A Maine South High School teacher who teaches Italian as part of the school’s world language curriculum has been recognized for her academic efforts, school district officials announced in a news release.
Cristina Modica – who is Italian and also teaches the language course at the Park Ridge high school – was selected by the American Association of Teachers of Italian to receive the organization’s “2024 Distinguished Service Award” in the K-12 category, according to the Maine Township High School District 207 release.
The release explains that Modica was selected “for her significant contributions to helping the association fulfill its objectives, as well as developing the profession.”
Specifically, Modica is lauded by the organization for her work in developing an advanced placement Italian Language and Culture exam, presenting at AATI conferences and supporting and advancing Italian studies, according to the release.
“This award was quite a surprise as there are so many incredible Italian teachers in our association across the United States,” Modica stated in the release. “I am incredibly honored and humbled to be recognized for this award. I am also extremely grateful that I get to share my passion for the Italian language and culture with my students every day. These amazing young people are my motivation for all I do!”
The century-old American Association of Teachers of Italian is a professional organization of scholars worldwide who contribute to Italian studies through teaching, research and service, the release explains.
AATI began awarding the Distinguished Service honor in 1986, with only one award is given annually in the K-12 category.
