The 2025 Alameda County Teacher of the Year award was presented on 25 September, 2025 where teachers from all over the county are nominated for their work as educators. This year, the award was given to Granada high school’s very own Mr. Thayer.
Thayer is currently in his 28th year of being an educator. He teaches 5 different classes which consist of Algebra 1 in Spanish, Geometry in Spanish, Algebra 2 in Spanish, Geometry in English, and Algebra 2 in English. Thayer is a known music lover. He plays the guitar, is in his own band (The Monkey Lizards), and even makes his own solo music under his name John Thayer.
Thayer spoke on how education is important for every individual to build tools and figure out who they are in the world.
“It’s really important for society because without strong education that reflects real research and facts we wouldn’t be able to maintain our democracy. It’s important for the health of the environment, the planet, everything. Without education, we couldn’t have any of it,” stated Thayer.
Thayer engages in activities like projects that have to do with application to the real world. He goes the extra mile to make sure his students are always engaged and thinking outside of the box.
“Last year it was a little bit harder because of the schedule we had. I found the timing was tough for that, to get all the material we teach and then also do all the projects I wanted to do. But I like doing that. Other than that, I don’t know. I’m just a math teacher,” said Thayer.
Thayer focuses a lot on character through his teaching and with his students. He explained why he thinks that aspect of teaching is so important.
“Well I mean, what’s the point? The point of being in school in person with human beings is to build better human beings…if it was just about math, they’re building AI systems that can teach math better than I can. If not now, that will be here soon. So, if we’re not focused on building better human beings then why are we here?,” Thayer said.
Thayer wrapped up his thoughts on what the true purpose behind teaching is.
Thayer said, “We all come here [and] we think it’s because we have to. It’s either our job or our parents make us or society makes us, whatever. Whether you’re a student or a teacher. But we’re all coming here still looking for something. And that thing, whatever it is we’re here for, it’s something we can only find with all of us being here together and learning from each other. It’s really easy to complain about the amount of work or how crazy kids get or how mean teachers are. It’s easy to complain about stuff but if you can find out why you’re here, that’s the most important thing. Because, you’re here for a better reason than you realize”.
Thayer is now currently in the running for teacher of the year in the whole state of California.
