrs. Abbott and all the educators and staff that help children in every way possible 🙏 🙏🙌💯❤

[@margarcia4841]

This is truly putting teachers on the spotlight. Love the show

[@yaya_97]

This small clip of her speaking touched me, so I can't even imagine the beautiful and enormous impact she had on her students.

[@antitheticalprincess6616]

I had a high school global history teacher that had this impact. She always sent above and beyond to make us feel comfortable and cared for. I remember walking into her classroom as my first class of the day, and it smelled like cinnamon apple glade and now I associate that scent with her classroom and her teaching. She was so humorous and always joking around with us, but it was so grounding bc she was so real. Lunch was at 10:30 in the AM for us bc my school was a building split between two schools, so we had to take our lunch that early. They were always telling us not to eat in the classroom so that we wouldn't have pests, but we usually found a way. My way was 50 cent chocolate granola (I think Sunbelt is the brand that makes them) and I always had at least 2 to snack on in class. One morning I remember eating one while taking notes and whatnot... but I was a class nerd for global history so I raised my hand frantically to answer a question, and she called on me and then processed that I was eating and looked at me like "fr tho? 🤣😒" And I'm like "I'm sorry! I just know I'll be hungry again after our 10:30 lunch 😭" and she let me slide bc I wasn't a disruptive or problematic student. I can't remember how much later it was, but I think a different semester because I was in her class a little later in the day and as the class was leaving, she goes "PSST...PSSST" and waves me over dramatically to the projector screen by the chalkboard. She peeks to make sure no one else is looking, and then she reaches behind the screen to give me two of the granola bars I would always eat...in her classroom...against the rules. 😭 And I just wanted to bawl my eyes out bc it was such a randomly kind thing to do 😭 like no teacher has ever been so memorably sweet to her students in my experience. She didn't even make it a big thing, but it just FELT big because I'd receive maybe $2-$3 from my mom on some mornings before school for snacks. I'd get an Arizona for $1, get a granola and a bag of chips or I'd get two granolas and a bag of chips. I was just grateful to know what worked to sustain my tummy in between meals and to even be able to save up until Friday when I'd sometimes reward myself for saving all week by buying groceries to make a meal or buying something cheap from the Chinese restaurant. I've just always experienced poverty so that act of kindness just...it went deep into my soul. I miss her influence so much but I know it's alive in her students. She was murdered in July 2012 by her husband, our English teacher who taught literally in the classroom beside hers...it was such a betrayal and I've never reacted that way to losing a teacher. Had the entire GRADE of us in mourning that September, dragging our feet to school and just wanting to grieve with each other...her death was hard for us because she was so positive and sensitive to our needs as growing humans and I just hate how unappreciated teachers are. They are vital conductors in society and I wish they were protected more and paid even more. I don't understand how the people responsible for intellectually raising the nations we live in are so horribly treated, especiallyyyy in Public school. If you teach at a public school of any grade, you brave and you are needed. I loved loved loved seeing Ms. Abbott bc I love Quinta and her vision and the execution of Abbott elementary is wonderful and necessary representation of teachers in disadvantaged and impoverished areas and teachers in general. They do so much. If I didn't have such severe social anxiety I'd probably be some sort of teacher or counselor. Maybe someday. I wonder about the quality of education today because I feel that most of the good teachers were on their way out when I graduated high school in 2014 and this new generation has less respect than I witnessed from my peers. It's actually insane. I hate that teachers are overwhelmed and have no support.

[@davidam4080]

Bless you Miss Abbott, we need you and others like you being effective teachers to our future.

[@lionmane22]

Joyce Abbott, you are making a difference, directly responsible for making children succeed in life. I went to elementary school in the south Bronx, very few of the teachers cared, I remembered the very few Teachers that cared, they made a difference but there were not enough of them. So teachers like you are Special and change lives.

[@dontworry9372]

The way that this interview would never have happened or gotten the attention it deserves without Quinta writing this great TV show. I love that this work has highlighted great teachers facing impossible circumstances in the US.

[@capstar633]

PLEASE, PLEASE write that book, Mrs. Abbott! Our community needs to hear from you!

[@King_2ya]

What a beautiful soul! I hope Quinta gets to feature her some way in her series.

[@songindarkness]

Ms Abbot needs a school named after her for real! The best teachers are more inspiring than anyone!

[@TaniaS_720]

Blessings peace honor and tangible repayment to Mrs.Abbot and those like her💎💎💎

[@s.8953]

so grateful for teachers like that, that genuinely care to be there for their students.

[@nothingtoseehere7554]

This has me tearing up, the work teachers like her do is so important and underappreciated and it’s beautiful how she impacted Quinta’s life enough to make a show about it.

