Abbott Elementary gave us some of television's most quotable moments. Below are the best quotes from Abbott Elementary, grouped by the characters who said them. Click any character to see their full collection of quotes and trivia.
Ava Coleman
"Y'all, I could do this job in my sleep. I'm saying that as a compliment to myself."
— Ava Coleman, Season 1 - Ava introducing herself as principal
"I'm not here to make friends. Actually, that's not true, I do want friends."
— Ava Coleman, Season 1 - Ava's candid admission
"Every now and then I remember I'm actually in charge of children and I have a small panic attack."
— Ava Coleman, Season 2 - Ava's confessional aside
"If it's not content, I don't want it."
— Ava Coleman, Season 1 - Ava on her approach to school functions
Janine Teagues
"Learning is its own reward!"
— Janine Teagues, Season 1 - Janine's earnest classroom motto
"I just feel like if we really work together as a team, we can make a difference for these kids."
— Janine Teagues, Season 1 - Janine rallying the staff
"I have a system. The system works."
— Janine Teagues, Season 2 - Janine defending her elaborate classroom binder
"I'm not trying to be the cool teacher. I'm trying to be the good teacher."
— Janine Teagues, Season 2 - Janine to Ava
Barbara Howard
"I have been teaching at this school for thirty years, and I will outlast every single one of you."
— Barbara Howard, Season 1 - Barbara establishing her authority
"The Lord gives me strength. And coffee. Mostly the Lord."
— Barbara Howard, Season 1 - Barbara on getting through the school day
"A good teacher doesn't need supplies. A good teacher needs conviction."
— Barbara Howard, Season 1 - Barbara to Janine on resourcefulness
"I have seen things in this school that would make your hair turn white. Mine already has. Coincidence? I think not."
— Barbara Howard, Season 2 - Barbara's dry confessional
Gregory Eddie
"I came here to teach. I'm going to teach."
— Gregory Eddie, Season 1 - Gregory's stoic introduction to Abbott
"I don't do things halfway. If I'm going to be here, I'm going to be all the way here."
— Gregory Eddie, Season 1 - Gregory to Janine
"I was a substitute for a reason. I liked the distance."
— Gregory Eddie, Season 2 - Gregory reflecting on his emotional walls
"These kids deserve someone who shows up."
— Gregory Eddie, Season 2 - Gregory committing to Abbott full-time