ACE Teaching Fellows

I love ACE!

I love that we are celebrating 20 years of the Alliance for Catholic Education by the bus tour! It is a wonderful opportunity to witness how the vision of Fathers Tim Scully and Sean McGraw has been put into action to support and sustain Catholic schools. This work has sent thousands of young men and women to go forth and make God known, loved and served in under-resourced Catholic schools throughout the United States.

When I think of how ACE began and how Catholic school leaders were asked to take a big leap of faith to collaborate with Notre Dame on this idea, I believe that ACE is the work of the Holy Spirit.

I love talking to undergraduate students about ACE and inviting them to consider the ACE Teaching Fellows opportunity after graduation. I was talking to a student recently, and she had a big question that tells us something about what ACE is about and what it calls upon teachers to do. It was a simple question that Mary asked: “Does an ACE teacher get to visit the school they will teach in before they make a commitment?”

This question reflected the first challenge that a new teacher faces. They do not get to choose the city or the school where they will teach. They are sent forth to teach where there is a need. And that is only the beginning of the many conversions that occur. They do not get to choose the people they will be living in community with, either. They do not choose their principals, faculty members, or students.

It is difficult to not choose. It takes faith to say “yes” to this invitation. But when I reflect on ACE, from the very beginning 20 years ago to today, this experience is very similar to every invitation Jesus gave men and women to come and follow him. Jesus called Peter and Andrew and James and John to follow him. He told the rich young man to “sell what he had and give it to the poor and come follow him.” Jesus calls everyone to come and follow him. This is the vision, inspired by the Holy Spirit, which Fathers Tim and Sean had.

Mary, the student who asked the first question, asked another one: “What is the end result of all of these little conversions?”

My response is that Mary and everyone who says yes to ACE get to follow Christ, learn how to love unconditionally and change the world one student at a time. I think that is pretty great.

This blessed time of year prompts us to look back at cherished Christmas traditions and look forward to a new year—often considering plans for the future that reflect our deepest values. If these values include education, community, faith, and service to the Church and society, this is a good time to consider the life-transforming experiences of Notre Dame’s Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE).

Applications are now being accepted for the ACE Teaching Fellows program, which forms Catholic school educators, ready to serve at-risk children in under-resourced K-12 schools.

Those who already teach can apply for the Mary Ann Remick Leadership Program (RLP), which prepares the next generation of transformational school leaders, architects who bring to life a compelling vision of a better future for the families and communities they serve.

These initiatives grant a master’s degree from one of the nation’s leading universities and offer an unrivaled combination of education, community life, and spiritual growth. On-campus coursework at Notre Dame goes hand-in-hand with online learning and the everyday life of serving in a Catholic school—an unmatched opportunity to build skills as an educator while working to transform and revolutionize Catholic schools.

Join us! Make a differerence in the future of our children and help build stronger communities for them to live. College graduates from around the country are eligible to apply.

Explore the “journey of an ACE teacher” in the ACE Teaching Fellows program. Enjoy videos describing ACE—our 20th anniversary, as well as our people, mission, and activities. The deadline to apply for ACE Teaching Fellows--in the ACE 21 cohort starting in summer 2014—is Jan. 21, 2014.

Apply to ACE Teaching Fellows

For teachers eager to develop advanced leadership skills for Catholic schools, a brochure describes ACE’s Mary Ann Remick Leadership Program. Explore this program’s embrace of values through education, community, and spirituality. The deadline to apply for the Remick Leadership Program is Feb. 1, 2014.

Apply to Remick Leadership

Fr. Tim Scully CSC recently announced that John Schoenig and Amy Wyskochil have been appointed to two new leadership positions in Notre Dame's Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) and Institute for Educational Initiatives (IEI).

John Schoenig has been appointed director of teacher formation and education policy for ACE.  He has directed ACE's Program for Educational Access (PEA) since its inception in 2010. In his new role, he will assume leadership of pastoral and administrative dimensions of ACE's ACE Teaching Fellows Program and work closely with Sr. Gail Mayotte, SASV and faculty colleagues in the M.Ed. Program. He will continue to oversee the development of the PEA and other policy related work in ACE's portfolio, as well as to serve as a member of the ACE faculty.

Schoenig taught at Holy Rosary School in the Diocese of Shreveport as a member of the ACE 5 cohort. He served as Associate Director for ACE Teaching Fellows for four years, and earned a law degree from Notre Dame Law School in 2010.

Amy Wyskochil has accepted a position as the director of operations for IEI. In this role, she will help manage the expanding programming portfolio for the IEI, which includes an international portfolio of formation, research, and outreach efforts improving educational opportunities for marginalized children. She will continue to work closely with ACE Teaching Fellows in areas such as retreat programming and ACE's partnership with Americorps.

Wyskochil taught at Sacred Heart Catholic School in the Diocese of St. Petersburg as a member of the ACE 10 cohort. Prior to her time as an ACE teacher, she served in Notre Dame Admissions and in the University's Office of Campus Ministry. She has served on the ACE staff since 2005.

A Report from Rochester Catholic Schools, Rochester, MN:

On September 15, 2013, students, families, teachers, faculty, staff, stakeholders and community leaders will gather in the courtyard at the new Lourdes High School to celebrate together the dedication and blessing of the new Lourdes High School.

After many years of planning and building, this ceremony marks a blessed day when the Bishop will consecrate the new home of Lourdes High School.

"The dedication and blessing is a designated act, a ritual, that gives special recognition to those who contributed to making our new school an imaginable reality," said Rita Hendrickson, Director of Campus Ministry at Lourdes. The celebration will mark the official opening of Lourdes High school and give opportunity to celebrate with all those who are connected to the Lourdes community.

