Automotive Instructor Robert Grace Named Ramona Unified Teacher of the Year

Grace's 31-year career teaching auto mechanics and power mechanics at Ramona High School earns him top district honor.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:39pm

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An extreme close-up of the pebbled, metallic surface of an automotive tool, captured in high contrast and dramatic lighting to convey the hands-on, technical nature of Grace's automotive instruction.Robert Grace's decades of experience as both an automotive mechanic and teacher have equipped him to provide Ramona High School students with invaluable real-world skills.Ramona Today

Robert Grace, a veteran automotive and power mechanics teacher at Ramona High School, has been named the Ramona Unified School District's Teacher of the Year. Grace, who has taught at the school for over 31 years after a prior 20-year career as an auto mechanic, was recognized for bringing industry-relevant skills and hands-on learning to the classroom.

Why it matters

Grace's award highlights the continued importance of vocational and technical education programs, especially in rural communities where students often gain practical skills by working on their own vehicles. As many experienced tradespeople retire, educators like Grace play a crucial role in preparing the next generation of skilled workers.

The details

Grace started teaching part-time at Ramona High in the late 1980s after being recruited by his former automotive teacher to help coach students for SkillsUSA (formerly Vocational Industrial Arts Club of America) competitions. He transitioned to a full-time automotive teacher role in 2009 after the retirement of two previous instructors. In addition to teaching automotive and power mechanics, Grace has also taught welding when student enrollment required it.

  • Grace has taught at Ramona High School for over 31 years.
  • Grace owned an automotive repair shop called The Auto Works in Ramona for 20 years before transitioning to teaching.
  • Grace was named Ramona High School's Teacher of the Year in 1998.
  • Grace was named Ramona Unified School District's Teacher of the Year for the 2025-26 school year.
  • Grace plans to retire from teaching in June 2026 but will continue to volunteer in the school's auto shop.

The players

Robert Grace

A 31-year automotive and power mechanics teacher at Ramona High School who was previously an auto mechanic for 20 years, and was named the Ramona Unified School District's Teacher of the Year for the 2025-26 school year.

Mike Jordan

Grace's former automotive teacher who recruited him to help coach students for SkillsUSA competitions in the late 1980s.

Mike Saavedra

A former automotive teacher at Ramona High School who retired about a decade ago, leading Grace to take over the full-time automotive teaching role.

Mike Giaime

The principal of Ramona High School, who praised Grace as an exemplary teacher with a passion for his work and a positive attitude that is infectious with students.

James Grizzle

A social science teacher at Ramona High School who Grace said was his top pick for the District Teacher of the Year award.

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What they’re saying

“I 100 percent teach them real world skills. I do feel we cross over many disciplines of work. I'm not just teaching them about automotive but other career pathways, too.”

— Robert Grace, Automotive and Power Mechanics Teacher

“Kids know when a teacher is in it to help them. The students feel his energy and passion, and it's infectious. They want to learn from him and be around him.”

— Mike Giaime, Principal, Ramona High School

What’s next

Grace is preparing an application for the San Diego County Teacher of the Year contest, with the county winners to be announced in May 2026 and the state winners to be named in October 2027.

The takeaway

Grace's award underscores the continued value of vocational and technical education programs that provide students with in-demand, real-world skills. As experienced tradespeople retire, educators like Grace play a crucial role in training the next generation of skilled workers, especially in rural communities where hands-on learning is highly valued.