In the Spotlight: "Teachers Make a Difference," says Danny Jackson

Danny Jackson has a message for anyone considering the ACE Teaching Fellows program: "Anyone who wants to truly make a difference, anyone who is passionate about helping others, anyone who wants to see faces of young people light up because you've just helped them understand a concept they never would have otherwise understood, anybody who wants to work hard with the satisfaction of knowing that their hard work is making a great impact, anybody who wants to be a role model should join ACE. Words cannot describe the impact that you can make as a positive role model. If you're willing to work hard, give it a shot."

This fifth grade teacher in South Central Los Angeles explains what drew him to the program and, more generally, to Catholic schools. "They are dedicated to giving all students the chance for a great education... Kids should be given every chance to have dedicated, loving teachers, regardless of their socioeconomic status or zip code."

Now one semester into the experience, Danny has lived that mission and continues to be inspired by it. As an example, he tells the story of a quiet and hard-working student in his class at his K-8 school "where kids truly feel safe in an otherwise tough neighborhood." At his first parent teacher conference, the mother of that quiet and hard worker came in.

After hearing assurances about her daughter's progress, Danny recounts that the mother said something he will never forget. "She said that her daughter comes home every single day and talks about how she is going to college one day. 'Mr. Jackson talks about it so much,' the mother said, quoting her daughter, 'and says that we can all go there. I can go, too.'"

Danny continues, "Some days I wonder whether or not I'm making an impact. Stories like this throw all doubts out the window. Whether or not she remembers how to properly identify articles in a sentence or all fifty state capitals is irrelevant. That girl has been inspired to change her life forever and go to college. By the way, she is ten years old. How's that for inspiration? These kids are incredible."

To learn more about ACE Teaching Fellows, click here.