ACE Advocates News

Abby Salazar (ACE 16) has long valued the connection of faith and learning.

As a young Catholic growing up in Lake Jackson, Texas, she attended public schools—schools she loved and in which she was academically challenged and morally formed, but which left her spiritually hungry. "I loved my Catholic faith and was fascinated by the Catholic Church. And I craved learning more."

So she attended the University of Notre Dame and, in her first year, took a class that explored Catholic Social Teaching through community service. She tutored at the local juvenile correctional center, a life-changing experience that not only ignited her desire to serve the under-served through teaching, but also deepened her appreciation for the way faith and learning entwine. It was a particular delight for her, then, when she later became part of the ACE Teaching Fellows program and realized, she says, "that I could live Catholic Social Teaching each day in my own classroom."

The freedom to directly link faith with learning was a great encouragement to her as a Catholic teacher. "I loved sharing the Eucharist with my students at school mass. I loved when our middle school science lesson curved into a college-worthy theological discussion led by my kids. I loved starting parent-teacher conferences with prayer."

To Abby, this is what sets Catholic schools apart. "I want all children to get a great education no matter what," says the small woman with the big heart. "And Catholic schools can offer that. Catholic schools especially support those who sometimes fly under the radar in other places. They can give kids the education they deserve, the love and attention they crave—and the faith formation they need!"

Abby Salazar is an assistant director of ACE Teaching Fellows.
To learn more about the program, click here.

A prodigious and world-renowned scholar, Dr. Pressley served as the inaugural academic director of ACE's ACE Teaching Fellows (STT) program. In May 2006, he lost a hard-fought battle with cancer.

Dr. Pressley's legacy in the academic world is replete with evidence from his research, writing, mentorship of graduate and undergraduate students, contributions to state and national education policy, and service to the profession in the areas of literacy and educational psychology. He was a member of the Notre Dame psychology faculty from 1997 to 2001 and, while serving ACE, was also Notre Dame Professor of Catholic Education.

Michael Pressley was one of the most cited scholars in the field of social science and education. He belonged to the distinguished few who were among the 1 percent cited in research literature. He was well-known for his work on balanced literacy instruction, reading strategies for comprehension and text analysis. He was renowned for his senior authorship of the k–6 basal literacy program, Open Court, now known as McGraw-Hill/SRA Open Court, a series that has had a direct impact on millions of children.

Dr. Pressley was honored with several prestigious career awards during his career. He published more than 350 articles and book chapters, and authored or edited more than 25 books on literacy, psychology and education. His contributions to individuals, programs, universities and the education profession are numerous; the value of his role as a key architect of ACE STT's academic program cannot be overstated.

Soon the 2012 recipients of the Michael Pressley Awards for Academic Excellence and Promising Scholar in the Education Field will be announced. To read about last year's recipients, click here.

Citation:Michigan State University School of Education