Teachers Do It All: A Cluster-Based Analysis of Abbott Elementary

Peter Heryla

Abstract

This study employs rhetorical criticism to analyze the television sitcom Abbott Elementary (2021). Through close examination of the episodes “Pilot,” “Development Day,” and “Egg Drop,” this analysis aims to uncover key ideas about the multifaceted roles and responsibilities educators are required to assume outside of their main job as “teacher.” Utilizing cluster criticism, the study shows that being a teacher is about more than educating, and that teachers are motivated by common themes when they act outside of their role. The study also focuses on the mediated representation of teachers and the harmful demographic tropes that have historically characterized them, as well as contrasting Abbott’s presentation of educators with other “media teachers” in television and film. Findings suggest that educators assume roles of improvisers, caretakers, and providers based on their own personal values and to varying degrees of success. Implications from the research include the impact of Abbott’s cast on the demographic perceptions of educators, and the show’s presentation of a diverse, underfunded school district. This research contributes to a better understanding of the challenges educators face on a daily basis, amidst a nationwide teacher shortage and poor societal perception of teachers.

Journal Title

Iowa Journal of Communication

Volume

Issue

First Page

Last Page

Language

File Format

application/pdf

Recommended Citation

Heryla, Peter (2024) "Teachers Do It All: A Cluster-Based Analysis of Abbott Elementary," Iowa Journal of Communication: Vol. 56: No. 1, Article 6.
Available at: https://scholarworks.uni.edu/ijc/vol56/iss1/6

Copyright

Download

Comments?

COinS