Change is coming for substitute-teach extraordinaire Mark Cooper (Mark Curry). Gal pal Robin has moved out, so Mark and remaining roomie Vanessa (Holly Robinson Peete) have combined resources to purchase Robin's share of the house. While ex-investment exec Vanessa worries about their mortgage, Mark just worries about his next date. A phone call from Mark's mom (Mark just can't say no to mom) alters the domestic dynamic -- Mark's cousin Geneva (Sandra Quarterman) and her daughter, Nicole, (Raven-Symone) are moving to Oakland and need a place to stay. After taking them in, Mark is surprised when Geneva promptly gets a job at Mark's school and her friend (and Mark's old babysitter!) P.J. Moore (Nell Carter) becomes the school principal. Mark thinks the strict and orthodox P.J. doesn't care for him or his teaching skills, little suspecting that, in truth, P.J. sees his potential and is determined to make him the best teacher he can be.