'Abbott Elementary' star, 'GMA' surprise Philadelphia teacher, school
Xiomara Robinson had no idea what was in store for her.
"Abbott Elementary" star and creator Quinta Brunson teamed up with "Good Morning America" to surprise a dedicated third-grade teacher and her Philadelphia school Monday morning.
Xiomara Robinson, a teacher at Benjamin B. Comegys Elementary School, was recognized for going above and beyond for her students and making her students feel seen.
"I don't see it as a job but I see it as a privilege, to be able to help them become who they can really be," Robinson said on "Good Morning America."
"When she was teaching me, I was like, 'Oh wait, I can be a teacher,'" one of her students, Maya Hughes, told "GMA."
Like so many teachers and schools across the country, Robinson and her fellow teachers at Comegys Elementary School said they need more resources and supplies to help students truly succeed in the classroom.
Brunson, the daughter of a schoolteacher, created her breakout sitcom, a workplace comedy called "Abbott Elementary," based on her experience at Philadelphia public schools. Brunson has said "Abbott Elementary" reflects "what teachers really go through while also having heart and humor."
"My mother was a teacher and just being influenced by amazing teachers, I got to really see what it is they do for their students. My mom didn't stop working sometimes until like 8 o'clock at night just to wake up at seven and do it all over again, so it's exciting to be able to give just one teacher something beautiful and I'm happy we can do that with 'Abbott' as well," Brunson said.
So it was only natural Brunson was on board with the big surprise for Robinson.
And big it was – Scholastic donated $20,000 worth of books for students, Wells Fargo gifted $40,000 to Comegys Elementary which Comegys Principal Rauchaun DuPree announced will go toward AV equipment for students, Staples donated a truckload of paper, pens, markers, printers, dry erase boards and school supplies, while Mural Arts Philadelphia created a special mural for the entire school community to enjoy.
"To be a part of something like this because of the show … right now, it's just, it feels fantastic. I feel humbled," Brunson said.
“This is amazing … this is something that will really help us when we're talking about equity,” Principal DuPree added.
Robinson said she had no clue of all the surprises she had in store this morning. “Thank you so much! You are all good at keeping secrets,” she said.
