ACE applications hit record 310
By LIZ KAHLING
News Writer
The Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) administration reported a record high of 310 applications this year for approximately 80 teaching positions in parochial schools throughout the United States. The first round of interviews will finish Feb. 10 and applicants can expect to hear back by March 18.
Similar programs such as Jesuit Volunteer Corps (JVC), Teach for America, and the Portland ACE (PACE) have all increased in popularity as well; however, ACE remains the most popular among Notre Dame students.
"To start, ACE is more attractive because it is a ND program. For a lot of students, idealism isn't enough, the faith dimension is very appealing as well as the community aspect," said John Staud, ACE Administrative Director.
"It's comforting to know that you'll be with other ND grads, especially if you're not ready to go it alone," said applicant Beth Willkom.
The bonding experience begins immediately in the summer with the participants working as a team together with their community members. Students are typically placed in a house with four to six other participants.
"We offer the students retreats, prayer guides, and encourage `house nights' or attending liturgy together," said Sister Sue Bruno, an interviewer.
Another incentive for applicants is receiving a Masters in Education after completing the two year training and teaching service. Teach for America is a similar teaching program but does not offer a Master's degree. Many ACE graduates continue to stay on for a third year or teach abroad. Last year 91 percent of the ACE grads continued to teach past their two-year commitment. ACE grads now have the opportunity to teach in Santiago, Chile or Dublin, Ireland.
The interviewing process is divided among 11 teams of three interviewers made up of ACE staff, campus ministry, Reslife and faculty.
"During the interview the team is looking for a passion for teaching and a love of children in the applicants," said Staud.
The interview focuses on the general pillars of ACE such as how God is cultivated in his life or why teaching is an important aspect of is life. The interview team also spends time getting to know the individual applicant's experiences and motivations.
"We want to make sure that they know what they're getting into, that this program gives a lot but also takes a lot and for that the students need stamina," said Bruno.
One concern this year has been the effect of the job market. Both students and administrators are distressed that some students may be applying because they could not find a job.
"Teaching isn't something that you can just take lightly. You're put in charge of not only the educational development, but also the emotional, moral, social, and spiritual development of young, impressionable individuals," said applicant Amy Heckel.
Administrators carefully review each applicant's essays, recommendations, and interview. Christian Dallavis, an alum of the ACE program and now an associate director, said, "Some applicants have said that they always have had teaching in the back of their mind and it became an immediate desire after the events of Sept. 11, realizing the impact that a teacher could have on a child."
Staud expressed his excitement over this year's applicants and the generosity and goodness that they express.
After completing the interview, the team must reach a unanimous decision on a student. If there is any doubt or if the team wants to get a better feel for the applicant there is a second interview scheduled with a different team. Once a decision has been reached, the team then recommends the student to the ACE office for certain positions.
In the time between interviewing and acceptance notices in mid-March, the ACE office must assess the need of the schools as well as the students' abilities. An applicant may not get a place due to the lack of need for a teaching position in a certain subject at a certain level. There is a waiting list and it is not uncommon for an applicant to get a call as late as the first week of the summer session to join.
"It doesn't mean that you were a `bad' applicant if you're not accepted," said Willkom. "It just means that there are a lot of very qualified, motivated people. With this good group of people you can't lose."
Staud explains that although there is an increasing number of applicants every year, ACE has reached its optimal size and that they are working on expanding with other programs and institutions.
Contact Liz Kahling at
ekahling@nd.edu
All News Stories for Thursday, February 7, 2002
