"Step Class"
: Janine's structured approach to teaching step (complete with stretching and rules) is quickly upended by Ava, who prefers "farting around" and bonding over tacos. abbott elementary s01e09 bdscr
However, the twist comes when Janine steps in to help. The two clash over teaching styles: Janine wants inclusivity and basic steps, while Ava demands perfection and flash. By the end, Ava surprisingly shows a sliver of vulnerability, admitting she only took over because no one else would. The students ultimately perform a messy but joyous routine, reminding everyone that sometimes the journey is more important than the choreography. "Step Class" : Janine's structured approach to teaching
: Barbara, Melissa, and Jacob compete to prove their favorite pizza is superior. Gregory tries to avoid the competition by claiming to only like "Baltimore-style" pizza (which he describes as "crunchy and wet"), but eventually admits he is an extremely picky eater who primarily sticks to a few foods, like boiled chicken sandwiches. Key Details | Detail | Information | Quinta Brunson By the end, Ava surprisingly shows a sliver
"Step Class," serves as a pivotal turning point for the series, masterfully balancing its trademark mockumentary humor with profound character depth. Directed by Shahrzad Davani and written by Joya McCroy, the episode moves beyond the established "lazy boss" trope for Principal Ava Coleman, revealing the vulnerability and responsibility that lie beneath her chaotic exterior. The Collision of Two Teaching Philosophies The primary conflict centers on the after-school step class. Janine, driven by her need for structure and a desire to provide the discipline she lacked in her own childhood, approaches the class with rigid, textbook precision. However, Ava’s arrival disrupts this order. Ava views stepping as a blend of discipline and "farting around"—prioritizing student bonding and cultural connection over perfect synchronization. While Janine initially resents being ousted as the lead instructor, the episode forces her to confront her own "pushy" tendencies. By the time the final performance arrives, Janine realizes that Ava’s unconventional methods have fostered a level of student engagement and joy that her own structured approach could not achieve alone. Peeling Back the Mask: Ava’s Hidden Life The emotional heart of the episode is the subversion of Ava's character. Throughout the season, she is portrayed as self-serving and unreliable. When she goes missing before the step performance, Janine and the faculty expect another instance of flakiness. Instead, the "mockumentary" lens catches a rare, unshielded moment: Ava tenderly caring for her elderly, ailing grandmother. This revelation reframes Ava’s entire persona. Her obsession with social media, "hustle culture," and her sharp tongue are revealed as defense mechanisms or distractions from the heavy weight of being a primary caregiver. It transforms her from a comedic foil into a deeply empathetic figure, grounding the show’s critique of the personal sacrifices made by public school staff. The Humorous Subplot: Gregory’s Pizza Secret While the "A-story" delivers emotional weight, the "B-story" provides some of the series' most iconic comedic moments. The veteran teachers—Barbara, Melissa, and Jacob—plan a pizza "eat-off" to determine the best slice in Philadelphia. This forces the stoic Gregory Eddie to reveal a "horrifying" secret: he genuinely dislikes pizza. 11 sites Step Class | Abbott Elementary Wiki | Fandom After school, Janine starts her step class with stretching but the students aren't too enthusiastic. Ava then arrives and brings s... Abbott Elementary Wiki