The episode was written by and directed by Shahrzad Davani . The main cast includes: Quinta Brunson as Janine Teagues Tyler James Williams as Gregory Eddie Janelle James as Ava Coleman Lisa Ann Walter as Melissa Schemmenti Chris Perfetti as Jacob Hill Sheryl Lee Ralph as Barbara Howard William Stanford Davis as Mr. Johnson Why "DTS" Matters for This Episode
★★★½☆
When the teachers learn that the school’s long-dormant step team is being revived, a friendly competition emerges between Ava (Janelle James) and the staff. Ava, eager to relive her glory days, volunteers to coach the team, but her laziness and ego quickly clash with Janine’s (Quinta Brunson) earnest, hands-on approach. Meanwhile, Gregory (Tyler James Williams) struggles with his discomfort around children — specifically their “germy, sticky” hands — while trying to help a shy student, and Jacob (Chris Perfetti) attempts to bond with the students by introducing them to… a capella. abbott elementary s01e09 dts
“Step Class” arrives as Abbott Elementary was cementing its reputation as network TV’s best new comedy. This episode crystallizes the show’s strengths: workplace satire that never mocks its characters’ dedication, heartfelt moments that don’t turn saccharine, and an ensemble that clicks even when split into pairs. It also marks the first real hint that Ava isn’t just a punchline — a thread Season 2 would pull beautifully. The episode was written by and directed by Shahrzad Davani