[@kelseybee123]

Awwww. I love teachers like her. You can tell that she still cares about the students, even after working for the school district for so long.

[@BeniBoyzGuitarSlamz]

This is beautiful. Moved a white boy from England to tears. Thank you. I am thinking about becoming a secondary school teacher and I found this very reaffirming. It's not about you, it's about the kids. Beautiful. Thank you for all you do, Ms Abbott, and thank you to all the unsung heroes out there who keep doing their thing day by day, not looking for attention, like you say. Thank you.

[@zintlemvana7955]

Ms Abbott truly made a difference in many children's lives. Some of them, their living situation might have gotten the better of them and maybe they didn't continue with their education but I'm sure they remember fondly the learning environment she created and the feeling that they could achieve anything they put their mind to. Education is the same all over the world, children from lower income working class are often not as confident in their abilities and that manifests in different ways in the classroom. But being able to give them that confidence and to make them feel appreciated and special, that's something that can change their lives forever. It's not just about teaching them how to spell or count, it's that confidence, hat self-belief

[@utube0803]

Bravo, Ms. Abbott! We can all see why the show is heartwarmingly named after you! You are a gem of a human being and clearly an unforgettably impactful educator. God bless you and may He repay every kindness you've shown your students ❤.

[@jessicabw]

Love this!!!! Educators like Ms. Abbott can change a student's life🍎

[@stanford0711]

She was so wonderful during the kimmel interview

[@djstorm40]

Look at what your dedication, and passion help create Ms.Abbott!... Thank you for your contribution!

[@advocacynaccountablity]

This world is better because of people like Joyce Abbot and Quinta Brunson. Period.

[@dontmashthepotatoes]

May you always be blessed, Ms. Abbot.

[@Irish176]

My eyes are all wet now Bravo Miss Abbott for inspiring and helping thousands of children Why I love my city some of the biggest hearts in the world 🌍 Come from Philly ❤️🤍💙

[@WHEREISMYNUTELLA]

I was just wondering if there was a meaning to the school’s name on the show and now knowing this makes me love the show even more! Ms. Abbott seems like an amazing teacher and her kids are so lucky!

[@tiffanyhollywood2108]

Awwwwwwee😫😫😫What an honor😫😫😫😫😫 You never forget the teacher(s) who had a Great impact on your life. You never forget their names, you share the stories of their impact on your life with your children and grands. I'll never, ever forget my Favorite and Best Teacher. I've searched for her on social media and the internet. I so badly to this day wish that I could tell her what she did for me. She may no longer even be with us.🥀 I very often just randomly think of her. I wish that I had the opportunity to thank her. What an honor to be able to honor this teacher in such a Grand way. I wonder why they didn't contact her though, to tell her that this show was inspired by her. Thank you to ALL the Ms. Abbotts!!! 💐💐💐💐💐💐💐 Thank you to my Ms. Kilby of Orr Elementary School. I truly love you and will never forget you. 💐💐💐💐❣️❣️❣️❣️💐💐💐💐 9.16.2022

[@potatothegreat8464]

Wish I had more supportive teacher figures like Ms. Abbott growing up

[@jeannieves6275]

Awesome Inspiring Woman 🥇❤️⭐️🙏🏽

[@melissaford717]

I went to Catholic school for 4 years and the rest of my education was in public school. As a former student of the Philadelphia School District, I can say us kids were lucky we had teachers like Mrs. Abbott. Because many of us did have one. Mine was Ms. Golin from Smedley School & Mrs. Essman from Harding Junior High School both in Frankford. Every school across Philly had/has a teacher that cares when others might not. I'm proud to be from Philadelphia! Go Birds 💚 🦅 🏈

[@thebossmommynetworkllc]

Just beautiful. Thank God for passionate and caring teacher like Ms. Abbott 💞

[@theonly1258]

Definitely can see Ms Abbott loves teaching and her students...what an amazing influence ....Abbott Elementary is a great show

[@toryjei9435]

I love you Ms. Abbott!!! You're my inspiration. #fellowinnercityeducator

[@donstarlancer]

This is awesome. Man, Junior high was such hell for me I don't even remember any of the teachers or what they helped me with. I'm glad she had such a different experience. Truly touching. I hope someone younger than me can somehow be just as impacted by something I did or will do.

[@queenwifemomdaughter2970]

God bless you Ms Abbott!

[@randomliamsquares765]

The fact that there are children in America that don’t have HEAT or ELECTRICITY in their homes is disgraceful. Richest country on earth and can’t provide for their poorest. Shame.

