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Life in the City

Empire City. The Big Apple. The City that Never Sleeps. New York City is the largest city in the United States, and in 2016 welcomed ACE New York, who now serves the Catholic school communities of Harlem, the South Bronx, and East Village. Whether you're walking in Central Park, catching a Yankees game, or riding the subway alongside people from all walks of life, NYC offers a little bit of everything.

ACE New York

Jack Hutter

Jack Hutter

ACE 31
St. Charles Borromeo
4th Grade
Anastasia Matuszak

Anastasia Matuszak

ACE 31
St. Charles Borromeo
5th Grade
Steve Sayles

Steve Sayles

ACE 31
La Salle
HS Social Studies
Rachel Thompson

Rachel Thompson

ACE 31
St. Athanasius
5th Grade

HometownJack Hutter

Twinsburg, OH

Undergraduate Institution

University of Dayton

Undergraduate Studies

Major: Elementary Education

If you had to pick one word to describe your ACE experience thus far, what would it be? Why?

Transformative: I am not the same person I was at the beginning of ACE! This year has been deeply transformative, both spiritually and professionally. The daily faith practices I’ve embraced, both on my own and with my students, have drawn me closer to Christ and deepened my relationship with Him. Teaching was deeply challenging at times, but it stretched me in ways I didn’t expect. I’ve grown in resilience, learned the value of organization and preparation, and discovered more about who I am and who God has called me to be.

HometownAnastasia Matuszak

Chicago, IL

Undergraduate Institution

University of Notre Dame

Undergraduate Studies

Majors: Studio Art & Psychology

What is one of your favorite memories from your first year in ACE Teaching Fellows?

One of my favorite memories from my first year in ACE teaching was taking walks together as a community in Central Park or when we went to get ice cream when the weather was warm. I really enjoyed those moments of quality time spent together, either outside of the apartment or even just watching a movie together in our living room.

HometownSteve Sayles

Oneida, NY 

Undergraduate Institution

University of Notre Dame

Undergraduate Studies

Majors: History & Economics

What is one of your favorite memories from your first year in ACE Teaching Fellows?

Walking the West Side Highway in downtown Manhattan. NYC is full of places to explore, and it was great to explore this wonderful spot with my community members.

HometownRachel Thompson

Hinsdale, IL

Undergraduate Institution

University of Notre Dame

Undergraduate Degree

Majors: Psychology & Education, Schooling, and Society

Minor: Hesburgh Program in Public Service

What is the one thing that you love most about your ACE school? Why?

One thing I have loved about my ACE school is how my co-workers truly took me under their wing from the first moment I walked into the door. From day one, the other teachers in the building did everything they could to know me and to support me. They also helped me start a cheer clinic for the upper elementary students, which gave me such a wonderful chance to know students outside of an academic context.

Interested in ACE Teaching Fellows?

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