San Antonio • Six new teachers, enrolled in the University of Notre Dame’s Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) program, will bring their tremendous enthusiasm and high expectations to students at Holy Cross of San Antonio, Holy Rosary School and St. Paul School. This is the second year of participation for these schools in the ACE program.
    The ACE teachers for 2005-2006 and the schools where they will teach include: Darren Luft and Jonathan Tullis at Holy Cross; Brian Rhodes and April Garcia at Holy Rosary School; and Ada Trejo and Andrea (Andi) Smith at St. Paul School.
    Through the ACE two-year program, college graduates spend two summers studying in the Master of Education program at the University of Notre Dame and practice their teaching skills during those two school years. ACE has built a sterling reputation, racking success after success in schools throughout the country.

   Angel Cedillo, principal of Holy Cross of San Antonio, offered his perspective on the program. “The results of this project, at least for us at Holy Cross, can be measured by the impact that both Laura Aull and Eric Bobadilla had on our students and on our faculty. Both of these ACE teachers were incredible role models for the students they taught, and a principal could not ask for a more prepared and professional pair of teachers. Our students had a genuine sense of care and respect for Laura and Eric, and their colleagues could easily see that these young educators were well on their way to becoming outstanding teachers.
    “What I feel ultimately sets the ACE program apart from other programs that intern neophyte teachers is its faith-based mission of education. The ACE program works because bright, motivated young people have been selected to use the gifts which God has given them to help mold the hearts and minds of the students they encounter.”

    By way of introduction, the following are brief profiles on the ACE teachers whose comments on teaching and participation in the ACE program are included:
    Darren Luft holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Notre Dame. Luft said, “I hope to bring as much enthusiasm and motivation as the wonderful teachers who taught me throughout my school years, and who consequently laid the foundation for my scholastic success at a very early age.”
    Jonathan Tullis holds a bachelor’s degree in physics and psychology from Dartmouth College. Tullis, a Catholic school alumnus, lauds the impact that Catholic education has had on his life.
    “I am immensely thankful that I attended Catholic grade school. Catholic school taught me important life lessons of hard work, humility, determination and generosity. I learned that Catholic education is a tool to serve others. I want others to have the same Catholic school experience that I enjoyed.”
    Brian Rhodes holds a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from St. Mary’s College of California. He also is fervent in his motivation to integrate his Catholic faith as a teacher. “The ACE program provides the framework to pursue Jesus’ request to ‘come and see’… to build a kingdom of peace, love and transformation, all done through teaching in the spirit of Christ. I am motivated by my past and current communities to share the values within the love of Christ while teaching and developing young minds.”
    April Garcia has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Notre Dame. She, too, is an ardent devotee of integrating faith and teaching. “I have embraced every opportunity to teach while at Notre Dame and the aspect of spirituality has gained importance in my life, reminding me of my own personal need to teach with the influence of religion.”
    Ada Trejo also has a bachelors’ degree in business administration from the University of Notre Dame. For Trejo, participation in the ACE program has a deeper significance. “Throughout my life, I have witnessed the value of a Catholic education — through the experience of attending ACE schools, having ACE teachers as mentors, attending Notre Dame and having the opportunity to work with the ACE office for three years. I believe in what they do, and it would be an honor to be part of the family that is changing the world.”
    Andrea (Andi) Smith has a bachelor’s degree in music and English from Gonzaga University. Smith is an equally staunch supporter of Catholic education. “I feel called to teach, called to serve and called to share my energetic spirituality with those who need it most. The ACE program seems to be the best opportunity to do these things.”