Ethan Walker
The Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) is a groundbreaking initiative rooted in the University of Notre Dame, dedicated to strengthening Catholic schools across the United States by addressing critical challenges in education, leadership, and faith formation. Founded in 1993, ACE combines rigorous academic training with hands-on teaching experience, preparing educators and leaders to serve in under-resourced Catholic schools, particularly in low-income communities. Through its flagship program, the ACE Teaching Fellows, participants earn a master’s degree while teaching full-time in partner schools, fostering a commitment to academic excellence and spiritual growth. Beyond teacher formation, ACE offers programs for school leaders, supports school sustainability, and promotes Catholic identity, ensuring that Catholic education remains accessible and vibrant for future generations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mission | To strengthen Catholic schools by preparing leaders and teachers committed to academic excellence and faith-based education. |
| Founded | 1993 |
| Affiliation | University of Notre Dame |
| Programs Offered | ACE Teaching Fellows, ACE Leadership, ACE Consulting, ACE Scholarships |
| Duration of Programs | 2-year commitment for Teaching Fellows |
| Focus Areas | Teacher formation, leadership development, school improvement |
| Geographic Reach | Primarily U.S.-based, with some international partnerships |
| Partnerships | Catholic dioceses, schools, and universities |
| Core Values | Faith, community, excellence, service |
| Impact | Over 2,000 educators trained, serving in Catholic schools nationwide |
| Funding Sources | Donations, grants, partnerships, and tuition assistance |
| Key Initiatives | Strengthening Catholic school sustainability, teacher retention, and leadership pipelines |
| Alumni Network | Active alumni community supporting Catholic education |
| Recognition | Widely recognized as a leader in Catholic educational renewal |
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What You'll Learn
- Mission and Vision: ACE aims to strengthen Catholic schools through service, teaching, and leadership formation
- Service Commitment: Fellows serve in under-resourced schools for two years, teaching and mentoring students
- Academic Program: Offers a master’s degree in education alongside practical classroom experience
- Spiritual Formation: Integrates faith and teaching, fostering spiritual growth for educators and students
- Partnerships: Collaborates with dioceses and universities to support Catholic school communities nationwide
Mission and Vision: ACE aims to strengthen Catholic schools through service, teaching, and leadership formation
The Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) is a transformative initiative rooted in the mission to strengthen Catholic schools across the United States. At its core, ACE is dedicated to ensuring the vitality and sustainability of Catholic education by addressing critical needs in service, teaching, and leadership formation. Founded in 1993 as a response to the growing challenges faced by Catholic schools, particularly in underserved communities, ACE operates as a partnership between the University of Notre Dame and the Congregation of Holy Cross. Its mission is to inspire and equip educators and leaders who embody the values of Catholic education, fostering academic excellence and spiritual growth in the students they serve.
Central to ACE's vision is the belief that Catholic schools are essential institutions for nurturing faith, character, and intellectual curiosity. By focusing on service, ACE places dedicated educators in schools where their presence can make a profound impact, particularly in areas with limited resources or declining enrollment. These educators, often recent college graduates or career-changers, commit to a two-year service program that includes teaching in Catholic schools while pursuing a master’s degree in education through Notre Dame. This dual focus on service and professional development ensures that ACE teachers are not only effective in the classroom but also deeply committed to the mission of Catholic education.
Teaching lies at the heart of ACE's mission, with a strong emphasis on pedagogical excellence and faith integration. ACE equips educators with the skills and knowledge to create dynamic, inclusive learning environments that reflect the teachings of the Catholic Church. Through rigorous coursework, mentorship, and hands-on experience, ACE teachers learn to address the diverse needs of their students, fostering a love of learning and a deeper understanding of their faith. This commitment to teaching excellence ensures that Catholic schools remain places where students thrive academically, spiritually, and socially.
Leadership formation is another cornerstone of ACE's mission, recognizing that strong leadership is critical to the long-term success of Catholic schools. ACE offers specialized programs, such as the ACE Teaching Fellows and the Echo Graduate Service Program, to develop the next generation of Catholic school leaders. Participants in these programs not only gain practical experience in school administration and community engagement but also deepen their understanding of Catholic identity and mission. By nurturing leaders who are both visionary and grounded in faith, ACE aims to create sustainable models for Catholic school excellence.
Ultimately, ACE's mission and vision are intertwined with the broader goal of revitalizing Catholic education as a beacon of hope and opportunity. Through its focus on service, teaching, and leadership formation, ACE seeks to address the systemic challenges facing Catholic schools while remaining faithful to their unique mission. By inspiring educators and leaders to embrace their roles as stewards of faith and learning, ACE ensures that Catholic schools continue to play a vital role in shaping the lives of students and communities for generations to come.
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Service Commitment: Fellows serve in under-resourced schools for two years, teaching and mentoring students
The Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) is a program that embodies a profound commitment to service, particularly in under-resourced schools where the need for dedicated educators is most critical. At the heart of ACE is the Service Commitment, which requires Fellows to serve in these schools for two years, teaching and mentoring students who often face significant educational and socioeconomic challenges. This commitment is not merely a professional obligation but a deeply rooted mission to foster academic excellence and spiritual growth in communities that are frequently overlooked. By placing Fellows in under-resourced schools, ACE ensures that students receive the support and guidance they need to thrive, while Fellows gain invaluable experience in transformative teaching and leadership.
