Alliance for Catholic Education
Miami
Life in the City
¡Dale! Welcome to the 305! There is always something fun to do and someone fun to talk to. After a walk down south beach, cool off with a dip in our convent pool, before going to the Everglades for an afternoon hike. After popping by North Beach for a quick nap, don’t forget to grab some croquettes and some Cuban coffee before heading down to Wynwood and Brickell for a fun night out. The next morning, you can go to the local church which is a one minute walk from our front door before coming back for convent brunch with Pitbull.
Though this is definitely, always, undoubtedly a typical weekend in Miami, we also have lots of fun supporting one another in the sunshine state in our fifteen bedroom convent watching movies, cooking daily community dinner, and floating in the pool lesson planning. All ACEers are always welcome to come enjoy our wonderful home with us.
ACE Miami
Alex DiGiacomo
St. John the Apostle
MS Science
Teresa Haigh
St. Michael the Archangel
MS Math
Will Harlan
Monsignor Edward Pace
HS English
Veronica Sullivan
Immaculate Conception
MS Math
Josie Ziernicki
St. Lawrence
4th Grade
Hometown
Lafayette Hill, PA
Undergraduate Institution
St. Joseph's University
Undergraduate Studies
Major: Biology
Minor: Art
Why did you say "yes" to serving as a Catholic school educator through ACE Teaching Fellows?
I said yes to ACE because it offered a path where I could pursue service, my passion of science, my interest in teaching, and goal of spiritual development all while being challenged to grow into my best self. Throughout my life, school has been the environment most formative to who I am today; therefore, I feel called to walk with other students as they grow personally, spiritually, and academically.
Hometown
Altoona, PA
Undergraduate Institution
Seton Hill University
Undergraduate Studies
Major: Business Management
Minors: Human Resources & Communications
How do you hope to grow in your experience as an ACE teacher?
My ACE school, St. Michael the Archangel, has a rich Hispanic culture that is deeply woven into the life of our community. During our Hispanic Heritage Day celebration, my students and their families shared food from their countries of origin. I especially enjoyed hearing my students speak with pride about their heritage and the traditions that are important to them!!
Hometown
Glenview, IL
Undergraduate Institution
Villanova University
Undergraduate Studies
Majors: English & Economics
Minor: Writing and Rhetoric
What is one of your favorite memories from your first year in ACE Teaching Fellows?
My favorite memory from my first year in ACE was graduation, where I saw all of my Senior students walk the stage and take on their next year. I was grinning from ear to ear for the whole ceremony with pride for their hard work, and I felt I had reached the finish line with them, as I finished my first year.
Hometown
Clarence Center, NY
Undergraduate Institution
University of Dallas
Undergraduate Studies
Major: Business
Minor: Elementary Education
If you had to pick one word to describe your ACE experience thus far, what would it be? Why?
I would describe my ACE experience thus far as humbling. There have been so many ways that God has revealed Himself to me that I never could have expected. My students and my community in particular have been reflections of God's love, and for that, I am so grateful.
Hometown
Forest Lake, MN
Undergraduate Institution
Benedictine College
Undergraduate Studies
Major: Marketing
Minor: Journalism
How do you hope to grow in your experience as an ACE Teacher?
I hope to grow in strength that ables me to continue trying again, and again. I know that these two years will challenge me in ways I cannot fully anticipate. But I know that Christ has called me to this mission, and therefore, I am ready. I hope to be shaped by resilience and difficulty, but remain joyful through it all! Knowing that we are made for greatness, and not comfort, I hope to increase in faith and the ability to let myself receive grace while growing.