Teacher of the Year

School principals nominated 83 teachers from 20 different school districts in Stanislaus County. There are four positions; one for each set of grade levels: Early Grades (K-3rd), Elementary (4th-6th), Middle School, and High School. A selection committee, composed of local Rotarians and educators, narrowed down the nominations through a paper screening process and then visited the classrooms of the 12 remaining finalists. This is the 14th year that Modesto Rotary and Stanislaus County Office of Education have joined efforts to honor teachers in Stanislaus County. This program also provides an opportunity for state and national recognition. Two of the four Teachers of the Year will be selected, through an interview process, to represent Stanislaus County in the State Teacher of the Year Program. One state winner then proceeds to the national level. Mr. Modesto is highly deserving of this award because he is very much involved with his students. He loves to interact with them on a personal level. He break dances at rallies, plays alongside the band, and loves getting involved with the entire student body. During the Christmas season, he spreads some holiday cheer by playing Christmas songs throughout the school hallways. He also gets the students excited for football games by marching through the halls. He is a dedicated teacher and father. He has two children already and one on the way. His son Alex is a junior, and an active participant in the band. Mr. Modesto is grateful for receiving this high honor but simply says, “The award is really for the band members, past and present.”