Quinta Brunson Speaking At Penn's Education Grad School Commencement

PHILADELPHIA — The University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education will have one of the most famous Philadelphians right now speaking at its commencement.

Philadelphia native Quinta Brunson was announced Tuesday as the school's commencement speakers.

Brunson is the creator and star of the hit ABC comedy "Abbott Elementary."

"Abbott Elementary" is a mockumentary-style comedy that centers on teachers at the titular fictional South Philadelphia elementary school.

Brunson stars as overly optimistic teacher Janine Teagues in addition to writing and producing the show.

Her work on the show has garnered Emmy and Golden Globe wins.

The show has even landed her on the list of Time's most influential people and Hollywood Reporter’s "Women in Entertainment Power 100."

The school's commencement is scheduled for Saturday, May 13.

"We are thrilled to have Quinta Brunson as the Commencement speaker to speak to the next generation of educators," said Pam Grossman, Dean of Penn GSE. "Brunson puts a human face on teachers and elevates the work of teaching through the characters of Janine, Barbara, and the rest of the staff at Abbott Elementary. Even though we tune in each week for 22 minutes of laughter, Brunson never fails to remind us of the serious consequences of failing to invest in our public schools and the inspiring efforts of teachers across the country."