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
Patrick Deavel
St. John Bosco
HS English
Margaret Heffernan
Our Lady of The Rosary
MS Science
Isabel Lempke
Our Lady of the Rosary
4th Grade
Jack Nelson
Cantwell-Sacred Heart
HS Science
Joseph Nichols
St. Paul
HS Social Studies
Hometown
Saint Paul, MN
Undergraduate Institution
University of Dallas
Undergraduate Studies
Majors: English & History
Why did you say "yes" to serving as a Catholic school educator through ACE Teaching Fellows?
I said "yes" ACE because I deeply believe in the power of the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, and I want to play my part in maintaining its legacy. It is important now, more than ever, that children are given access to education that makes them engage with nuanced and complex ideas, and I am humbled to take any part in that process.
Hometown
San Luis Obispo, CA
Undergraduate Institution
University of Notre Dame
Undergraduate Studies
Major: Science Pre-Professional Studies
Minor: Global Health
Why did you say "yes" to serving as a Catholic school educator through ACE Teaching Fellows?
My ultimate yes to serving as a Catholic school educator through ACE was driven by a desire to share my joy of learning with others. As a young girl, I remember playing "school" with my sisters and always assigning myself the role of teacher. Little did I know that this was foreshadowing my decision to be an ACE teacher. I have always been curious and loved to learn, but I found that I also loved sharing what I have learned with others. As an ACE teacher I ultimately hope to teach my students in such a way that they recognize the inherent dignity inside of themselves and within their classmates. The ability to make an impact on students in this way ultimately led me to say YES to ACE!
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
What is the one thing that you love most about your ACE school? Why?
One of the things I love most about my ACE school is its students and families. At Our Lady of the Rosary, our community is incredibly close-knit, creating a strong sense of family. You can see this in the way everyone jokes and interacts with one another, how families consistently support the school, and in the many spontaneous acts of kindness shown to the staff by both parents and students. Whether it is a kindergarten grandmother offering me food or a drink while I am working car line, younger students giving hugs and high-fives to older students, the lively karaoke fundraisers that bring everyone together, or the culture of students cheering one another on, there is a genuine spirit of care and encouragement throughout the school. From our youngest learners to our oldest students, everyone plays a role in making Our Lady of the Rosary feel like a family.
Hometown
Woodbury, MN
Undergraduate Institution
University of Notre Dame
Undergraduate Studies
Major: Neuroscience and Behavior
Minors: Compassionate Care in Medicine & Musical Theatre
How do you hope to grow in your experience as an ACE Teacher?
I hope to grow as an ACE teacher by becoming an even better version of myself for my students. I hope that I can model how we, as humans, never stop becoming better and better people and learn everyday.
Hometown
Cincinnati, OH
Undergraduate Institution
Xavier University
Undergraduate Studies
Major: History
Minors: English, Secondary Education, & University Scholars
What is one of your favorite memories from your first year in ACE Teaching Fellows?
Rivalry week for JV softball was absolutely incredible! Delivering a pregame speech on the bus before walking out onto Bishop Amat's field gives me chills to think back on.