State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond today named Corona High School Automotive Technology teacher, Bob Mauger, as one of five 2025 California Teachers of the Year. The career and technical education teacher was named one of four 2025 Riverside County Teachers of the Year in May by Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edwin Gomez.
“Mr. Mauger’s selection as a 2025 California Teacher of the Year is a testament to the excellence of educators across Riverside County who continue to focus on providing outstanding opportunities for students in their classrooms while preparing them for their future,” said Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edwin Gomez. “His resourcefulness in securing industry-standard tools and equipment helps ensure that students have what they need to succeed, secure jobs, and overcome personal challenges.”
Presented by the California Department of Education (CDE) and supported by the California
Teachers of the Year Foundation, the California Teachers of the Year Program began in 1972 to
honor outstanding teachers and encourage and inspire new teachers to enter the profession. California Teachers of the Year serve as ambassadors of the profession and serve as representatives of the state for the calendar year.
About Bob Mauger
The prospect of becoming a teacher never entered Bob Mauger’s mind. After many stops and starts exploring various career options, everything changed after he volunteered at his daughter’s elementary school. Bob Mauger describes his teaching career as increasingly rewarding with each passing year—especially as more students make the shift from his classroom to their own career journeys. His greatest satisfaction comes from witnessing the “aha” moments from students—especially when diagnosing and fixing issues under the hood of automobiles.
While pursuing an online degree in social and criminal justice with hopes of becoming a probation officer, he discovered an interest in child development. He started his career in education as a paraeducator working with emotionally disturbed students, but his lifelong passion for hands-on work and mechanical repair, passed down from his father, led to earning a career and technical education credential. Bob’s expertise in restoring cars has led to the restoration of the automotive technology program at Corona High School, which is not only preparing students with technical skills, but with life skills like confidence, a strong work ethic, and how to be a good human.
Bob’s colleagues describe him as “a consummate professional with the desire to make his auto technology classes not only industry standard—but the best in the nation.” Another colleague describes how Bob’s “high core values and excellent communication skills have led to his auto shop becoming a platform for connecting students to learning.”
Bob earned his bachelor’s degree in social and criminal justice with a minor in child development from Ashford University and his master’s degree in teaching and learning from Brandman University.
Recent Riverside County teachers selected as California Teachers of the Year include:
· 2025 – Bob Mauger, Corona High School, Corona-Norco USD
· 2022 – Nichi Aviña, Cielo Vista Charter School, Palm Springs USD
- 2021 – Keisa Brown, University Heights Middle School, Riverside USD, and Allison Cyr, Lyndon B. Johnson Elementary School, Desert Sands USD
- 2020 – Brenda Chavez-Barreras, Good Hope Elementary School, Perris ESD
- 2019 – Dr. Angel Mejico, El Cerrito Middle School, Corona-Norco USD
- 2018 – Dr. Brian McDaniel, Painted Hills Middle School, Palm Springs USD
- 2017 – Shaun Bunn, Ethan A. Chase Middle School, Romoland School District
- 2016 – Michelle Cherland, Carrillo Ranch Elementary School, Desert Sands USD
- 2014 – Jessica Pack, James Workman Middle School, Palm Springs USD
County offices of education nominate California Teachers of the Year applicants through their county-level competitions. The California Department of Education (CDE) selection committees review applications; evaluate teachers’ rapport with students, classroom environments, presentation skills, and teaching techniques; and interview the teachers. The State Superintendent of Public Instruction then selects the five California Teachers of the Year and the National Teacher of the Year nominee. For more information on the award program, please visit the CDE California Teachers of the Year web page.
The Riverside County Teachers of the Year are selected from nearly 20,000 educators in the county. The rigorous application process requires candidates to spend time reflecting on, and carefully defining, their teaching philosophy. The county teachers of the year are selected based on nominations by teachers, principals, and school district administrators throughout the county. Applications are then submitted to the Riverside County Office of Education, where a selection committee reviews the applications of each district candidate and selects semi-finalists. The selection committee then conducts interviews and site visits to select the final four candidates before the county superintendent announces the Riverside County Teachers of the Year.