Kevin Kimberly: Solid Foundations

From an early age, Kevin Kimberly remembers his Paw-Paw telling him to “pass it on.” For many years, Kevin did not understand the depth of this simple phrase, but it has since become his animating ethos. Kevin serves as the principal of Memphis Catholic Middle and High School in Memphis, Tennessee, and is a graduate of the 18th cohort of ACE Teaching Fellows. His dedication to educating children reveals a deep internalization of his grandfather’s message and is a living testimony to the value of solid educational foundations. That “pass it on” mantra is what drives the lessons and virtues near and dear to the education a student receives at Memphis Catholic.

Teachers have the unique opportunity to be the architects of their classrooms. Great teachers create a community of learning that encourages a growth mindset, engages curious minds, and reminds students of their dignity both in and out of the classroom. In this kind of environment, teachers foster relationships that allow each student to take ownership of their learning. Creating this sort of classroom is not an easy task and takes a dedicated, intentional teacher.

Ian Corbett brings a different perspective to our understanding of Catholic education. A native of Ireland, Ian witnessed the decline in popularity of Catholic schools in his home country. As Ireland changed in terms of religious beliefs and people’s feelings about religion’s place in education, the schools have stayed under the jurisdiction of the Catholic Church, but involvement and participation in the spiritual component of the schools has diminished. Ian, with the knowledge and experience he has gained through ACE Teaching Fellows, the Mary Ann Remick Leadership Program, and in the Notre Dame ACE Academies, hopes to become a catalyst for renewing change in the Catholic schools system in Ireland.

Katie Schenkel, in her second year of teaching as an ACE Teaching Fellow at Our Lady of Prompt Succor in New Orleans, had her seventh grade class bring in objects, news articles, or stories about science happening in their lives. Katie had no idea how important this activity would be for one of her students, who had never previously displayed much interest in science class. This student brought in a picture of herself sitting next to her pet tortoise.

April Adalim, one of ACE Teaching Fellows’ newest graduates, will be breaking ground this spring. Having committed to a third year of teaching middle school English Language Arts at St. Catherine in Tulsa, Oklahoma—the site of her ACE placement—April will be joining the community of St. Catherine in constructing a playground three years in the making.