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Math educator John Thayer of Granada High School was recently named a recipient of the 2025 Alameda County Teacher of the Year award.
Thayer was recognized as one of two county winners by the Alameda County Office of Education on Sept. 25, alongside Alameda Unified School District teacher Michael Kramer Wong.
The pair was selected among 19 honorees, representing 17 school districts and regional occupation programs countywide, according to the ACOE website.
Thayer and Kramer Wong are now slated to represent the county in the State Teacher of the Year competition, which will be announced this month, according to a statement from the ACOE.
“It’s been incredible feeling all the love after receiving this recognition,” Thayer said in a statement. “It makes me realize that every single person who helps our students – from the classroom to the front office, to the cafeteria – should be celebrated like this. We work hundreds of miracles together every day and I wouldn’t want to miss it!”
As an instructor for over 20 years, Thayer is known for his dedication to making math accessible, engaging and meaningful for all students, Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District officials said in a statement.
During bilingual math courses, Thayer incorporates project-based learning to connect math with real-world applications such as bridge design, food truck businesses and public art projects, according to district officials.
“Creating spaces for students to succeed in small and big ways, showing them that I believe in them, and waiting for them to teach me how to better teach them,” Thayer said of his approach to education.
In April, Thayer was recognized as the LVJUSD Teacher of the Year for the 2024-25 school year.
Outside of his role as a math teacher, Thayer has also coached debate teams in English and Spanish. Through his coaching, he has helped students develop research, communication and critical thinking skills while supporting their advancement to regional and state-level competitions, LVJUSD officials said.
Thayer also leads college field trips for emergent bilingual students and works with families through the English learner advisory committee at Granada.
“I’m grateful that I get to do what I do and live this life and learn from all these teachers and kids who bring joy and light into classrooms and communities when there are so many people now who seem so determined to keep us all in the dark,” Thayer told Livermore Vine.
Thayer was later selected as the 2025 Alameda County Teacher of the Year among district-level winners who submitted an application and a series of essays, according to ACOE officials.
“Mr. Thayer’s selection as Alameda County’s Teacher of the Year is well deserved,” Granada principal Clark Conover said in a statement. “He cares about kids and creates a classroom where students feel empowered to take risks, discover their strengths and build confidence.”
“Granada is lucky to have a teacher like him,” Conover added.
Granada math department chair Julian Avilla expressed similar sentiments regarding Thayer’s ability to work with students.
As a former pupil and current colleague, Avilla first met Thayer in 2000, according to district officials. At the time, Thayer was his trigonometry teacher.
“Over the last 25 years, I have witnessed firsthand his exceptional dedication and passion for teaching,” Avilla said in a statement. “His ability to connect with students and teach them math at all levels is inspiring.”
The awards ceremony Sept. 25 also recognized honorees from across the county.
In addition to Thayer, Tri-Valley honorees included Joy Sherratt of Dublin Unified School District’s Emerald High School, Esperanza Jimenez of Pleasanton Unified School District’s Valley View Elementary School and Shelley Matek of Tri-Valley ROP at Dublin and Foothill high schools.
“For many of our young people, the brightest part of their day is when they are learning, growing, and connecting in our classrooms and on our campuses. Great educators do more than just teach: they build confidence and shape how young people see themselves and the world,” Alameda County Superintendent Alysse Castro said in a statement. “I am grateful for our county’s teachers, and commend their work to shape whole humans.”
As Alameda County Teachers of the Year, Thayer and Kramer Wong are slated for consideration of statewide recognition.
“We wish John the very best as he is considered for State Teacher of the Year,” LVJUSD Superintendent Torie Gibson said in a statement. “But regardless of that outcome, we are thrilled that John’s exceptional teaching was recognized at the county level. His commitment and impact on our students serves as a model for us all.”
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