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Where We Serve: Jacksonville

Quick Facts

Life in the City

The Jacksonville community enjoys its proximity to the sunny Florida beaches (which you can even visit in December), great restaurants (such as European Street Café), and the Jacksonville Jaguars stadium (where they attend a game or two each year). If you ask, they'll also argue why their house/convent is the best in ACE.

For more information about ACE, including how to apply, click HERE.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is actually the largest city in the US by land area, so it is very spread out and each area of the city has its own unique flavor and atmosphere to enjoy. It is located an hour north of St. Augustine, the country’s oldest established city, five hours north of Miami, and two and a half hours from Disney World in Orlando.

Jacksonville is also one of the original ACE sites and has been hosting ACE teachers since ACE began. In this time, many ACErs have developed unique relationships with the communities-- both in the schools and at large. In 2013, based on a proposal from the community, the ACE Service through Teaching Program agreed to participate in a fundraising marathon for the schools in Jacksonville.

Teachers Serving This Community

  • John Kyler

    John Kyler | ACE 18

    Teaches High School English and Religion at Bishop Snyder

    What is your favorite teaching moment?

    I love seeing my students find opportunities to work with each other. One of my religion classes created a song and music video about Christian Initiation based on "Party in the USA". "Party in the Baptismal Font" was completely student written, produced, and edited, with each student playing a unique and important role in the process. I was so proud to see their excitement and willingness to create their own project to further explore what we talked about in class.

    Background

    B.A. English and Theology, University of Notre Dame
    Originally from Evergreen Park, IL
  • Steve Alagna

    Steve Alagna | ACE 18

    Teaches Middle School Social Studies, Language Arts, Religion at San Juan del Rio Catholic School

    How has ACE shaped your spiritual life?

    ACE is such a unique experience because I am constantly surrounded by concentric support systems of people that all share this common mission. It's a pretty amazing feeling to be a part of this large and radical movement whose central focus is to help kids develop cognitively and morally.

    Background

    B.A. Political Science and Spanish with a minor in Japanese, University of Notre Dame
    Originally from Kansas City, MO
  • Lauren Smith

    Lauren Smith | ACE 18

    Teaches High School Math at Bishop Kenny

    What is your favorite Community story?

    Before the first day of school last year, we were all so excited about our new teachers clothes that we decided to put on a fashion show in our long convent hallway. It was an excellent bonding experience for us and it got us excited before teaching our first day of school.

    Background

    B.S. Mathematics with a minor in Art Studio, Oklahoma State University
    Originally from Oklahoma City, OK
  • Annelyse Giovannitti

    Annelyse Giovannitti | ACE 19

    Teaches Middle School Language Arts at St. Pius

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

    I've really enjoyed Kevin Burke's Language Arts Content class because every aspect is incredibly helpful. The microteaching is great because it gives the 19's a chance to see what worked best for the 18's, and it exposed us to different teaching styles. It was also beneficial for us to do it ourselves for the feedback. Kevin and Bridget always provide great lectures, ideas, and activities as well.

    Background

    B.A. English, John Carroll University
    Originally from Venetia, PA
  • Ruth Case

    Ruth Case | ACE 19

    Teaches Middle School Math and Science at St. Paul's

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

    I felt called to the teaching profession, and Catholic schools have always played a particularly important role in my own life. I value opportunities to incorporate faith and community into my life in very concrete ways, and ACE offers a structure that fosters both personal growth and communal growth in these ways. I couldn't have asked for a program more aligned with the aspects of life that bring me the most joy.

    Background

    B.A. Education and Philosophy with a minor in Mathematics, Boston College
    Originally from Denver, CO
  • Ericca McCutcheon

    Ericca McCutcheon | ACE 18

    Teaches 5th Grade at Holy Rosary School

    What is your favorite Community story?

    One of my favorite times in community was when Tropical Storm Beryl hit Jacksonville. Highlights of that weekend include a lack of electricity, plenty of "hurricane water," and the opportunity to get to know each other better through candlelight conversation.

    Background

    B.A. Management with minors in Economics and Leadership Studies, University of Denver
    Originally from Aurora, CO
  • John Kyler
  • Steve Alagna
  • Lauren Smith
  • Annelyse Giovannitti
  • Ruth Case
  • Ericca McCutcheon

Schools We Serve

ACE teachers serve at the following schools: