Hampton Bays teacher heads to China for 4 weeks

PORFIRIO LOPEZ

Job: Social studies teacher, Hampton Bays High

Community: Mattituck

What he's up to: One of 16 educators selected from 1,000 applicants nationwide as U.S. Department of Education Fulbright Scholars who will tour China for four weeks, starting June 29.

Why: To incorporate lessons he expects to learn from Chinese educators into his teaching.

Why did you apply for the Fulbright program?

Even as a boy, it has always been my dream to go to China. One day, I was searching on the site. Then I found out about this program.

What do you expect to learn during the tour?

I will learn a lot about Chinese history and how they structure their educational programs. There was a report that said China ranked No. 2 in science and math. I'm curious and want to learn about their education methodology and philosophy.

How will you incorporate what you learn into your teaching at Hampton Bays?

I'm going to take a lot of pictures and videotape anything that I feel is important. These will later help me create a lesson plan as part of my global curriculum.

Are there any things in particular that you're looking forward to seeing?

I have always wanted to see the Terracotta Warriors and the Forbidden City. I'm particularly interested in the Chinese Muslim mosque in Xian.

Anything you'd like to add?

I hope this will be one of the greatest things that has happened to me besides my children and my wife.