Catholic School Champion: Stephen LaBrecque

Stephen LaBrecque (ACE 19) captures the spirit of ACE Teaching Fellows when he says, "I want to give back and help students, not just academically, but also spiritually, emotionally, and athletically." We asked him a few questions as he was preparing to start his first year of community life and teaching in Dallas, Texas.

Tell us a little bit about your background.

I just graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a bachelor's degree in English. Prior to ACE, my experiences in education have been varied. I taught religious education throughout high school, and I tutored at the Robinson Community Learning Center while at Notre Dame. I also did an Appalachia Service Seminar at a small high school in David, Kentucky.  This year I will be teaching English at Bishop Dunne Catholic High School in Dallas.

What drew you to Catholic education?

When I made the decision to transfer to Notre Dame, I was drawn by the University's mission to educate the mind, body and spirit. This focus on the whole person played a large role in my decision to join ACE and teach in Catholic Schools. I want to give back and help students, not just academically, but also spiritually, emotionally and athletically.

How have your first months in ACE shaped your vision of education?

My [early] experiences in ACE have helped to refocus my view of education. Too often we, as educators, get caught up grouping students by test scores and grade levels and demographics. ACE has shown me that we must get back to the human elements of education. We cannot forget that we are dealing with students, parents, and local communities. As teachers we must remember that first and foremost we are serving people.

Below, Stephen is pictured with the members of his ACE community (L to R): Gregg Schettini, Maria Isabel Eugenio, Stephen, Blair Carlin, Keaton Van Beveren, and Nick Reed.