Along with playing Janine Teagues in "Abbott Elementary," Brunson also created, writes, and produces the show. Her inspiration behind creating the series stems from two people: her mother and her sixth grade teacher, Ms. Abbott (whom the show is named after). "I got inspired from spending some time with my mom before she retired," Brunson told "Time." "For about 40 years, she had taught and I'd been with her so much. I was in her kindergarten class when I was little. . . . That environment felt very natural to me, and I felt that I could tell some really strong stories there."