During their two-year service, Fellows are immersed in the daily life of their assigned schools, taking on full-time teaching roles across various subjects and grade levels. This hands-on experience allows them to directly impact student learning, often in classrooms with limited resources and diverse student populations. Beyond teaching, Fellows serve as mentors, building meaningful relationships with students and providing them with the encouragement and role modeling necessary to overcome obstacles and achieve their potential. This dual role of educator and mentor is central to the ACE mission, as it addresses both the academic and personal development of students in under-resourced environments.
The Service Commitment is structured to be both challenging and rewarding, requiring Fellows to demonstrate resilience, creativity, and a deep sense of compassion. Fellows receive ongoing support through professional development opportunities, spiritual formation, and a community of peers who share their dedication to service. This support system ensures that Fellows are equipped to navigate the complexities of teaching in under-resourced schools while maintaining their own well-being and growth. The program’s holistic approach prepares Fellows not only to serve effectively during their two years but also to become lifelong advocates for educational equity.
One of the most impactful aspects of the Service Commitment is its focus on long-term change. By dedicating two years to a single school community, Fellows have the opportunity to build trust, establish routines, and implement sustainable practices that outlast their service. This continuity is particularly important in under-resourced schools, where frequent teacher turnover can disrupt student progress. Fellows leave a lasting legacy by inspiring students, empowering colleagues, and contributing to the overall improvement of the school’s educational environment.
In summary, the Service Commitment of ACE Fellows is a transformative experience that addresses the critical needs of under-resourced schools while shaping the next generation of Catholic educators. Through two years of teaching and mentoring, Fellows make a profound difference in the lives of their students, embodying the values of service, faith, and justice that define the Alliance for Catholic Education. This commitment not only strengthens the schools and communities they serve but also fosters personal and professional growth in the Fellows themselves, preparing them to be leaders in education and beyond.
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Academic Program: Offers a master’s degree in education alongside practical classroom experience
The Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) is a renowned program that combines academic rigor with practical teaching experience, offering a unique pathway for individuals seeking to make a meaningful impact in Catholic education. At the heart of ACE’s mission is its Academic Program, which provides participants with a Master’s degree in Education while immersing them in hands-on classroom teaching. This dual focus ensures that graduates are not only well-versed in educational theory but also equipped with the practical skills needed to excel as educators in Catholic schools. The program is designed to address the critical need for highly qualified teachers in under-resourced Catholic schools, particularly in low-income communities.
Participants in ACE’s Academic Program enroll in a two-year commitment, during which they complete coursework for their Master’s degree while simultaneously gaining practical classroom experience. The first year is spent on the campus of the University of Notre Dame, where students engage in intensive graduate-level courses covering pedagogy, curriculum design, educational leadership, and the theology of Catholic education. This foundational year is crucial for building a strong theoretical base and preparing participants for the challenges of the classroom. The curriculum is designed to foster a deep understanding of the unique mission of Catholic schools and the role of faith in the educational process.
The second year of the program places participants in partner Catholic schools across the country, where they serve as full-time teachers while continuing their graduate studies online. This immersive experience allows participants to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during their first year in real-world settings. They work directly with students, collaborate with experienced educators, and navigate the complexities of classroom management and instructional planning. This blend of academic study and practical teaching ensures that graduates emerge as confident, effective, and mission-driven educators.
A key strength of ACE’s Academic Program is its emphasis on mentorship and support. Throughout both years, participants are paired with experienced mentors who provide guidance, feedback, and encouragement. This mentorship model helps participants refine their teaching practices, address challenges, and grow professionally. Additionally, the program fosters a strong sense of community among participants, who often form lifelong bonds with their peers. This network of support extends beyond the program, creating a community of educators committed to the mission of Catholic education.
The Master’s degree awarded through ACE is highly respected in the field of education, particularly within Catholic school systems. Graduates are well-prepared to take on leadership roles in schools, whether as classroom teachers, department heads, or administrators. The program’s focus on both academic excellence and practical experience ensures that alumni are not only knowledgeable but also skilled in implementing effective teaching strategies. By offering a Master’s degree alongside hands-on teaching experience, ACE’s Academic Program provides a transformative pathway for individuals passionate about serving in Catholic education.
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Spiritual Formation: Integrates faith and teaching, fostering spiritual growth for educators and students
The Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) is a program rooted in the mission to strengthen Catholic schools by forming dedicated and faith-filled educators. At the heart of ACE’s philosophy is the principle of Spiritual Formation, which integrates faith and teaching to foster spiritual growth for both educators and students. This integration is not merely about incorporating religious content into lessons but about creating a lived experience where faith becomes the foundation of the educational journey. Educators in the ACE program are encouraged to see their role as a vocation, where teaching is an act of service and a means to witness to the Gospel. Through retreats, daily prayer, and communal worship, educators are immersed in practices that deepen their relationship with God, equipping them to model faith in the classroom.
