Blessed are the Merciful: Maura Shea Re-Assesses Her Own Assessment Policies

As the Catholic Church nears the conclusion of what Pope Francis declared a Jubilee Year of Mercy, Maura Shea is experiencing what she conceives her own Year of Mercy in her English Language Arts classroom. The vast majority of Maura’s 11^th and 12^th grade students are students she taught just one or two years ago, as sophomores. This opportunity—to correct past mistakes, to build upon prior success, and to continue to develop already-formed relationships with her students—is one that give flesh to the words Maura heard Pope Francis utter at World Youth Day in Krakow, Poland, this summer--words about “the gentle and unassuming power of mercy.” 

Brian Hayes watched President Bush’s announcement of Operation Iraqi Freedom in March 2003, pondering and worrying about how he could discuss the news with students in his history class the next day. He had thousands of facts and details to draw on; perhaps he would talk about the events that precipitated this announcement, the cries for diplomacy that some thought were ignored, the evidence that led to the invasion, or the potential that this decision had to destabilize the region.  

Since its founding, ACE has graduated nearly 2,000 teachers and leaders. These teachers and leaders have continued to support and transform Catholic education, both directly and indirectly, by living out a commitment to community, spirituality, and professionalism. In an era obsessed with measurement, it is both tempting and worthwhile to quantify the successes and contributions of our graduates. This post, the first in a series of stories from our graduates, is an attempt to capture that which numbers sometimes fail to tell: the nuances and nitty gritty details of moments—sometimes small, sometimes large—through which the mission of ACE continues in the everyday lives of its graduates. This first story explores ACE Teaching Fellows alumnus Alec Torigian’s response to the call to return to teaching.  

Dear ACE Family and Friends,

Eleven years have passed since I stepped foot in my English classroom at Ascension Catholic High School in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, to begin my ACE teaching experience. Like any beginning teacher, I remember there was so much I felt I didn’t know. But as a lifelong student of Catholic schools, and a witness to the dynamism and dedication of the ACE Teachers who had lived and taught in my hometown of Mobile, Alabama, I knew this: I had been given an incredible gift. As a Catholic educator, I had the opportunity not only to teach, but also to engage in a mission and movement much larger than myself.

After graduating from ACE in 2007, I chose to continue my teaching career, spending four years teaching English and directing the Writing Center at Fenwick High School, a Catholic high school in Oak Park, Illinois. In 2011, I returned, along with my husband and fellow ACE alumnus, Mike Macaluso, to graduate school to pursue a Ph.D. in Curriculum, Instruction, and Teacher Education at Michigan State University. My experiences at MSU offered a conglomeration of scholarship, teaching, and service opportunities. In addition to pursuing a research agenda centered on literacy, ethics, and 21st century teacher preparation, I taught a variety of undergraduate and Master’s-level courses in MSU’s teacher preparation program, while also serving as Assistant Editor of the National Council of Teachers of English’s flagship research journal Research in the Teaching of English.

My return to the Alliance for Catholic Education brings me great joy, not only because of the opportunity I will have to work with some of the most talented teachers, administrators, and scholars, but also because of the unique promise that this position affords. By saying “yes” to serving as Director of ACE Advocates, I have assumed the responsibilities of a mission that not only allows, but indeed requires, that my work as educator, scholar, and administrator join in direct dialogue with my Catholic faith. Knowing the fulfillment that my husband and I, along with our three children, have derived from our involvement as parishioners at St. Gerard Catholic Church and School in Lansing, Michigan, and our time teaching in Catholic schools, I see this position as nothing short of life-giving. I have been handed the great privilege of working with current ACE Teaching Fellows, mentor teachers, and Catholic school administrators as a member of the ACE faculty, all while garnering the talents of ACE graduates in the service of advancing Catholic schools.

Adding to my inspiration and enthusiasm regarding my role with ACE Advocates is the knowledge that I stand supported by many of the greatest minds and hearts in Catholic schools. I conceive of the ACE Advocates directorship as a byproduct of what some might consider an embarrassment of riches. Thanks to the leadership, vision, and grace of those I am delighted to now call my colleagues, ACE has launched the trajectories of teachers, researchers, policy experts, and educational leaders in the U.S. and abroad. Initiatives like the Notre Dame Center for STEM Education and the Latino Enrollment Institute continue to expand the alliance of teachers, scholars, administrators, parents, business professionals, clergy and religious invested in Catholic schools. ACE graduates are joining the faculty of top-tier departments and colleges of education in universities across the country. They are assuming positions as superintendents, exercising their voice in and around educational policy, and serving on the boards of schools their children attend. If ever there was a time for a movement uniting supporters of Catholic schools, that time is now. I find myself at an exciting juncture—one that builds on the impressive work of ACE graduates, current colleagues, and those who have previously led and supported ACE Advocates.

Standing on the brink of this directorship, I cannot help but feel some striking similarities to the thoughts and sentiments that colored my first days of teaching in Donaldsonville, Louisiana. Much like I felt as a beginning teacher, there is still so much to learn and to ascertain. But I am certain of one thing: ACE Advocates is rooted in a mission and movement much larger than myself. The talents of ACE graduates abound. Each graduate, too, is connected to colleagues, family, parishioners, and friends who themselves offer a wealth of resources that might be garnered in support of Catholic schools. I close then with this assurance: I look forward to considering with each of you how we might make-- or continue to make--our work matter in and for Catholic education. This question is one I considered quite seriously while on the job market this year. Knowing what I know of the graduates, families, and friends of ACE, its answers hold much promise for the lives and communities served by Catholic schools in and beyond the U.S.

Yours in Christ,

Kati Macaluso