PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Publicists stopped at three Philadelphia schools Friday, handing out swag to teachers to promote next week's premiere of “Abbott Elementary's” third season.
Teachers say they see themselves in the characters on the Philly-based ABC TV comedy.
Vanessa Martin, an autistic support teacher at James R. Ludlow Elementary School in North Philadelphia, said Philly native Quinta Brunson captured the essence of having to do more with less.
"The woman who created it, her mother taught in Philadelphia,” she said. “But it really just puts a comedic spin on all of the crazy things you have to deal with and lets the public know that teachers need to be supported so that we can do what's best for our kids.”
Jill Cimino, a reading specialist at Ludlow, agreed, saying the show brings a lot of positive, funny things to teaching.
"There are some serious things that we go through on a daily basis. But I think, overall, it does a good job of tying in some storylines with comedy," Cimino said.
Cayla Maratea, a kindergarten teacher at Ludlow, says she appreciates the spotlight the show puts on her profession.
Maratea said she really liked the new pencil sharpener she received in her swag bag. She says her sharpeners keep breaking because kindergarteners will shove anything into a pencil sharpener.
The promotional tour stopped at Ludlow, Gloria Casarez Elementary School in Kensington, and Frances Willard Elementary School, also in Kensington.
The new season of Abbott Elementary begins Wednesday, Feb. 7.