Spiritual Formation in ACE emphasizes the importance of accompanying students in their spiritual journeys. Educators are trained to create environments where students can explore and articulate their faith, ask questions, and encounter Christ in meaningful ways. This is achieved through intentional lesson planning that connects academic subjects to Catholic social teaching, moral theology, and the life of the Church. For example, a history lesson might highlight the role of saints in shaping society, while a science class could reflect on the beauty of creation as a sign of God’s providence. By weaving faith into the fabric of daily learning, students are invited to see their studies as a pathway to understanding God’s plan for their lives.
A key component of ACE’s approach to Spiritual Formation is the formation of the educator as a whole person. Participants in the program engage in ongoing spiritual direction, theological study, and communal living, which fosters a sense of accountability and support. This holistic formation ensures that educators are not only knowledgeable about their faith but also embody it in their interactions with students, colleagues, and the broader community. By nurturing their own spiritual lives, educators become more effective ministers of the Gospel, capable of inspiring students to live out their faith authentically.
For students, Spiritual Formation through ACE translates into a transformative educational experience. Catholic schools supported by ACE-formed educators become places where faith is alive and dynamic, not confined to religion class or chapel services. Students are encouraged to integrate their faith into their decision-making, relationships, and aspirations. This is particularly evident in service-learning projects, where students apply Catholic principles of justice and charity to address real-world needs. Through these experiences, students grow in their understanding of faith as a call to action, not just a set of beliefs.
Ultimately, ACE’s commitment to Spiritual Formation reflects its belief that education is a sacred endeavor. By integrating faith and teaching, ACE seeks to form educators who are not only skilled professionals but also spiritual leaders. This dual focus ensures that Catholic schools remain vibrant centers of faith, where both educators and students are continually drawn closer to Christ. In this way, ACE’s work extends beyond academic achievement, nurturing souls and building the Kingdom of God in the hearts of those it serves.
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Partnerships: Collaborates with dioceses and universities to support Catholic school communities nationwide
The Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) is a pioneering initiative rooted in partnerships that strengthen Catholic school communities across the United States. At its core, ACE collaborates with dioceses and universities to address critical needs in Catholic education, ensuring schools remain vibrant, accessible, and faithful to their mission. By fostering these partnerships, ACE creates a network of support that spans from teacher formation to school leadership development, directly impacting the sustainability and growth of Catholic schools nationwide.
One of ACE’s cornerstone partnerships is with dioceses, which are essential to the Catholic education ecosystem. ACE works closely with diocesan leaders to identify specific challenges, such as teacher shortages, declining enrollment, or resource limitations. Through programs like the ACE Teaching Fellows, aspiring educators are placed in under-resourced Catholic schools, providing immediate support while fostering a new generation of committed teachers. These partnerships ensure that dioceses have access to well-prepared educators who are not only skilled in their subjects but also deeply rooted in the Catholic faith and its educational traditions.
Universities play a pivotal role in ACE’s mission as well. By collaborating with institutions like the University of Notre Dame, ACE leverages academic expertise and resources to enhance teacher and leader preparation programs. These partnerships enable ACE to offer graduate-level coursework, mentorship opportunities, and professional development that align with the unique needs of Catholic schools. For example, the ACE program allows fellows to earn a master’s degree in education while serving in Catholic schools, combining theoretical knowledge with practical experience. This university-diocese-ACE collaboration ensures that educators are equipped to meet the demands of modern Catholic education.
ACE’s partnerships extend beyond immediate staffing needs to focus on long-term sustainability. Through initiatives like the Catholic School Advantage campaign, ACE collaborates with dioceses and universities to highlight the value of Catholic education and develop strategies for enrollment growth and community engagement. These efforts are designed to strengthen the entire Catholic school ecosystem, ensuring that schools remain viable and thriving centers of faith and learning. By working together, ACE, dioceses, and universities create a shared vision for the future of Catholic education.
Finally, ACE’s collaborative model emphasizes mutual support and shared responsibility. Dioceses provide the on-the-ground context and needs, universities contribute academic rigor and resources, and ACE serves as the bridge that connects these entities. This tripartite partnership ensures that Catholic schools receive comprehensive support, from teacher recruitment and formation to strategic planning and advocacy. Through these collaborations, ACE fulfills its mission to sustain and strengthen Catholic school communities, ensuring they continue to educate and inspire students for generations to come.
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Frequently asked questions
The Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) is a program at the University of Notre Dame that recruits, forms, and supports Catholic school teachers and leaders. It aims to strengthen Catholic education in the United States by addressing teacher shortages and fostering excellence in teaching and leadership.
ACE supports Catholic schools by providing highly trained teachers through its service-through-teaching program, offering leadership development for principals and administrators, and conducting research to improve Catholic education. It also builds partnerships with dioceses and schools to address their unique needs.
ACE programs are open to recent college graduates, career changers, and experienced educators who are committed to serving in Catholic schools. Participants typically join the ACE Teaching Fellows program, which includes a master’s degree in education, or other leadership and formation programs offered by ACE.
