Alliance for Catholic Education
Detroit
Life in the City
Living and teaching in Detroit as ACE teachers means being part of a vibrant, resilient city with a deep historical legacy that’s constantly evolving. While teaching and coaching keep us busy, there's no shortage of ways to unwind and explore. From grabbing tacos in Mexicantown to cheering on the Tigers, Lions, Pistons, or Red Wings, Detroit’s food and sports scenes bring the city together year-round. On sunny weekends, you’ll find us walking the Riverwalk, biking through Belle Isle, or trying a new coffee shop. With music venues, historical churches, and cultural gems across the city, the Motor City continues to offer rich experiences both in and outside the classroom.
ACE Detroit
Tommy Garnett
Gesu
MS Language Arts
Kinzie Gullikson
St. Clare of Montefalco
4th Grade
Xander Holway
Holy Redeemer
3rd Grade
Mary Margaret Schroeder
Most Holy Trinity
5th Grade
Ethan Sturm-Smith
Christ the King
4th Grade
Hometown
South Bend, IN
Undergraduate Institution
University of Notre Dame
Undergraduate Studies
Majors: Program for Liberal Studies & Economics
What is the one thing that you love most about your ACE school? Why?
I love my students. You never know what to expect when they walk through the door, but whether it's a good or bad day, they are always authentic. Another ACE teacher once told me, "Your students are so ready to love you," and I’ve found that to be absolutely true.
Hometown
Warren, MN
Undergraduate Institution
Augustana University
Undergraduate Studies
Major: Elementary Education
Minors: American Sign Language, English as a New Language, & Reading
Why did you say "yes" to serving as a Catholic school educator through ACE Teaching Fellows?
The three pillars of ACE (Teaching, Community, Spirituality) are what drew me to the day “yes” to ACE. Having taught this past two years, I appreciate that this program pushes me to grow as a teacher while keeping me in the classroom. The program allows me to grow in my Catholic faith alongside my students.
Hometown
Columbus, OH
Undergraduate Institution
Ohio Dominican University
Undergraduate Studies
Major: Child Psychology
What are you most looking forward to most as an ACE teacher this year?
I am looking forward to helping my students grow into confident learners and showing them how God is at work in their lives.
Hometown
Summit, NJ
Undergraduate Institution
Yale University
Undergraduate Studies
Major: Psychology
Minor: Spanish
If you had to pick one word to describe your ACE experience thus far, what would it be? Why?
Grit. I love living in a gritty city, teaching students who persevere through unimaginable trials, and being accompanied by resilient housemates. All of this is encapsulated in Detroit's motto: "Speramus Meliora; Resurget Cineribus," which translates to "We hope for better things; it will rise from the ashes."
Hometown
Des Moines, IA
Undergraduate Institution
Saint John's University
Undergraduate Studies
Major: Global Business Leadership
Minor: Finance
Why did you say "yes" to serving as a Catholic school educator through ACE Teaching Fellows?
Kids deserve to have great teachers. ACE makes great teachers!