Inside the Classroom

As Michael Kelly enters his sixth year as a teacher at U of D Jesuit, his role has evolved beyond the classroom as an AP European History teacher. He has witnessed the growth and transformation of his students, not only through rigorous coursework but also by guiding them through formative experiences that shape their lives well after graduation, as an assistant coach for the varsity football team. Though he may not yet have seen the full lifelong impact he’s had on his students, Kelly already recognizes the profound influence his work at the school is having.

"It's amazing to see students return after they’ve graduated and still want to connect," Kelly shares. "Those relationships are still there, and they're strong. To hear them talk about the positive experiences they had here, that’s the most rewarding part for me." Kelly emphasizes how the structure and challenging academics at U of D Jesuit lay the groundwork for more than just intellectual growth—they foster a brotherhood among students that endures long after their high school years.

In the classroom and on the athletic field, Kelly’s approach is deliberate. He is focused on providing his students with the tools to navigate their academic and personal journeys. "Whether it's the rigorous coursework or the practices we put them through, students come back and talk about the positive impact it's had on their lives," he says. "That’s at the forefront of my mind whenever I teach. I want to make sure I’m offering them the structure and experiences they can look back on with pride."

At University of Detroit Jesuit, Hannah Coley has found more than just a place to teach. As a theology instructor, she embraces the school's Jesuit Catholic identity, using it as a foundation to challenge her students to see Christ in the world—and in themselves.

“For me, teaching here is about helping students understand that every person is a representation of Christ, even in a world that often feels far removed from that idea," Ms. Coley explains. Her passion for human dignity and social justice is woven into every lesson, urging students to confront social, political, and cultural issues through the lens of faith. This mission is at the heart of Jesuit education, which she believes is not only about intellectual growth but also the formation of the whole person—mind, heart, and soul.

One of the central themes in Ms. Coley’s theology classes is teaching students to "read the signs of the times," a phrase drawn from an article by Father Pedro Arrupe, a former Jesuit Superior General. In his writing, Father Arrupe challenges Jesuit institutions to reflect on how well they prepare students to engage with the real world and its complexities. For Ms. Coley, this challenge becomes the driving force of her curriculum.

“The goal,” she says, “is for students to use their own experiences and observations to discern how God is working in the world around them.” This process begins with careful reflection on current social realities—whether through senior service projects, labor ministries, or everyday encounters. “Are they reading the signs of the times when they engage with the people they serve? Are they listening to the stories shared by those on the margins? This is what we ask of our students.”

At the core of Ms. Coley's teaching is the "circle of praxis," a method deeply rooted in Jesuit spirituality. This approach invites students to see the needs of the world, ask why these needs exist, reflect through prayer, and then act with purpose. "That’s what makes Jesuit education unique," she emphasizes. "We don’t just prepare students for exams. We prepare them to integrate themselves into the world with thoughtful reflection and meaningful action."

U of D Jesuit school counselor Carole Hosey has dedicated 22 years to counseling in various schools, offering guidance on personal issues, managing stress, building self-esteem, conflict resolution, and more throughout the year.

Now in her third year at U of D Jesuit, Ms. Hosey has found that what sets the Jesuit experience apart are the teachings of St. Ignatius, which she weaves into her work with students. By integrating mental health with spiritual health, she supports the whole person, helping students become who they are meant to be and who God created them to be.

School counselors like Ms. Hosey play a critical role in students' social-emotional development, working to ensure the health and well-being of all students by promoting mental health awareness. 

U of D Jesuit visual arts teacher Ned Devine brings a deep passion for his craft, rooted in his love for teaching and his family's remarkable five-generation legacy at the school. This legacy began with his great grandfather, Edward Dorcy Devine, a proud graduate of the class of 1890. Since then, 14 Devine men have followed in Edward’s footsteps.

Ned’s journey with U of D Jesuit began in seventh grade. However, in his senior year, he chose to attend a neighborhood school that offered more art classes, pursuing his passion for the visual arts. Despite this detour, Ned felt a strong pull to continue the Devine family tradition. In 2021, he returned to U of D Jesuit, dedicated to inspiring students to explore and express their creativity through visual arts. Discover what drives Ned Devine’s commitment to teaching at U of D Jesuit.