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
Ava Blonigen
St. Augustine
HS Social Studies
Diego Cantu Soto
Santa Cruz
5th Grade
Dani Peña Valinotti
San Miguel
HS Math
Jackie Perez
St. John the Evangelist
5th Grade
Emily Stucky
St. John the Evangelist
MS Social Studies
Hometown
Paynesville, MN
Undergraduate Institution
College of St. Benedict
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
Asuncion, Asuncion
Undergraduate Institution
University of Notre Dame
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
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.