Welcome to this week’s installment of Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week, wherein we spotlight strong women and nonbinary folks who inspire us. This includes fictional characters in geeky media and creators as well. They are a prime example of empowerment and how crucial it is for youth to have said example to follow.
DISCLAIMER: The following contains spoilers for ABC’s Abbott Elementary, particularly Barbara Howard’s arc. Proceed at your peril.
Barbara Howard
Fast Facts:
Barbara Howard (Sheryl Lee Ralph) is a kindergarten teacher at Willard R. Abbott Elementary School with two decades of working in education under her belt. Barbara is the most seasoned educator with the longest tenure at the school. She’s well-respected by students and faculty alike.
Barbara is a devout Christian and attends church every Sunday. She’s married to Gerald (Richard Brooks) and has two daughters, Taylor (Iyana Halley) and Gina. Barbara occasionally butts heads with Taylor. Her best friend (and work wife, unarguably) is another teaching veteran, second-grade teacher Melissa Schemmenti (Lisa Ann Walter).
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In Season 1, second-grade teacher Janine Teagues (Quinta Brunson) lovingly refers to Barbara as her “work mom.” The pair develop a sweet bond, with Barbara taking the younger instructor under her wing. She cultivates the school garden alongside history teacher Jacob Hill (Chris Perfetti). Later in the season, substitute first-grade teacher Gregory Eddie (Tyler James Williams) — later hired as a full-time teacher — begins dating Barbara’s daughter, Taylor.
Then, Barbara assists Principal Ava Coleman (Janelle James), Janine, Gregory, Melissa and Jacob with persuading the school board not to pull funds for Abbott. When Season 2 rolls around, Barbara organizes a candy-selling fundraiser for the school and surprisingly joins forces with Ava, who brings unconventional salesman tactics to the table. In another Season 2 episode, Barbara lights a candle that inadvertently starts a small fire. She tries to convince everyone around her that she’s “fine,” but she eventually tells Melissa that her husband Gerald had a health scare.
The Real Deal:
Barbara is immensely dedicated to her students, always prioritizing and advocating for their needs. She views teaching as a calling, and there’s nobody more suited to that call. She boasts a solid moral compass. Her strength in her faith is admirable. She’s loyal to her loved ones and possesses a playful sense of humor as sharp as her intellect. Barbara is incredibly kind but knows how to set firm boundaries, which is essential.
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While some might view Barbara as “old-fashioned,” and her stubbornness occasionally emerges in the series, she’s slowly but surely learning to go with the flow (to be fair, change is difficult). Barbara’s aware of her flaws and holds herself accountable for her actions. She owns up to her mistakes.
Why She Matters:
Barbara is a multifaceted, powerful and empathetic force of nature. She works in one of the most important (and notoriously underpaid) occupations as someone who shapes the young minds of tomorrow. Few careers are nobler than teaching. Barbara’s a role model for people of all ages.
So, be like Barbara Howard. Hold fast to your beliefs. Never shy away from setting healthy boundaries. Be kind, but take no sh*t. Relish your friendships, especially if one of them is with a redhead from Philly. Oh, and always pray to sweet baby Jesus (and the grown one, too).
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What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events.
Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet.
Bylines in: Tell-Tale TV, Culturess, Sideshow Collectibles, and inkMend on Medium.
Critic: Rotten Tomatoes, CherryPicks, and the Hollywood Creative Alliance.
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