CORONA - Automotive Technology Teacher at Corona High School, Mr. Mauger, was named 2025 Riverside County Teacher of the Year. He is the third of four 2025 Riverside County Teachers of the Year to be named by Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edwin Gomez

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. Many years later, Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edwin Gomez, entered Bob’s automotive technology classroom at Corona High School to surprise him with the news that he is a 2025 Riverside County Teacher of the Year.

“Bob shows his students how to focus on resiliency and the importance of building relationships and community connections,” said Dr. Edwin Gomez, during the surprise visit. “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.”

“It is the commitment of my students who give up extra time on weekends and after hours to make this program successful. I wouldn’t be getting this award without you,” Bob said to his students who were gathered together for the surprise visit. “When I started, I knew the job was about preparing students for careers in automotive technology. But, I’ve come to realize that connecting them to the community to help those who might not otherwise be able to afford car repairs was important.”

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, 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.”

Source: Riverside County Office of Education