The PLACE Corps -- Partners in Los Angeles Catholic Education Corps -- is a teaching service corps in partnership with the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and the University of Notre Dame and is a member of the University Consortium for Catholic Education (UCCE). The PLACE Corps is built upon three pillars: spirituality, community, and professional development. This University program incorporates full-time teaching in an underresourced Archdiocesan elementary or high school in Los Angeles with an academic program through the Loyola Marymount University School of Education to earn both a Master's in Education and a California Preliminary Credential. Students can earn a Multiple Subject Credential (elementary) or a Single Subject Credential (secondary) with bilingual option. Members with an academic background that includes a substantial number of education courses can have an alternate program in which they earn a Master's in Child and Adolescent Literacy. PLACErs work under contract as teachers for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, but a portion of their salary contributes toward the cost of administering the program, housing and other expenses incurred on members’ behalf. The program is made possible, in part, due to a generous grant from LMU that is applied to the tuition costs. Because of the demands of the program, PLACE Corps teachers must maintain an unmarried lifestyle during their two-year commitment.

The ideal candidate for the PLACE Corps is an enthusiastic recent college graduate who has an appreciation for Catholic education and wishes to “give something back.” Applicants with a history of service, evidence of faith commitment, and experience with children are highly regarded. The PLACE Corps teacher, serving as a role model in Catholic schools, will be instrumental in maintaining the traditions of Catholic education in Los Angeles. There are no prerequisite courses, other than a Bachelor’s Degree and a desire to serve.

Interested students who are in the Southern California area should attend either of the identical information meetings held at LMU in the fall and a subsequent application distribution meeting. Application deadline is January 31st for annual summer admission to the two-year program. PLACE Corps teachers will begin their graduate work in the summer and their teaching in the fall while living in spiritually-based communities. During the school year, PLACErs will take two cohort classes each semester. Key to the success of the program is the support the teachers receive from their LMU professors and advisors, field supervisors, mentors and principals at their school sites, and the program staff. The semiannual retreats, designed to support and inspire, also contribute to the success of the PLACE Corps teacher.

Additional information regarding program specifics can be obtained by contacting the PLACE Corps office at 310.338.3774 or email.