[@TJTHEFOOTBALLPROPHET]

AS A WRITER, SHE IS SO GOOD IT'S HUMBLING TO OTHER WRITERS LIKE MYSELF! THE CHILD WAS BORN WITH IT ❤️🔥❤️🔥

[@hereyago9460]

Every student deserves a Ms. Abbott ❤️

[@melaninmochaa]

I looooved Ms. Abbott she was one of my favorite teachers🥹🥰

[@JustAllieB]

I am 7 years into teaching and I cannot wait to be 27 years deep. It will be amazing to see how my students evolve into amazing humans living in their purpose. Cheers to Ms. Abbott for inspiring and teaching multiple generations of kids! In the words of the late and great David Arnold, “It ain’t for the weak”! 💕🥰

[@redlipstickclub]

talk about making an impact wow....an entire show named after you. Literally a love letter to teachers everywhere.

[@fredericka.furmansr.2489]

She's s blessing. Hope other teachers are listening

[@aprilbrown7227]

I can not wait to be an educator!!!!!!!!!!! Joyce Abbott's story is one that I hope people share because doing the work educator's is one of the hardest, but awarding jobs. I commend Ms. Abbott and all other educators, and people in all parts of education we really do make a difference. ❤

[@mannyxart]

I really hope Ms. Abbot comes out with a book. I would most certainly read it.

[@kayls2182]

First Bel-Air now I’m hooked on Abbott . I’m beginning to really love Philly ! Might have to visit all the way from the Caribbean :)

[@daejay2800]

Why did this make me cry 😭✨

[@T4KE_A_BREATH]

My teachers taught me so much. My house burned down when I was in the 4th grade.. I have fond memories of my favorite teachers, they recognized potential in me and nurtured it. I learned things then that have served me well as an adult, and I thank God for teachers like Mrs. Abbot, as it truly is a thankless job.

[@alexaf7400]

People like her are a blessing to this world. They do what they can & knowing that as individuals we can give to others who need a helping hand is beyond amazing❤️👏🏾👏🏾

[@Chazcott]

She has an Emmy awarded, hilariously brilliant show named after her. When children give thanks it’s pure and God sent. Quinta’s inner child thanked Mrs. Abbott❤

[@gennyyyyyyyyy]

Thank you Mrs Abbott for your dedication and love towards these kids! You are a blessing🙌 Philly is proud of you ♥️

[@reginaldhickey9306]

You are a blessing. Thanks for all you do to shape the future. It Matters!!!

[@SweetsE1983]

This is a beautiful example of giving people their flowers and being the change you want to see.

[@melliemel32]

To GOD BE THE GLORY!! I believe most teachers really care about their students, but they’re hands are tied in so many ways...I pray she never stops helping children...they need that he’ll and may JESUS bless her ABUNDANTLY!

[@tnichols5166]

I LOVE hearing stories like this and seeing real heroes being honores

[@LexTVi]

Thankful for the “Ms. Abbott’s” of the world. My mother was Kindergarten teacher and she was amazing. Her students love her to this day. We need to start appreciating and investing in our teachers and education like yesterday.

[@davidm113]

I’m from the UK and after watching this, I realise that the opportunities that we had growning up took , had been taken for granted because my school never had any of these issues. Because we had the equipment to learn. We didn’t have to worry about used books or not having books at all.

[@Meo9131]

Oh wow I didn't know she went to Hamilton. These Philly school teachers deserve all the flowers and raises in pay.

[@carroll11000]

Much love to her and to all the teachers like her !!!

[@nolechick321]

Bless her!!! Pay these teachers more!!!! It is one of the most important jobs in our world.

[@cloutdaze]

Ms. Abbot deserves every ounce of love.

[@khadijahabdullah852]

I live in Philly and attended Philly schools and I thank god for the teachers I have they truly did mold and shape me & they loved me when needed and disciplined me when necessary! Thank you Ms. Hugee, Mr. Miller Ms. Reynolds Mr. Gitlman , Ms. Miller And lastly Mr. Thomas for the many times you caught my me cutting and took my ass to class it’s because of you I graduated with honors!!!! Teachers are more than educators, they’re the parents when your mother & fathers don’t show up!!!!

[@FastLif3]

I’m trying to get into teaching right now and this is so inspiring. God bless this woman!

[@dlmg5707]

Ms. Carol McCree 6th grade Social Studies. Changed my life and in turn my children benefited from her teachings and her caring because I passed it on to them. Thanks to the Internet we were able to reconnect after 40 yrs. She remembered me immediately upon answering the phone and I was able to thank her.

[@chloesharp8281]

West Philly teachers are the best people around so kind and generous I grew up in the area and am very thankful for those teachers I know they aren’t getting paid good enough

[@christinareyes2963]

She is totally right. What an amazing teacher. My goodness.

[@atlygroup]

We need more teachers like this. Bless her heart.