It’s with great excitement that we introduce our 2024 Faculty Award for Excellence recipient, Dr. Maricela Helm! She serves as adjunct faculty in the Department of Leadership and Administration, where she has led the Academic Clarity Initiative and continuously revises courses in our leadership programs. Her effort to ensure ACE’s curriculum remains relevant is a critical part of maintaining our great student experience. Her students say she is knowledgeable, selfless and innovative. We talked with her about her impactful career.
ACE: Congratulations on receiving the 2024 Faculty Award for Excellence! What does receiving this award mean to you?
Dr. Maricela Helm (MH): Thank you! I feel incredibly fortunate to be in a profession that I love, surrounded by passionate and dedicated individuals. Working with future administrators who will make significant impacts in their communities is both inspiring and rewarding. Knowing that I have a role in their journey is a privilege, and it fills me with hope and excitement for the future.
ACE: Can you tell us a little about your career and what led you to ACE?
(MH): I have had a fulfilling career in education, starting as a teacher, then moving on to become a campus administrator and now serving at the district level. Over the years, I have witnessed the role of educators evolve in both positive and challenging ways.
In my experience, the position that holds the most potential for impact within our school districts is that of the campus administrator. A well-equipped administrator who can persevere and inspire can not only transform the lives of students and teachers but also shift the dynamics of the entire community. It’s clear to me that the more we can equip future principals to step into these roles confidently and competently, the more effective they will be and the longer they will remain committed to their positions.
Coming to ACE has provided me with the incredible opportunity to contribute to this vital aspect of education. At ACE, I can help prepare and support future administrators, ensuring they have the tools, knowledge and resilience needed to make a lasting impact.
ACE: What have you enjoyed the most about being part of ACE’s instructional faculty?
(MH): What I have enjoyed the most is the incredible opportunity to meet staff and students from all over the world. I am continually inspired by the wisdom of our diverse faculty, who bring a wealth of experience from a wide array of careers.
Additionally, I deeply appreciate the growth mindset that ACE embodies. The organization is always seeking ways to improve and innovate, which aligns perfectly with my own values and passion for continuous learning.
ACE: Your instrumental involvement in the Academic Clarity Initiative and commitment to relevant curriculum development has excellently showcased the ACE mission. What inspired your passion for these projects?
(MH): Both initiatives truly prioritize student feedback and incorporate the latest research. Developing course content that is not only relevant but also designed in a way that students find meaningful is one of my favorite aspects of being part of ACE.
My passion for these projects is fueled by a natural drive to improve learning experiences for students and to put their needs first. Seeing firsthand how these initiatives positively impact student engagement and learning outcomes is incredibly rewarding.
ACE: What advice would you give to those aspiring to faculty positions?
(MH): My advice would be to build strong relationships with colleagues and students. In the end, it’s the relationships with the people we encounter along our journey that make the biggest difference. These connections enrich our professional lives and leave a lasting impact on our students’ lives. Prioritizing these relationships and being genuinely invested in the success of others will inspire and empower those around you, making your role as a faculty member truly meaningful.
American College of Education offers a variety of leadership programs where you can learn from faculty like Dr. Helm. Learn more here.
