Alliance for Catholic Education
Twin Cities
Life in the City
Minneapolis and St. Paul not only have big-city amenities like museums and sports stadiums, but also have an approachable Midwestern feel. Separated by the Mississippi River, the Twin Cities are considered one metropolitan area but actually include two unique cities, featuring downtown cosmopolitan cores surrounded by distinctive neighborhoods and suburban communities. It is also in a great location to travel to state parks and different great cities in the state. We like going to Shamrock’s for Juicy Lucys, Dill Pickle Cheese Curds, and a Notre Dame game. The schools are in great communities and it is a blessing to serve in MN.
ACE Twin Cities
Nicole Aguirre
Immaculate Conception
5th Grade
Clare Calogero
DeLaSalle
HS Science
Will Gerber
St. Raphael
5th Grade
Jacob Sitzman
Blessed Trinity
5th Grade
Stephen Edward Vickers
Immaculate Conception
4th Grade
Hometown
Joliet, IL
Undergraduate Institution
University of Notre Dame
Undergraduate Studies
Majors: Philosophy & Education, Schooling, and Society
Why did you say "yes" to serving as a Catholic school educator through ACE Teaching Fellows?
I believe that God created everyone in his image, and because He created everyone in his image everyone is endowed with an inherent respect and diginity. Yet, in my opinion, the American education often fails to honor that dignity . The lack of equitable educational opportunity is unjust, and it breaks my heart that so many children are denied the support, safety, and love they deserve in a world capable of providing it. That is why I want to be a teacher, because the most important commitment of my life is to respect the inherent dignity of each person.
Hometown
Westmoreland, NY
Undergraduate Institution
Providence College
Undergraduate Studies
Major: Biology
Minors: Mathematics & Catholic Humanities
What is the one thing that you love most about your ACE school? Why?
One thing I love about my ACE school is the sense of school pride. DeLaSalle has such a strong school community, and students genuinely care about their school and the people in it. Whether it is cheering on classmates at athletic events, participating in school traditions, or supporting one another in the classroom, there is a deep sense of belonging that is evident throughout the school. As a new teacher, I felt welcomed into that community and quickly came to appreciate how this school community helps foster meaningful relationships and creates an environment where students can thrive.
Hometown
Valdosta, GA
Undergraduate Institution
Auburn University
Undergraduate Studies
Major: Psychology
Minor: Sport Coaching
Why did you say "yes" to serving as a Catholic school educator through ACE?
I said “yes” to serving as a Catholic school educator through ACE because of the unique opportunity to serve and form young people, particularly in the faith. I also relish the opportunity to be a positive male role model for students, especially ones who may not have many male role models in their life. Finally, the support from Notre Dame faculty and the community aspect of the program make it an even more unique and valuable experience.
Hometown
Indianapolis, IN
Undergraduate Institution
Wabash College
Undergraduate Studies
Major: Rhetoric
Minors: Political Science & Education
What is the one thing that you love most about your ACE school? Why?
What I really love about my ACE school is its long standing community. Everyone knows everyone, and there are so many who love the school. Teachers have been there for decades, alumni come back to visit or donate, and families see the school as a home for generations. It is incredible to listen to the stories from the past, while also looking forward to improve the school.
Hometown
Franklin, TN
Undergraduate Institution
Vanderbilt University
Undergraduate Studies
Major: Human and Organizational Development
Minor: Business
What is one of your favorite memories from your first year in ACE Teaching Fellows?
My students were correcting their math tests, and one of my students did not finish in the allotted time. He stayed in aftercare, so I had him work on it then. He told me that he really didn't feel like working on it, so I validated the feeling and then talked with him about how we should notice our feelings but still maintain control over them. I then left for a meeting, and when I returned to my classroom, his test was on my desk with a note on it saying, "Thank you so much, Mr. Vickers. I did it!" At the sight of his note, I was filled with joy and pride in him.