Alliance for Catholic Education
Tucson
Life in the City
An ACE placement in Tucson is a gift! The city is surrounded by the incredible Catalina, Rincon, Santa Rita, and Tucson mountain ranges. Whether it is a day trip to the top of Mount Lemmon, a hike through Saguaro National Park, or a sunset visit to Gates Pass, the natural beauty of the area never fails to impress.
We enjoy authentic Tucson experiences such as delicious cultural food, the classic Tucson Rodeo, and taking in the wide variety of desert wildlife. In the heart of downtown stands the beautiful St Augustine Cathedral, representing faith in Christ as the core of all we do.
ACE Tucson
Diego Cantu Soto
Santa Cruz
5th Grade
Danna Gonzalez Pedroza
St. Augustine
HS Science
Jackie Perez
St. John the Evangelist
5th Grade
Daniel Rogge
San Miguel
HS Math
Emily Stucky
St. John the Evangelist
MS Social Studies
Hometown
San Antonio, TX
Undergraduate Institution
Texas A&M University
Undergraduate Studies
Major: Telecommunication Media Studies
Minors: Youth Development
What are you most looking forward to serving as an ACE teacher this year?
I'm looking forward to telling my students that I'm also a student like them! It's exciting to know that I'll be learning right alongside them through this journey, and I can't wait to see how their moments of awe, wonder, and discovery shape the way I see my own formation through ACE.
Hometown
Mckinney, TX
Undergraduate Institution
Texas A&M University
If you had to pick one word to describe your ACE experience thus far, what would it be? Why?
If I had to pick one word to describe my ACE experience so far it would be sanctifying! Throughout the past year, the Lord has stretched me in more ways than I thought possible but also been faithful through it all. Loving and being loved by my students has been a gift and both the difficulties and joys of teaching and voluntary displacement have taught me to lean more deeply on the Lord.
Hometown
Canadian, TX
Undergraduate Institution
University of Notre Dame
Undergraduate Studies
Majors: Spanish and Psychology
Minors: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Langauges
Why did you say "yes" to serving as a Catholic school educator through ACE Teaching Fellows?
I said yes because I aspire to become an educator who fosters a learning environment where every student feels seen, valued, and empowered. I want to connect with my students in meaningful ways and inspire them to grow, not only academically but also as confident individuals prepared to make a difference in the world.
Hometown
Kansas City, MO
Undergraduate Institution
Benedictine College
Undergraduate Studies
Majors: Mathematics and Philosophy
What is one thing that you love most about your ACE school? Why?
I really enjoyed being a part of the celebrations at my school. Whether it was the Heritage Festival, Fiesta de San Miguel, or a celebration of the for the graduating seniors, the events were always fun and integrated deeply with my students lives.
Hometown
Indianapolis, IN
Undergraduate Institution
University of Louisville
Undergraduate Studies
Majors: History and Education Studies
How do you hope to grow in your experience as an ACE teacher?
I hope to grow in my experience as an ACE Teacher by simply becoming the best educator I can be. I plan to continually show up for my students so they know I am someone they can rely on and learn from.