Brunson addressed gala attendees with her usual quick wit, describing the challenges teachers around America face while dealing with “big babies” who don’t do their work, start fights and make their jobs harder.

“And I’m not talking about their students. I’m talking about politicians,” she said to the crowd’s laughter.

The actress also talked about the unimaginable effect teachers have on their students and the multifaceted nature of their jobs. As Blavity previously reported, one of Brunson’s middle school teachers was the inspiration behind Abbott Elementary.

“Your job is vital, immense and crucial,” she said to educators. “As we say in my show, Abbott Elementary, many of you are not only teachers but social workers, second parents and sometimes first.”

While she deeply admires teachers, Brunson said she’s unsure if she could actually do the job.

“I play a teacher on TV, but every day I wonder if I’d be strong enough to be one in real life,” she said.

It’s a tough job, one that Brunson believes deserves a bigger salary.

“You all deserve to be paid more,” she said. “So, I stand here tonight in front of a lot of powerful people, using my clout to voice my support for making that happen.”

Brunson has awarded deserving schools and teachers with the financial support they need to make the classroom a safe and exciting place for students. According to Variety, she partnered with Scholastic to provide free book fairs at underfunded schools. The 32-year-old also used part of Abbott Elementary‘s marketing budget to help buy supplies for teachers.

Abbott Elementary, which brought in ABC’s highest ratings for a comedy since Modern Family, has been renewed for a second season, E! Online reports.