Abbott Elementary: Normally I Encourage Cheating- Episode 4 Recap

This week was all about new reading programs- the one constant thing elementary teachers experience each year. At Abbott Elementary, this change is mixed with enthusiasm (Janine) and disdain from literally everyone, else-especially Barbara. From technology errors to abandoning the way phonics should be taught, Barbara is frustrated and resorts to just inputting random data to keep everyone off her back- including Janine. Despite her cheating, she gets recognized for having the highest reading scores in the building. Ava, our struggling school principal, suggests having one of Barbara's students read at a school assembly!

Note: Isn't this real life? How many of us have just closed our doors and done what we wanted to do?

Meanwhile, resident know-it-all, Jacob is attempting to teach about the union history from South Philly to the disdain of Melissa, who actually lived it as a child. Finally, after catching a glimpse of his whitewashed teaching, Melissa convinces him to have one of her buddies, a retired police captain, Vinny Ramada, a.k.a the Tire Iron, talk to his class.

What ensues is foolishness. Vinny not only teaches the real history but gives the kids a glimpse of his criminal behavior to Jacob's disdain. Then, after Melissa reads him for questioning her guest, we get her mic-worthy quote, "you can't teach the kids if you don't respect where they're from."

What happens?

• Barbara confesses to the entire school that she cheated.
• Ava is shocked that do gooder Ms. Barbara had the nerve to cheat!
• The reading program gets taken back due to questionable practices.
• Jacob realizes that teaching the truth is more important than teaching peace.
• Gregory still doens't realize he's a teacher.
• Barbara's student who struggles the most has a reading breakthrough.

So what's happening next week?

We're still hoping Janine and Gregory will become work baes once she stops offering him to come on day dates with her boyfriend at Ikea.