Alliance for Catholic Education
Sacramento
Life in the City
In 1840, John Sutter founded a fort in what would, centuries later, become downtown Sacramento. Sutter’s Fort became a stopping point for weary travelers searching for gold and a fresh start on the West Coast. It’s no surprise, thus, that Sacramento has become a home for weary ACE teachers in search of gold and a fresh start. As the farm to fork capitol of the world, the city of trees, and the home of the Sacramento Kings, Sactown is the greatest city in all of ACE, and perhaps the world. Life for ACErs in Sacramento includes weekly trips to the midtown farmer’s market, monthly dinners with friends of the Alliance, and leisurely drives through the Fab 40s (see LadyBird from Greta Gerwig for context). The city of Sacramento truly welcomes and embraces all who are lucky enough to live under the yellow towers of her famous bridge. Light the beam!
ACE Sacramento
Bethany Berlage
Christian Brothers
HS Math
Ben Camp
Cristo Rey
HS Math
Sean Dore
St. John Vianney
MS Language Arts
Mary Catherine McDermott
St. John Vianney
4th Grade
Ted Schmiedeler
Cristo Rey Sacramento
HS Social Studies
Hometown
Chicago, IL
Undergraduate Institution
Saint Mary's College
Undergraduate Studies
Majors: Mathematics & Economics
Minors: Political Science & Global Studies
Why did you say "yes" to serving as a Catholic school educator through ACE Teaching Fellows?
I said yes to serving as a Catholic school educator through ACE Teaching Fellows because I am passionate about my faith and mathematics. I hope to help my students to love learning and see all of the beautiful connections that can be made between academics and faith!
Hometown
Abilene, TX
Undergraduate Institution
Abilene Christian University
Undergraduate Studies
Major: Physics
Minors: English, Bible, & Public Service
What is the one thing that you love most about your ACE school? Why?
At Cristo Rey we always tell each other "You are the light of the world!" It is so powerful to remind each other day in and day out who Christ tells us we are.
Hometown
Frankfort, IL
Undergraduate Institution
Creighton University
Undergraduate Studies
Majors: English & Biology
What are you most looking forward to most as an ACE teacher this year?
I am most looking forward to holding a newfound sense of purpose to serve communities I believe in through the framework of education.
Hometown
Dallas, TX
Undergraduate Institution
Southern Methodist University
Undergraduate Studies
Majors: Business Management & Religious Studies
What is one of your favorite memories from your first year in ACE Teaching Fellows?
My favorite memory from my first year of teaching was going to Eucharistic Adoration every Thursday with my students. Many of them were unfamiliar with Adoration at the beginning of the year, so it was incredibly special to watch them grow in their understanding of and love for this time with our Lord. Seeing them spend meaningful moments in prayer and reverence before the Blessed Sacrament became the highlight of my week and remains one of the greatest blessings of my first year in the classroom.
Hometown
Oak Park, IL
Undergraduate Institution
Columbia University
Undergraduate Studies
Major: History
Why did you say "yes" to serving as a Catholic school educator through ACE Teaching Fellows?
I am excited to get to know my students and the Cristo Rey Sacramento community! I am honored to serve in a Cristo Rey school and believe the unique work study model provides opportunities for both students and teachers to grow together.