Abbott Elementary's ensemble cast is just nearly perfect, and everyone really does bring something that makes the hit ABC comedy work so well. Of course Ava and Mr. Johnson are also great, though this ranking is going to focus on the teachers.
Now, I want to say that I do sincerely like all of them. But, this is a ranking after all. So we all have our favorites even if we like them all. Read on below for our ranking of all 7 Abbott Elementary teachers. And the one who's No. 1 may be someone you didn't expect!
Ashley Garcia
No offense to this actress, and technically she was an aide and not a teacher, but I still wanted to include her on here. Frankly, the character was just annoying and did not click with the rest of the staff, so I'm not surprised that the actress' time was very limited and the character was quickly written out of season 2.
I mean there's irresponsible, and there's just immature. And Ashley was both, but definitely immature. The character was also written really cringe, there was nothing funny or heartwarming about her. I'm glad the series wrote her off quickly. And hey, Ashley did make a comeback and get Educator of the Year, so it wasn't all bad for her.
Mr. Morton
Mr. Morton is just a very down on his luck character, and I don't necessarily have anything very bad against him. It's just that compared to our main group of teachers, they're going to rank higher. Sorry! When we first meet him, he's a little rude to Janine. Though honestly, he was right in the end and I don't blame him, and some of the other staff, for being annoyed and done with Janine's want for her students to do the egg drop.
It's done in a funny way, but we have to remember this is an underfunded and understaffed school and everyone is trying to do their best. So they really don't need the extra work, especially when they're right. Though, Mr. Morton could cheer up a bit. I'd love to get a little more insight into why he and Jacob didn't start off on the right foot, and continue to be hilarious enemies of sorts.
Melissa Schemmenti
I just want to preface this by saying I do love all the main characters of Abbott Elementary, though this post is about ranking them so that's what we've got to do. I love Melissa, I really do. Her tough attitude is what we like about her, though it can be a bit much sometimes. Like, girl. Chill.
Some situations don't need all of that tension! But what's great about Melissa is that she really does care about her students and co-workers. Even under that tough exterior. And her patience and compassion does come out when she's in the classroom which is heartwarming to see.
Jacob Hill
Jacob is hilarious, but again. His hyper take on basically everything just kind of makes us want to roll our eyes like his fellow staff members usually do. He does talk too much and inserts himself into things uninvited. That's a part of his charm, but it's also a bit tiresome at times too.
Though he was the biggest supporter in trying to bring Janine and Gregory together, so we have to love him for that. Many of Jacob's one-liners and facial expressions are also pretty hilarious that makes this teacher stand out.
Janine Teagues
Alright everyone, please don't come at me and do not hate me! Yes, Janine is not ranked No. 1 on the list, and here's why. The comedy series has done such a great job of providing character development over the seasons. Though no more than Ava and Janine. Look, Janine is immediately likable as the central character though her can-do attitude and pushing certain things drove me a bit crazy sometimes.
I know it was all about learning from her mistakes and knowing what she can and can't control. But goodness. It was just too much sometimes. Though that eternal positivity is who she is and is also one of the reasons we love the character. Plus it came in handy multiple times when the school found itself in a crisis, which happens too often.
Barbara Howard
I just love Barbara! She's one of my favorite characters, clearly as she's ranked No. 2 on our list. She can be set in her ways sometimes, especially early on in season 1. Though like everyone else, she also is seen to learn from her mistakes and eventually learns to accept that, and even learning new ways to do things.
Her wise advice, mixing up white and black actors, her carefully worded PG insults, and the way Sheryl Lee Ralph delivers some of her lines and side glances to the camera make for some of the funniest moments on the show.
Gregory Eddie
Gregory's stoic attitude could have easily made this character boring and unlikable. Though Gregory is definitely ranked No. 1, and our favorite teacher! He learns to let loose a bit, especially as he realizes he loves teaching. And being a second grade teacher, he has to be funner with the kids and learns to do so.
Plus, it's actually that stoic attitude that adds to his charm, and that's in due to the great writing of the show. He may have his quirks, like his favor of very bland food. But, that doesn't hurt anyone. Even if we are all judging him for not liking pizza. He's also been a great boyfriend to Janine, which she needs after Tariq and I love seeing those two together!
Abbott Elementary season 5 is expected to premiere in fall 2025 on ABC.