Stacey Bess

Inspirational Educator & Author

Stacey Bess

Inspirational Educator & Author

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Biography

Stacey Bess is an inspirational educator and author who speaks on the importance of service, mentorship and leadership, and overcoming adversity. Drawing on her fascinating and inspirational personal story - teaching homeless children in a small shed known as The School with No Name - she offers powerful insights and lessons that audiences yearning to make a difference can apply to their community or organization.

Through ups and downs and many personal struggles—including a battle with thyroid cancer—Bess taught kindergarten through sixth grade for 11 years at The School with No Name, an experience that effected a profound change in the teacher as well as her students. During that time she discovered that, by teaching and modeling love, self worth, personal power, and courage, she could reach children with no homes and little hope, children who had previously been labeled “unteachable.” These children grew into living proof that Bess’ methods work. To inspire and motivate others with a passion for service, Bess penned the memoir Nobody Don’t Love Nobody, which was adapted into the April 2011 Hallmark Hall of Fame movie Beyond the Blackboard starring Emily VanCamp.

After she published her first book and gained the support of the Utah community, Bess gained nationwide recognition for her unusual success with “hopeless” children. She has won prestigious local and national awards. A highlight came when she was honored with the esteemed National Jefferson Award for Greatest Public Service along with First Lady Barbara Bush, Supreme Court Justice Harry Blackman, and Ambassador Walter Annenberg.

Stacey Bess earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Utah and continues to be a leading advocate in the nation for the educational rights of impoverished children. A dynamic and powerful speaker, she engages groups large and small, sharing the story that changed her life as she taught and nurtured hundreds of underprivileged children. Her story continues to change lives as her audiences are inspired to become more involved in their own communities.

Speaker Videos

Beyond the Blackboard (Trailer)

Nobody Don't Love Nobody

Western Governors University Commencement Address Fall 2020

The True Story of Beyond the Blackboard

Freedom Awards Gala

See Fewer Videos

Speech Topics

Be a Mentor, Change a Life

In this presentation, speaker Stacey Bess offers three powerful lessons that can change the life of a child, build and empower a family, and improve a community. She shares these lessons by recounting stories as seen through the eyes of underprivileged children.

Lesson one: Follow through with what you commit to. Bess tells this story through the eyes of Zachary who needed just one person to teach him it was okay to trust.
Lesson two: Don't hide behind your credentials - get down on the floor and be a human being. Bess shares this story through the eyes of Alex and an NBA basketball star.
Lesson three: We are a product of what has been given to us. Bess tells this story through the eyes of Sarah, a homeless woman on the streets who used an angry demeanor to protect herself. By simply giving her a coat, Bess was able to change Sarah's outlook and take her into her community, helping Sarah learn that when you are part of a community, you willingly give back to it.

Overcoming the Odds: Lessons from the School with No Name

Powerful and dynamic, speaker Stacey Bess engages groups by sharing the story that changed her life as she taught and nurtured hundreds of underprivileged children. She speaks on the importance of service, mentorship and leadership, and overcoming adversity. Drawing on her fascinating and inspirational personal story - teaching homeless children in a small shed known as "The School with No Name" - she offers powerful insights and lessons that inspire audiences to become more involved in their own communities.

From the Classroom to the Boardroom: Leadership Lessons for Women

All women have a story to tell. Speaker Stacey Bess engages her audiences by sharing her personal story of triumph over all odds to create a school for underprivileged children. She challenges her audiences to use their own trials and triumphs to make a difference in their communities. Bess teaches women that it is important to commit to what you believe in: don't be afraid to stand up and make a difference!

On Service: What Do We Owe Each Other?

Toughen Up & Reach Them: Making a Difference When No One Else Will

Beating Thyroid Cancer

Testimonials

"This is the most beautiful story. I am so pleased with how this turned out. This is a viable way to really push out an inspiring story to help pump up educators during a very challenging time as they work diligently to serve students from behind a computer! She has my full recommendation and her message is a reminder to us all as to 'WHY' we got into and STAY in education."

