In the Spotlight: Abby Salazar

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.