Mr. Wong — known as “Teacher Kramer Wong” by his students — has taught at Paden since 2011. He received both his Bachelor’s degree in Social Psychology and a Business Certification from UC San Diego. He earned his teaching credential from California State University East Bay.
In his application, Mr. Wong noted that his goal as an educator is for “my classroom community to be a safe space for each student to become empowered to be their authentic self, try new things, and take risks.” As such, he continued, “our space together runs on three tenets: critical thinking, problem solving, and altruism.”
Colleagues who submitted recommendation letters described Mr. Wong as a thoughtful, creative teacher who nurtures not only individual student growth but also school culture and leadership.
Over the years, Mr. Wong also has established community-building traditions at Paden, such as the month-long Fifth Grade Olympics (designed to help students develop teamwork and leadership skills); “W$” (or “Wong Bucks,” in which students create their own businesses and then buy and sell items during a Friday Marketplace); and class elections for student “officials” who help govern the classroom.
Mr. Wong also coordinates an after-school intervention program called “Paden Promise. “His efforts to provide these students with the tools they need to thrive, while also fostering a positive and supportive learning environment, exemplify his deep commitment to their academic success and personal growth,” wrote one nominator.
A natural leader, Mr. Wong currently serves as a district-wide Math Teacher Leader, serves on the Paden Play team, and facilitates the school’s Professional Learning Community. “Under his guidance, the PLC has become a space for meaningful collaboration, where educators share best practices, engage in reflective discussions, and grow together as professionals,” one colleague wrote.
Adds Principal Nguyen, “His classroom serves as a model for excellence, welcoming educators from across the district to observe and learn from his effective math instruction. His impact a teacher leader is felt not only at Paden but throughout the district.”
Mr. Wong went on to be named an Alameda County Teacher of the Year in October.
More Information:
April 3, 2025: AUSD Names Michael Kramer-Wong as Teacher of the Year
October 3, 2025: Paden's Mike Wong Named Alameda County Teacher of the Year
