ACE Graduate Named NCEA Distinguished Teacher

In the "About the Teacher" section of her classroom webpage, Jennifer Kowieski says, "I should have realized that I wanted to be a teacher when, in third grade, I'd rush home from school to teach my little sister all I could about writing in cursive, multiplying numbers, and photosynthesis."

Maybe it wasn't in third grade that Kowieski realized she was being called to the classroom, but luckily for the students and families who have been blessed by her service, that realization did eventually come.  Now, others across the country are also realizing what a gift she is to the Catholic classroom.

This spring, Kowieski will be one of just twelve teachers nationwide presented with the Distinguished Teacher Award from the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA).

The Elementary Department of NCEA presents this award annually to one teacher in each of its twelve geographic regions.  In doing so, they seek also to symbolically "honor the tens of thousands of outstanding teachers in all Catholic elementary schools."  Kowieski will be recognized at the annual NCEA Conference in New Orleans during Easter week.

Kowieski's career in Catholic education began when she taught second grade in St. Petersburg, Forida, as a member of the ACE 4 cohort.  She has since shown a particular commitment to strengthening Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Chicago.  In addition to serving as a teacher in grades spanning the elementary spectrum, Kowieski worked to initiate the LU-CHOICE program, which replicates the ACE model through Loyola University Chicago.  She directed the program through its inaugural years before returning to the classroom as a true teacher-leader.

From her position as a middle school math, science, and religion teacher at St. Josaphat Catholic School in Chicago, Kowieski has encouraged her students toward high levels of achievement and worked alongside her students in service projects that allow them to live out their Catholic faith.  She has also shown great care for her colleagues.  ACE 10 graduate Don McClure, a fellow teacher at St. Josaphat, sees in her "a strong work ethic and a kind heart."  He adds, "I admire her integrity, her poise, and the respect she shows for those around her."

Kowieski has demonstrated a commitment to excellence and leadership from the classroom, participating in Lesson Study groups in Chicago and presenting on Lesson Study at the annual national conference of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM).  She also serves as a Strategic Intervention Teams trainer through the Alliance for Catholic Education.

It is clear to all who work with Kowieski that her classroom philosophy is rooted in her faith.  She explains to the families of her students, "Teaching is a calling for me, rather than simply a profession, and I can't imagine teaching anywhere but in a Catholic school.  I appreciate the opportunities we have to discuss our faith, consider what it means to be children of God, pray together, and build the Church."

ACE congratulates Jennifer Kowieski on a well-deserved honor.  She is truly a "Catholic school champion" in every sense of the word, and we are grateful for her dedicated service and example.