As a seasoned educator with decades of experience under my belt, I must say that this latest episode of “Abbott Elementary” has truly hit the spot. The writers have managed to create a captivating narrative that resonates deeply with my own experiences in the classroom.
Among the things I admire most about Ava is her disregard for conventional professionalism – she herself would acknowledge that her leadership style strays from the norm (occasionally even venturing into areas that might raise eyebrows regarding legality). However, this unconventional approach doesn’t detract from her competence; in fact, she excels so much at her job that during her time as principal of Abbott Elementary, student test scores rose, absences decreased, and after-school programs have never been more prevalent. As Ava puts it, she is indeed that exceptional individual. Despite her propensity to deviate from the norm in terms of professional behavior, there are many valuable lessons about leadership that others can learn from Ava. Ava embodies a unique form of success that doesn’t conform to traditional expectations; after all, how many well-known fictional principals sport natural hair and have tales to tell of partying with Questlove?
compassion. Empathy can be more impactful than just being a good person; some people consider compassion as the foundation for an entire ethical system in politics and society. Deva Woodly, a political science professor at Brown University, argues that the politics of care suggests that fair governance should prioritize caring for those most affected by oppression and control. In other words, Ava’s deep concern for her students has greatly benefited Abbott, and there’s even academic reasoning to explain why her methods work. Perhaps good leadership is just as much about showing love and care as it is about setting a good example. As Janine says, while Ava sometimes makes questionable decisions, she does so much more than that. For instance, Ava sews clothes for students in need. If that’s not going the extra mile, I don’t know what is.
Although Ava sometimes breaks the rules, her work always produces outstanding results. As a result, our friend Manny from the district invites Ava to give a talk about education so other principals can learn from her. At first, she declines because the speaking engagement isn’t paid, but her colleagues persuade her to reconsider since it could improve Abbott’s relationship with the district after they turned down a job offer last season (now they don’t like Janine much). Janine points out that the district tends to favor those who give them advantages, and currently, Abbott depends on a lawyer from the golf course for new resources. Realizing that the talk could benefit the students financially and give her an opportunity to boast, Ava starts preparing a presentation for Manny.
Manny, portrayed by Josh Segarra, graces us again with his presence, adorned in a gold necklace, chunky cardigan, and an even denser beard – he vetoes every suggestion made by Ava for the speech. Topics like “the art of manipulation” and “intimidation as inspiration” were not what Manny envisioned, and he certainly doesn’t approve of Ava advocating that other principals rent out their gymnasiums to unauthorized groups. This was a part of Ava’s proposed speech, although I’m curious about the incident involving drug dealers using the space. Manny then retracts his offer for her to speak, causing Ava some distress, though she may not openly admit it. Instead, she confides in Janine that she has always been told she is “too much,” implying people disliking her is their issue, not hers. Janine, like myself, recognizes the importance of empathy in leadership and guides Ava in aligning her street-smart abilities with the professional realm. She counsels Ava to concentrate on the reasons behind her actions rather than the methods she uses.
While Ava is working on finding a balance, Ava’s friends Jacob, Barbara, and Melissa are focused on preventing the local deli from being displaced by gentrification. The upcoming construction of a golf course brings new businesses eager to set up shop in their neighborhood, potentially forcing the deli owner out due to a potential gentrifier – a trendy smoothie shop with a clever name, “Fruit There It Is.” Gregory is thrilled because this means he won’t have to drive far for his favorite smoothies anymore, but Melissa and Barbara are worried since the deli serves the best hoagies in town. Jacob feels drawn into the cause as the encroachment of gentrification on a predominantly Black neighborhood resonates deeply with him, especially given his millennial liberal perspective. The fight to preserve a community cornerstone ignites Jacob’s sense of responsibility and he starts rallying support from the neighborhood, enjoying the feeling of making a difference in the world around him.
In simpler terms, Melissa and Barbara visited Fruit There It Is in University City with the intention of pressuring the owners to move. However, things didn’t go as planned when they were given free samples and ended up tasting multiple flavors, causing them to change their stance. They made Jacob try one of the smoothies, but he angrily threw it away, demonstrating his commitment to his principles. But when they all met again at recess, Jacob’s arrogant attitude mysteriously vanished. He claimed he was just happy to see everyone excited about something, but Gregory noticed an açai stain on Jacob’s collar, indicating he had secretly consumed several smoothies. Meanwhile, everyone at Abbott School seemed to be supportive of Fruit There It Is. However, Jacob forgot that he had involved the B.L.A.C.K.S. (remember them from last season?) in this matter. When he saw them protesting outside the deli, he panicked and rushed out to try to fix the situation, as his canvassing for support had unexpectedly backfired.
After Gregory, Melissa, and Barbara became enthusiastic about the smoothies, they urged Jacob to resolve the issue immediately. However, instead of addressing it, Jacob pulled out a different cause related to fracking and started a “Frack is whack” protest. The protesters were unimpressed with this move and booed Jacob off. Barbara then tried to steer the crowd’s attention towards protesting the golf course, but had to quickly retract her statement when Melissa reminded her that without the new golf course, there wouldn’t be a smoothie shop. The landlord of the deli where Fruit There It Is was supposed to open backed down due to community outrage. To keep both sides happy, the deli started serving smoothies with unique flavor combinations inspired by cities, such as “Menthol Madness” and “Mango Mortadella Fusion.
As I stand before a gathering of district principals, ready to share my refined Ed-Talk, I’m a bit nervous, but I can’t help but crack a joke about one of my staff members looking like “a vacationing nun.” Despite the occasional stumble, I find my footing in this professional landscape, realizing it takes more than just humor and street wisdom to navigate it effectively.
Teacher’s Notes
Tonight’s show included a fun Easter egg – a picture of Bradley Cooper in the deli, which was a nod to his memorable guest appearance last season. Additionally, there was another clever reference in the Halloween episode with a student dressed as Quinta from her viral “He’s got money!” video from a decade ago. What a delightful way for events to come full circle!
Regarding Quinta’s storylines, they seem rather dull compared to what we’ve seen lately. The plot about her eating paper was as uninteresting as last week’s subplot where she was trying to retrieve money from Barbara. It’s great that other characters get a chance to shine with their abilities, but Quinta is just too entertaining for secondary storylines like these.
• Finally, my favorite one-liners:
In my perspective, your views on nutrition seem almost revolutionary, and I can’t help but marvel at them. If there were a global forum for discussing dietary ideas, I would certainly nominate you as a keynote speaker!
Melissa to Jacob: “Once again, a white man comes into a community of color and makes things worse.”
Ava: “The district has seen my methods and they want my madness. They want the ‘Ava-lanche.’”
To the surprise and alarm of his predominantly Black classmates, Jacob exclaimed, ‘Oh dear! It’s the B.L.A.C.K.S group… I assure you, it’s not as it seems!’
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2024-11-14 07:54