Abbott Elementary has singlehandedly revived the sitcom genre with a hilarious show that’s full of heart and a whole yearbook full of memorable characters. The series takes place in a fictional South Philadelphia public elementary school, where students and educators work to solve a range of severe problems in hilarious ways. Just like in real life, Abbott Elementary is underfunded and understaffed with teachers who are underappreciated. Series creator Quinta Brunson’s inspiration for the series was her mom, a real-life Philly schoolteacher, and she named the school after her sixth grade teacher, Ms. Abbott.

Swipe ahead to meet all the teachers and staff members at Abbott Elementary.

Barbara Howard

(Sheryl Lee Ralph)

Barbara is a veteran kindergarten teacher with her hands full. She’s long given up on the public education system, but will never give up on her students. Janine looks up to her like a mentor, a role Barbara reluctantly accepts.

Photography: Warner Bros. Television

Mr. Johnson

(William Stanford Davis)

Mr. Johnson is so much more than just the quirky janitor at Abbott. He’s the glue that holds the whole place together. He’s worked at the school forever but has referenced past lives as an Olympic athlete, a champion rib eater and even Dorothy Hamill’s paramour. He’s an avid conspiracy theorist who thinks the Illuminati run the world and doesn’t believe the moon exists.

Photography: Warner Bros. Television

Jacob Hill

(Chris Perfetti)

Jacob is a history teacher at Abbot with the best of intentions and, often times, the worst execution. He does his best to be woke and cool, but the more he tries the harder he proves the opposite. His students love him, mostly because they like to make fun of him. They even gave him the nickname Mr. C – the "C" stands for corny.

Photography: Warner Bros. Television

Ava Coleman

(Janelle James)

Ava isn’t the principal Abbott needs and she’s definitely not the principal Abbott deserves. She’s the principal Abbott has because she blackmailed her way into the position. Ava is profoundly unqualified, self-centered, snarky, snippy, and absolutely hilarious. She’s the best friend you’re glad you never had.

Photography: Warner Bros. Television

Melissa Schemmenti

(Lisa Ann Walter)

Mellissa brings major South Philly energy into her second grade classroom every day. She doesn't tolerate any funny business and always knows a guy who can get you something that "fell off a truck." She teaches her students valuable lessons they can use in the real world, in addition to the normal curriculum.

Photography: Warner Bros. Television

Gregory Eddie

(Tyler James Williams)

Gregory arrived at Abbott Elementary to be the principal, but because of Ava Coleman's antics, he works as a teacher. He’s slow to warm to the job at first, but ultimately couldn’t resist all the lovable little kids looking up to him every day. He’s got a major crush on Janine and is waiting for the day she asks him to stay after school.

Photography: Warner Bros. Television

Janine Teagues

(Quinta Brunson)

Janine is a second grade teacher at Abbott who remains optimistic about public education despite the challenges she faces daily. She’s enthusiastic and always wants to ensure her students have everything they need to learn and grow. When the school fails to deliver for her kids, Janine does her best to save the day, even if her upbeat attitude annoys her co-workers.

Photography: Warner Bros. Television