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Life in the City

With its deep roots in American history and unmistakable Philly grit, the City of Brotherly Love offers ACE Teachers a placement full of heart, hustle, and hoagies. There ACErs are teaching in a city where murals line the streets, history echoes around every corner, and sports aren't just entertainment—they're a way of life.

ACE Philadelphia

HometownSophia Alvarez

Menlo Park, CA

Undergraduate Institution

University of Notre Dame

Undergraduate Studies

Major: Psychology and Education, Schooling, & Society

Minor: Classical Studies

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

It’s too hard to pick just one favorite memory from my first year in ACE—so many moments stand out! From cheering loudly as the Eagles won the Super Bowl, to intensely competitive board game nights with my community, to lounging in the living room and watching TV, every memory is one that I cherish.

HometownCaroline Bishop

Dayton, OH

Undergraduate Institution

University of Notre Dame

Undergraduate Studies

Major: Psychology and Education, Schooling, & Society

Minor: Business Economics

How do you hope to grow in your experience as an ACE teacher? 

I hope to grow professionally and spiritually during my time in ACE, hopefully strengthening the connection between my faith and my passion for teaching.

HometownJack Doyle

Dubuque, Iowa

Undergraduate Institution

St. John's University of Minnesota

Undergraduate Studies

Major: Economics and English

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

Signing Day for our seniors. We have an assembly and our graduating class walks across a runway in their college gear. Our students say it’s like the NFL draft. It’s a unique moment of joy, celebration, and reflection on why we do this in the first place.

HometownJoseph Lutman

Akron, OH

Undergraduate Institution

Ohio Statue University

Undergraduate Studies

Majors: Industrial Engineering and Psychology

How do you hope to grow in your experience as an ACE teacher? 

I hope I can better learn how to share experiences with others and be understanding of all different types of people, especially my students.

HometownDanny Passinault

Hillsdale, IL

Undergraduate Institution

Hillsdale College

Undergraduate Studies

Major: Financial Management

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

As our school is located a few blocks from the professional sports stadiums in Philadelphia, I enjoy the culture around Philly sports in the classroom.

HometownDanny Passinault

Cleveland, TN

Undergraduate Institution

Vanderbilt University

Undergraduate Studies

Major: Ecology, Evolution, & Organismal Biology and Classical & Mediterranean Studies

What are you most looking forward to serving as an ACE teacher this year?

I am most excited in this first year to begin building the relationships in my community and school: to set that foundation in which all of ACE Philly and all of our students can grow.

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