Alliance for Catholic Education
Los Angeles
Life in the City
The ACErs are close to Dodgers’ Stadium, the Rose Bowl, Hollywood, Pasadena, and San Diego. National Parks like Sequoia and Yosemite are also only a few hours away for the outdoor enthusiasts. And, who doesn't love 75-degree days in January? Whether you like mountains, beaches, clubs, theaters, you name it, it is near Los Angeles
The teachers there are responding daily to the diverse needs of the students and families they serve. On any given Sunday, Mass is said in 38 different languages. The city provides ACE teachers with ample opportunities to reach out to a diverse student population, many of whom are practicing Catholics.
ACE Los Angeles
Isabel Lempke
Our Lady of the Rosary
4th Grade
Julia McIntyre
St. Paul
HS Science
Joseph Nichols
St. Paul
HS Social Studies
Marco Orendain
Verbum Dei Jesuit
HS Science
Angela Rea
Cantwell-Sacred Heart
HS Science
JD Shelly
St. John Bosco
HS Science
Hometown
Spokane, WA
Undergraduate Institution
University of Portland
Undergraduate Studies
Majors: Biology & Secondary Education
What is one of your favorite memories from your first year in ACE Teaching Fellows?
I enjoyed watching our dining room table get covered with various experiments we were testing out throughout the week as a house full of science teachers.
Hometown
Cincinnati, OH
Undergraduate Institution
Xavier University
Undergraduate Studies
Major: History
Minors: English, Secondary Education, & University Scholars
Why did you say "yes" to serving as a Catholic school educator through ACE Teaching Fellows?
I said "yes" because I believe in the transformative power of forming young men and women in Christ. Catholic education offers a unique opportunity not only to teach content, but to shape hearts and souls. Through ACE, I felt called to be part of that sacred work, walking with students as they discover their worth, dignity, and purpose through Christ. I saw in ACE a chance to teach with mission, to serve with joy, and to witness to Christ in the classroom and beyond.
Hometown
Prosper, TX
Undergraduate Institution
Saint Louis University
Undergraduate Studies
Majors: Neuroscience & Theology
If you had to pick one word to describe your ACE experience thus far, what would it be? Why?
Growth. ACE provides numerous opportunities for growth. ACE has challenged me to grow spiritually, professionally, and personally.
Hometown
Bloomfield Hills, MI
Undergraduate Institution
University of Notre Dame
Undergraduate Studies
Major: Chemistry
Minor: Studio Art
If you had to pick one word to describe your ACE experience thus far, what would it be? Why?
Personal. I love that even though we are all part of ACE, each teacher has their own school, community, and students that they serve. My experience is fully my own, and as such I cannot adequately describe the unique depth and investment of my relationships with students and community members. The same goes for other ACE teachers and their personal experiences. We can share and discuss our gratitude for our teaching and community lives.
Hometown
Chicago, IL
Undergraduate Institution
Emory University
Undergraduate Studies
Major: Biology
Minor: Linguistics
What is one of your favorite memories from your first year in ACE Teaching Fellows?
Doing the flame test lab with my Chemistry students. I got to witness a burning passion for scientific discovery!
Hometown
Las Cruces, NM
Undergraduate Institution
New Mexico State University
Undergraduate Studies
Majors: Elementary Education
Endorsements: Mathematics, Social Studies, Teaching English to Second Language Learners, & Language Arts
How do you hope to grow in your experience as an ACE teacher?
How I hope to grow in my experience as an ACE Teacher is in learning how to love like Christ. I hope to be able to emulate him better by growing in deeper relationship with him during this time, and being like him when I am trying to serve and love those in my new community.