In the Spotlight: Matt Kloser

As a teacher in ACE 9, Matt Kloser learned quickly that becoming a successful educator was about more than enthusiasm and hard work. Using ACE teaching methods in the high school science classroom, he says, "I recognized the professional nature of teaching and thus the complex practices that go into designing curriculum, interacting with students, facilitating discussion, and assessing what students understand."

Since graduating ACE, Matt has taken what he learned from the program and applied it both as a summer instructor for ACE and as a graduate student at Stanford University, where he earned a PhD in Science Education this spring (and where he received the 2011 Outstanding Paper Award from the National Association for Research in Science Teaching).

These endeavors have served to deepen his appreciation of ACE in transforming educational settings—from both inside and outside Catholic schools. Based on his experience as an ACE instructor, he says, ACE teachers are developing "into some of our schools' strongest teachers and leaders." And as a resident of the Bay Area, Matt attests to the value of what ACE Advocates are doing for Catholic schools there, such as raising funds for and awareness of a middle school in the heart of San Francisco's most under-resourced area. The school, he says, is an "oasis for students who would likely never make it through high school – their success stories are amazing." Both the school and the Advocates are benefiting from the partnership.

Matt Kloser and his new wife Lauren (ACE 14 and a high school English teacher) will return to Notre Dame this fall, where Lauren will join the faculty of St. Joseph High School and Matt will join the faculty of ACE and the Institute for Educational Initiatives. "My time will be balanced between teaching, establishing a research agenda in the teaching and learning of science, and developing a vision to improve STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education in the United States—in all schools, but specifically in Catholic schools." He goes on, "The University has so many resources available in the STEM areas and Notre Dame can be a major player in improving STEM education – that which is so vital to the success of our nation's financial and social welfare."

The ACE family is delighted to welcome the Klosers "home" and continue working together in the Spirit's movement to strengthen and sustain Catholic schools.