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Granada High School math instructor John Thayer as Teacher of the Year and Christensen Middle School’s executive assistant to the principal Michelle Gomes as Classified Employee of the Year were recently honored by Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District.
Recognition of these staff members and others for the 2024-25 school year took place April 23 at the district’s annual Livermore Management Association Awards breakfast.
“Mr. Thayer and Ms. Gomes exemplify dedication and excellence, consistently going above and beyond in their teaching and support roles,” LVJUSD Superintendent Torie Gibson said. “Their impact on students, staff, and families is both meaningful and far-reaching.”
As a 10-year instructor at Granada, Thayer said being named the Teacher of the Year is humbling.
“There are so many great teachers that I know here at my school and at other schools from throughout my career, and also teachers who have taught my own kids”, Thayer said. “They are all so amazing and whatever I have accomplished has been because of what I learn from them.”
Thayer’s dedication and impact on students has stood out to Granada principal Clark Conover.
“He creates a supportive and engaging learning environment where students feel valued and motivated to achieve their best,” Conover said.
In addition to creating a supportive and engaging learning environment, Conover said that Thayer discusses college with students and helps them set goals for their future.
“Mr. Thayer is also a strong advocate for our Spanish-speaking students, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to succeed,” Conover added. “He goes out of his way to assist with language barriers, helping students and their families navigate academic challenges and opportunities.”
Prior to being an instructor at Granada, Thayer taught at ACE Leadership High School and West Mesa High School in Albuquerque, N.M., Bronx Community College in the state of New York and Livermore High School.
“I am really grateful for what I get to do with my life, it is the best job in the world. We go to college, get credentialed, and then hired, but it’s the students who make us teachers,” Thayer said.
At Christensen, principal Brian Scharmann considers Gomes the “backbone” of the school, where she has worked as the executive assistant to the principal for seven years.
“She handles schedules, communications, and confidential matters with precision and care,” Scharmann said. “Her proactive approach and attention to detail ensure that staff, students, and families feel supported.”
In addition to her regular responsibilities, she also plays a fundamental role in organizing the annual Shop with a Cop event, which benefits students and families across the community, he said.
Before becoming the executive assistant to the principal, Gomes worked at the school as an administrative secretary and yard duty.
“I am honored to have been recognized by LMA for the Classified Employee of the Year,” Gomes said.
Also included in this year’s recognitions are Livermore High’s Zach Radecke as the Certificated Employee of the Year, LVJUSD director of elementary education Chris Connor as the Certificated Administrator of the Year, LVJUSD community and early childhood programs liaison Lilly Lopez as the Classified Administrator of the Year and LVJUSD human resources supervisor Danielle Sands with the LMA President’s Award.
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