"This very special day is about celebrating a great milestone in the life of Lourdes High School. We are truly blessed to gather together as a community comprised of students, educators, parents, alumni, parishioners, men and women religious, benefactors and friends in thanksgiving for this remarkable gift that God has provided. We are grateful for the commitment and support from so many who remained focused on our vision to cultivate and make manifest a sacred space where our students, and all who enter, will come to witness and experience the presence and love of our Lord. As we bless Lourdes High School, we are humbled to participate in such a significant piece of its history and are proud to serve as faithful stewards of this legacy for generations of Catholic youth to come," said Michael Brennan, Director of Rochester Catholic Schools.

Bishop John M. Quinn, Bishop of the Dioceses of Winona, will preside over the prayer and blessing of the new school. There will be welcoming remarks from Michael Brennan, Director of Rochester Catholic Schools and music provided by the Lourdes High School Music Department. An open house for self-guided tours will be held for those who have not yet toured the new school.

In addition, Rochester Catholic Schools have been engaged in a strategic assessment and planning process in partnership with ACE Consulting, a team of school administration, academic and finance experts from the University of Notre Dame's Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE). To mark its 20 years of service, ACE is launching the Fighting for Our Children's Future National Bus Tour to celebrate the hope-filled mission of Catholic schools in the lives of children and families across the country. Visiting nearly 50 cities during the 2013-14 academic year, the tour will convene community leaders, honor educational and civic partners, and promote the message that Catholic schools are good for America.

The themed ACE bus is making a special first stop in Rochester to be present at the dedication of the new Lourdes High School. For more information about ACE and its mission, please visit http://ace.nd.edu.

Dr. Joe O'Toole, Lourdes High School interim principal, said, "The Lourdes High School community, faculty, staff and many stakeholders gratefully acknowledge the blessing and gift of our new Lourdes High School. As the Interim Principal I am so grateful, honored and humbled to be here and present to all as we enter our new facility and continue together our walk in Faith and learning. As it says in Micah 6:8, "You have been told, O man, what is good, and what the Lord requires of you: Only to do right and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God."

Due to age and dynamic educational demands, Lourdes was faced to evaluate the opportunity to re-build. "The initial dream of a new Lourdes High School had been planted long ago and it is such a blessing to be part of the vision that has come to fruition. I believe it all happened due to people's prayers, generosity, and commitment. Families understand the richness and strong roots that Catholic education provides, and so they too supported the same vision to build a new Catholic High School," said Hendrickson.

Unlike the old downtown location, which has served as a high school since 1941, the new space is open and shaped into a campus like structure. The 167,000 square foot building is built in three sections: fine arts, academics and an athletics section. Lourdes High School currently serves 479 students; the new state-of-the-art school will be big enough to house more than 525 students with room for future expansion.

The new building is set on 24 acres of land located at the corner of 19th Street and Valleyhigh Drive NW.

The Lourdes Building our Future capital campaign has been supported through private donations from benefactors who believe in the importance of Catholic education. Participation by everyone has been essential for success; more than 1,600 donors contributed to the campaign.

Lourdes High School gratefully acknowledges the hard work and dedication of all the individuals who have so generously sacrificed their time and monetary funds to make this high school a gift to all.

Students started class in the new building August 27, 2013. Lourdes High School is one of 5 Rochester Catholic Schools campuses. Rochester Catholic Schools provide academic excellence, faith formation and service learning experiences for more than 1,800 students in grades Preschool through 12.

CONTACT: Laura Smith, Communications & Marketing Specialist |

Story and photo courtesy of Department of Advancement, Rochester Catholic Schools

The year of faith is a celebration of our calling to follow Christ and how we can come to know Jesus in our commitment to the ACE community and Catholic Schools. Our prayer is that we can learn to find Jesus in the ordinary and routine things of our lives. ACE Teaching Fellows calls men and women to live a simple life as teachers in Catholic Schools.

There are three pillars of ACE which guide the lives of all who are called and sent forth to teach in Catholic Schools. The foundation of ACE is based on teaching, community, and spirituality. All three are essential and bring balance to the lives of the young men and women serving as Catholic educators.

Let us look at community. We hear, in Acts 2: 43 – 47, about the early Christian community and how they lived as disciples of Jesus. Consider these words:

Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts,praising God and having the goodwill of all the people.

I have visited with several ACE communities and always have come away inspired and happy that life in community can give support, encouragement and growth to the members. I visited with the community in Plaquemine/Baton Rouge recently via Skype and shared in the fellowship they have. I asked each of them to say what they contribute to the community. Their responses were interesting and inspirational; they helped me see the joy they live by and the goodwill that is in their home.

Joe is a master of grilling, so every Thursday is steak night for the community meal. The community always looks forward to this meal.

Samantha likes things to be clean, so she works at keeping the common areas looking nice.

Matt provides humor to the community, which brings about a relaxed and happy atmosphere.

Sam writes inspirational "post- it" notes and puts one on the coffee maker every morning.

Maria is the baker of the community and loves making her famous chocolate chip Oreo cookies.

It is good for these teachers to know their gifts and to share them with the community, as it creates a happy household. They know each other well, and they delight in each other and accept their own talents and those of their housemates. There is a joy in community life.

Spending this time with this group enabled me to see a community that resembles the early Christian communities. These five ACE teachers are people who have glad and generous hearts, and their love for each other enables them to share love with their students.

This Skype visit to an ACE home helped me see Christian community in action. I shared in it, and it made me grateful for the way the ACE pillar of community is lived out during an ordinary day.

The joy of community life leads us to know Christ and inspires us to be Christ the Teacher for our students. May God bless you in this Year of Faith.