Abbott Elementary S01e09 Wma [exclusive] Jun 2026

“Step Class” (S01E09) is not just a funny school sitcom episode. It’s a precise, empathetic dissection of performative allyship, emotional guardedness, and the quiet dignity of teachers who make broken systems work through sheer will and community. The “WMA” scene alone has become iconic in discussions of satire about white liberalism, but the episode’s heart lies in Janine asking Gregory, “Why won’t you just try?” — a question that lingers far beyond the step routine.

It leans heavily into genuine Philadelphia culture.

Step Class Season/Episode: S01E09 Air date: March 29, 2022 Writers: Jordan Temple & Garrett Werner Director: Randall Einhorn abbott elementary s01e09 wma

While the step class unfolds in the gym, the teacher's lounge hosts a fiercely competitive subplot. Barbara Howard , Melissa Schemmenti , and Jacob Hill plan a local pizza "eat-off". The goal is to settle which local parlor serves the definitive Philadelphia slice.

Unlike Janine, Ava emphasizes charisma, free-flowing energy, and historical cultural pride. This creates an immediate clash of philosophies: “Step Class” (S01E09) is not just a funny

The step routine is more than comic relief — it’s a vehicle for exploring:

The step routine is fun, but getting there requires unpaid emotional and physical labor from the teachers — a metaphor for how schools demand “resilience” without resources. It leans heavily into genuine Philadelphia culture

It forces Gregory Eddie to reveal an incredibly bizarre personal secret. Gregory admits that he does not like standard pizza, avoids mixing foods, and prefers ultra-bland nourishment.

Melissa and Barbara provide grounding. They’ve seen these district initiatives come and go. Their cynicism is earned: