Where We Serve: Biloxi

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What is your favorite teaching moment?

I've had many "teaching moments" this year, but a few stick out from my first year of teaching. Any moment when I felt that my students really understood something or had their "ah ha!" moment when something clicked that they didn't previously understand, I felt like a proud teacher. I had one student last year who would not admit that he liked school (even though he worked hard every day)! On the last day of school he came up to me, gave me a hug, and said, "Miss Dixon, I loved everything about the second grade." At that moment, I felt like all of the work and stress of the year was worth it.

What's been the best moment of your ACE experience so far?

The best moment of my ACE experience so far was my first day of practicum. From the support of the older ACE teachers to the wonderful experience of meeting my students and mentor teacher, the whole day was wonderful. I was so happy to finally experience what it was like in front of a classroom and I was able to start teaching the lesson by the middle of the morning. It was such a wonderful way to start teaching.

How has ACE shaped your spiritual life?

I have grown closer in my spiritual life because ACE has opened the doors for me to ask more questions about my faith and why I am a practicing Catholic serving in ACE. Community talks and individual reflection during the most rigorous year of my life to date, along with prayers to Mary and the saints, have brought me closer to God.

What is your favorite ACE tradition, and why?

My favorite ACE tradition is the Gulf Coast retreat because I get to be surrounded by so many amazing people and listen to mass on the beach as the sun sets in the background. What could be more beautiful than that after long weeks of teaching?

What has been an ACE summer class that you've enjoyed so far?

I think the Social Studies content class has to be one of the most informative and fun classes I have taken in years. The guidance of the 18s in planning lessons and units has been a great way to get my mind thinking in a different way.

What is your favorite Community story?

On multiple occasions, nightly lesson planning was interrupted by the entrance of a skink (a translucent lizard that lives in the South). Those little buggers were FAST and could run inside faster than you could shut the door, if you weren't careful. All would put down whatever they were working on to catch this little guy and send him back outside. Some were more helpful than others--as a few would run away or jump on top of furniture. One time its tail was cut off in the process. It was always an adventure, and while they were unwanted guests, they were welcome distractions and opportunities to laugh.

Why did you say 'yes' to serving with ACE?

Education is one of my deepest passions. I first found out about ACE in 2010 when I came home in the middle of my Peace Corps service for a little break. My 8th grade teacher, Ms. Bayer, asked if I could come and give a presentation to her class on what I've been doing in Burkina Faso. Immediately after, she said that I seemed to enjoy working with the students and suggested perhaps working at my old elementary/middle school (St. Joachim) and also consider the ACE program. She herself was a graduate of the Remick Leadership Program, and is a fierce ACE/Notre Dame advocate. That said, ACE fit the mold of what I was looking for during my post-Peace Corps life: a heavy emphasis on social justice and educational equity; a spiritual component; a solid Master of Education program that offers a myriad of distinct classes; and a commitment to community.