Their veteran perspective contrasts with Janine’s idealism and Jacob’s performative enthusiasm.
Janine and Ava's leadership clash; Gregory's culinary eccentricities The Main Plot: The Battle of the Step Leaders
Jacob forms a “White Men’s Association” (WMA) after feeling excluded from the step team. This is the episode’s sharpest social commentary. abbott elementary s01e09 wma
Ava tasks the teachers with preparing a step routine for a district-wide wellness competition. Meanwhile, Jacob’s attempts to connect with the predominantly Black step team come off as cringey and performative. Simultaneously, Gregory and Janine’s relationship tension rises when Gregory refuses to join a local social club that Janine thinks would be good for him.
The step routine is more than comic relief — it’s a vehicle for exploring: Ava tasks the teachers with preparing a step
[Janine's Approach: Rigid & Choreographed] VS [Ava's Approach: Charismatic & Rhythmic] Subplot: The Philadelphia Pizza Debate
“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. The step routine is more than comic relief
Meanwhile, Barbara and Melissa deal with a group of unruly students causing trouble. Gregory discovers he has a surprising ability to handle the students on the steps, earning him the nickname "Step Master." Ava, always looking for a viral moment, exploits the chaos to boost her social media presence.
January 4, 2022
The primary storyline centers around Janine Teagues running an after-school step dance class. Janine approaches the class with her signature micro-managed, rigid structure. Tension builds when Principal Ava Coleman joins the program.
Abbott Elementary S01E09 Recap: "Step Class" Shenanigans and Pizza Secrets If you’ve been following the mockumentary magic of Abbott Elementary , Season 1, Episode 9, titled " Step Class ," is an absolute standout. This episode perfectly balances the show's signature heart with the chaotic energy we’ve come to expect from Willard R. Abbott Public School. The Main Event: Janine vs. Ava in Step Class The primary plot follows Janine Teagues (Quinta Brunson) as she attempts to run an after-school step class. Ever the "rule-follower," Janine starts with a focus on structure, discipline, and warm-up stretches. However, Principal Ava Coleman (Janelle James) has a different philosophy: "Stepping is half stepping and half farting around". Ava takes over the class, bringing tacos, "farting around," and a vibe that the kids actually respond to. While Janine is initially hurt and frustrated by the lack of discipline, she eventually realizes that the most important thing is that the kids are engaged and having fun. We even see a rare glimpse into Ava's life outside of being the school's most chaotic leader; she's been showing up every day for these kids, proving she’s more dedicated than she let on. The Subplot: Gregory’s Pizza Scandal While the step class unfolds, the teachers' lounge is embroiled in a heated debate over the best pizza in Philadelphia. When Gregory (Tyler James Williams) claims he’s a "Baltimore pizza guy" and finds all Philly pizza "trash," Jacob goes the extra mile and drives two hours to Baltimore to get him a slice of