Joseph Modica, a 1993 recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science, teaches sixth grade at Hoehne Elementary School in Hoehne. At Hoehne Elementary School, Mr. Modica is part of a team that is developing a "long-distance learning" 30-station computer classroom. "We must connect our students to the world," says Mr. Modica, who hopes that his school, which is located in a rural area, will soon be connected via the information super highway to programs such as World Classroom. Mr. Modica, who believes that it is a teacher's role to create the conditions for knowledge, also believes that children must learn how to shoulder responsibility themselves. Specifically, he says, "help them learn, but don't learn for them." The freedom that is inherent to the computer network he is developing will certainly help further his teaching philosophy.
1971 Adams State College, B.A.
