As the band marched through the halls, passing one classroom after another, teachers paused mid-lesson, all curious to see who would be announced as Teacher of the Year. Among them was Alejandro Garcia, unaware that he was the one about to be recognized.
On January 12, Bowie announced Alejandro Garcia as 2025-2026 teacher of the year. As a longtime member of the Bowie High School community, Garcia has spent 16 years teaching on campus. During that time, he has taught World History and U.S. History, and previously led the PALS program from 2011 to 2022. Since 2021, he has additionally served as the Student Council sponsor.
“I heard the band walk past my door, and I thought, it’s not me. Then they came back around and walked into my class, and it was like, wow, this is actually happening,” Garcia said. It was very humbling but also really exciting. After years of helping organize Teacher of the Year, it was surreal to be on the other side of it.”
For Garcia, this award holds personal significance due to the fact he was a Bowie graduate who returned to teach, now representing a small group of Bowie alumni who have received this award.
“It’s crazy, because as a Bowie graduate leaving here all those years ago, I never thought I’d come back, much less as a teacher, and then much less be honored as Teacher of the Year,” Garcia said. “There have only been a few Bowie graduates to win this award, and I’m the only male of those graduates, which is just wild. It’s very special, and I’m honored.”
Beyond the personal recognition, Garcia credits his former teachers for inspiring his career path. His experiences with teaching staff as a student at Bowie shaped his decision to return as a teacher.
“Those teachers showed me how honorable it can be to pour into the lives of teenagers to help them along their way, and help push them to be better people.” Garcia said. “That’s what I wanted to do with my career, and it truly has given me a sense of purpose for what I’m supposed to do.”
In addition to his teaching, one of Garcia’s primary roles on campus is working as the Student Council advisor, assisting students with various leadership roles and helping to establish school wide events and activities.
“Student Council can feel pretty daunting at first, As I’ve spent 4 years in student council I’ve gotten to work side by side with Mr. Garcia and plan various projects,” Student Council co-president Gabby Bochey said. “I’ve always appreciated that he gives me the space to share my ideas and improvements to both the school and student body, it means a lot to be heard no matter if the ideas are good or bad, he’s supported me on both my best and worst days. I don’t think I’d be the person I am today without his guidance.”
Students say Garcia’s influence extends beyond the classroom. Many mention how he offers guidance and support through student council, creating opportunities for students to develop skills and navigate their roles on campus.
“When in Student Council, Mr. G always has a plan for what we need to get done and how to do it,” Bochey said. “He prioritizes efficiency while understanding students’ other commitments and needs, and I really respect that about him. He always looks for solutions to solve bigger problems and includes students to help him.”
The Teacher of the Year award is determined through a specific election process. Staff members nominate candidates and later vote to decide the recipient. This system is used to recognize teachers each annually. However, Garcia wishes to implement the importance of student voice when determining Teacher of the Year.
“The staff nominates candidates and votes on the winner, but it didn’t used to be that way,” Garcia said. “Students used to have a role in nominating and voting, and I think that made it more meaningful. Now it’s mostly based on reputation, and not everyone has been in each other’s classrooms. The students are the ones who actually experience how we teach, so they should have a voice in that process.”
While teacher of the year is presented by the district, the ones who vote on it are limited to the staff present on Bowie’s campus. According to Assistant Principal Kaylin Brett, Bowie’s 160 teachers and over 240 staff members on campus play an impactful role in the decision.
“I believe receiving an award by your colleagues and peers demonstrates your impact on a campus,” Brett said. “Oftentimes, many people do not know each other’s names on our campus. When you are a finalist and receive this award, it shows that you have made a mark on the campus as a whole.”
While the award acknowledges his dedication, Garcia continues to focus on his day-to-day interactions with students. His efforts in both the classroom and extracurriculars demonstrate the depth of his commitment to the Bowie community.
“From being the PALS advisor to running student council, he has never failed to take initiative for Bowie, constantly thinking of ways to improve the campus, whether it’s the learning environment, or suggesting rules to better our school, he does it,” Bochey said. “It seriously impresses me to look at the difference he has made not only on the school itself but on every life that comes in and out of his classroom. He really provides a support system for every student which is admirable.”
