What: Nationally-acclaimed author and educator Stacey Bess will be the keynote speaker at the Pittsburgh Association for the Education of Young Children (PAEYC) Student Affiliate Dinner sponsored by the Seton Hill University Education Club. Bess’s presentation, “Overcoming the Odds: Lessons from the School with No Name," will recount her inspiring story of working in a school for homeless children in Salt Lake City.

When: Thursday, April 14, 2016 at 6 p.m.

Where: Cecilian Hall, Second Floor of the Administration Building, Seton Hill University Campus, Greensburg, Pa.

Who: Stacey Bess is the author of “Nobody Don’t Love Nobody,” a memoir of her first teaching assignment – the only job she could find – at The School with No Name. In a small shed behind a community homeless shelter, Stacey taught Kindergarten through sixth grade to children with no homes and little hope, an experience that effected a profound change in the teacher as well as her students. Stacey discovered that by teaching and modeling love, self-worth, personal power, and courage she could reach children who had previously been labeled unteachable. These children have grown into living proof that Stacey's methods work. Her memoir inspired the Hallmark Hall of Fame Movie "Beyond the Blackboard." Stacey has a bachelor's degree in elementary education from the University of Utah. Her outstanding service has been recognized with a number of awards on the local, state, and national levels, including the National Jefferson Award for Greatest Public Service. She has also enjoyed speaking in many forums around the country as she works to shed light on her quest as a leading advocate for the educational rights of impoverished children.

Background: Attendees at The 2016 Pittsburgh Association for the Education of Yough Children (PAEYC) Student Affiliate Dinner held at Seton Hill University and sponsored by the University’s Education Club will include students and faculty from area education programs, including Seton Hill, St. Vincent College, the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, Westmoreland County Community College and Carlow University’s Greensburg Education Center, as well as educators from area school districts and preschools.

 The Pittsburgh Association for the Education of Young Children (PAEYC) works to support high-quality care and education for young children from birth until age nine across 10 counties in southwestern Pennsylvania. PAEYC provides professional development, community resources and advocacy for the needs and rights of children, their families and the individuals who work with them.