After months of voting, it's official: a Pitman High School teacher is the best in Northern California.
Ruben Modesto, the Pitman High School band director and music teacher, was named the winner of the 2013 All-Star Teacher Award during a Wednesday on-field ceremony at San Francisco's AT&T Park. The ceremony preceded the San Francisco Giants game against the San Diego Padres.
In addition to the title, Modesto was awarded with a $20,000 check, which will go to Pitman High School.
“Comcast SportsNet and Provident Credit Union are honored to name Ruben Modesto the 2013 All-Star teacher and to present him with a $20,000 check for John H. Pitman High School,” said Ted Griggs, President of Comcast SportsNet Bay Area. “Modesto has demonstrated extraordinary dedication to his school and his community. By means of his passion for music, he has deeply connected with his students.”
Modesto's victory marks the first for any Central Valley teacher in the history of the award.
During his 13 years of teaching, Modesto has taught various music classes, including ensemble, symphonic band, concert band, jazz band and color guard. As Pitman’s band director, Modesto runs the school’s marching and pep bands. The school’s marching band was invited by California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) to participate in the 2012 National Independence Day Parade in Washington, DC.
The All-Star Teacher Award has recognized extraordinary middle and high school teachers in Northern and Central California and Nevada for the past seven years. Comcast SportsNet recognizes award recipients for their dedication to students and influence within their own communities.
Schools received All-Star Teacher nomination forms, allowing students, peers, parents and principals to nominate teachers who demonstrate excellence in teaching and dedication to their students. The finalists were chosen by a panel of judges. The winner was selected by a public vote, which ran from April 15 through June 2.
According to John Hagggarty, Vice President of Marketing for Provident Credit Union, this year’s competition saw a record number of nominations for the award.
“After receiving a record number of over 300 nominations, all of our five finalists are deserving of the award,” said Haggarty. “The future of education is bright after seeing the dedication demonstrated in this year’s All-Star Teacher Award.”