- Irving School District

"Today went very well! I think Stacey's story touched our homeless education liaisons and reminded them about why they are doing what they are doing. Stacey's question and answer session went well, with a number of folks just wanting to tell Stacey "Thank you" for sharing her story. Thanks for your support!"

- 21st CCLC and Homeless Education Programs

"Stacey was wonderful. As I anticipated, she received many wonderful questions from our attendees. We only had a handful of members onsite with us watching the program online. I got to see their reactions and there were many tears and heartfelt WOW’s. I would love to have her back someday in-person."

- Association of Texas Professional Educators

"Stacey Bess captivated a group of close to 400 women at our event for Nurture Home, a homeless shelter. The event, called Hearts for Hope and Homes, was an idea to inform our audience of the needs of homeless mothers and their children as well as inform our community of the mission of Nurture Home. The experience of working with APB and Stacey was smooth and not at all intimidating as this was our first event of this type. Thank you for your role in our successful event!"

- Mental Health America of Aiken County

"We've had overwhelming, positive comments about Stacey's message to our teachers. ‘She said everything I needed to hear before school started,’ was one comment I've heard over and over. Another consistent theme our teachers have been talking about is ‘love your kids, the academics will come...’ While I listened to her speak last week in our district, I was excited to feel the same enthusiasm and passion for my profession as I had the initial time I listened to her speak at the National Title I Conference in SLC. She delivers a powerful message! Thank you again!!!"

- Federal Programs, Preschool Center – Principal

"Stacey, a huge thank you for sharing your beautiful and inspiring story with us at TCEA 2012! I think it was the perfect way to close our conversation—and it was very well received. Your philosophy of loving all children and giving them back their power is such a strong, important, yet simple message that unfortunately can get lost in the shuffle of modern-day life. I am happy to know you are sharing your approach with others and encouraging teachers to follow your philosophy. We need more like you!"

- Texas Computer Education Association

"Stacey was phenomenal! I have never seen students so engaged and attentive during an event. She captured their attention and they never let go. She spoke with such poise, passion, and emotion that it was hard not to be intrigued by her journey. The students that had dinner with her were also so excited to meet her and really felt like she was real and laidback—basically, she met them where they are! She was so wonderful that I have recommended her to another friend so I hope they are able to work with her/you!"

- Wintgate University

"I cannot tell you how pleased the United Way staff, board of directors and our community is with the message that Stacey delivered on Friday. She really hit a home run. She had our audience completely engaged through all 30 minutes. It was quite an event and one I think people will remember for years to come."

- United Way of Dutchess County

"We appreciate the assistance in booking Stacey Bess – Our 11th CHAIRity Friendraiser was successful and we reached our luncheon goal; approximately 340 guests were in attendance and Stacey’s keynote resonated with everyone in the room. We received great feedback from guests that her story was so lovely, her tone and delivery was easy to listen to and it aligned with Dallas Furniture Bank’s mission."

- Dallas Furniture Bank

"The event went very well! Stacey is that rare combination – a consummate professional with a great big heart. As a public speaker myself I admire the careful crafting of her talk, yet at the event it sounded as fresh as if she were telling it for the first time to a group of friends. More than a few listeners had tears in their eyes."

- Client

"I have received nothing but positive feedback concerning Stacey Bess and her message. Many attending said Stacey was the best speaker they had heard. I really enjoyed her message; it is one every educator should hear. Again, it was a wonderful experience and helped kick our school year off with a positive message."

- Client

"What a treat it was to have you as our keynote speaker at the Federal Women’s Luncheon! I have served in the capacity of Federal Women’s Program for eight years and you were the most outstanding speaker we have had the privilege to hear. The impact you had on the audience was one I have seldom seen."

- Hill Air Force Base