ExCEL is a service-through-teaching program operated by Santa Clara University. ExCEL members teach in Catholic schools and earn a Master's degree.
ExCEL forms excellent Catholic school teachers and actively engages in the ministry of teaching for and with the urban students of the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Jose.
03/05/2023
Marie’s third graders learned how to identify traits of characters from Charlotte’s Web, and then use textual evidence to support those claims. As Charlotte spun in her webs, that’s some “terrific” and “radiant” literacy!
03/03/2023
Lisa passed out to her students a love song (written for her by world-famous actor Michael B Jordan… and definitely NOT ChatGPT) about environmental justice and composed to the melody of Jingle Bells. After singing it as a class (seen here), Lisa’s students used their weeks-long research reports to write their own science songs about environmental justice as another genre for sharing their critical learning. Music to our teacher ears!
02/17/2023
Ashley used guided reading to give her students opportunities to decode stories and practice fluency. Such a strong foundation in literacy for these kindergarteners!
02/15/2023
Mary’s students explored the Transfiguration through scripture, video, and commentary, and then grappled with this question, “What does Christ’s Transfiguration mean for us and our lives today?” Deep discussions in fourth grade! 🙂
02/12/2023
Wrapping up our winter retreat but continuing to strengthen our commitments to Christ, each other, and justice.
02/11/2023
Day 1 of winter retreat ✔️
Our ExCEL teachers spent today reflecting on the past year and working towards new goals for the future months. We are so grateful for this beloved community!
02/07/2023
Nique’s sixth graders learned how to identify and give evidence of a story’s theme. Here’s the key theme of Nique’s teaching: love. (And check out the photos for evidence 🙂❤️)
01/29/2023
Our ExCEL teachers are thankful for the opportunity to get together for Mass and dinner. We even snatched a picture with Fr. Steve!
01/26/2023
The fifth graders in Chloe’s classroom (as well as Chloe herself) can’t help but enjoy reading the humor, love, and power of “Watsons Go to Birmingham, 1963.” Using Chloe’s prediction strategy anchor chart, we predict they’re going to be thoroughly engaged.
01/21/2023
JVC vs ACE vs EXCEL kickball game! We are grateful for the opportunity to come together to break bread and enjoy each other’s company!
01/16/2023
All undergrads (any major) and recent college grads: Please join us for an information session on ExCEL, Santa Clara University’s post-graduate service-through-teaching program. Learn how you can teach for equity in a Catholic school, earn a free master’s degree, and live with other amazing teachers, all while growing closer to God and your vocation. See flyer for details. Looking forward to connecting soon!
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01/09/2023
Interested in post-graduate service? Ever think about teaching? Please join ExCEL in-person or online for our last information session of the academic year. Come and learn how ExCEL can accompany and support you in your future journey as a Catholic school teacher! .newman