Mary J Grunthaner SJUSD Trustee Area 4
Mary J Grunthaner is running for election to the San Jose Unified School Board of Education Trustee Area 4.

Mary J Grunthaner is running for election to the San Jose Unified School Board of Education Trustee Area 4.

Mary J Grunthaner was born in Pasadena, California in 1968. Growing up in a single-parent household, her family moved to New Jersey when she was 10, where she would graduate from Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School.
Attending public schools and being mentored by a few teachers along the way made all the difference in Mary’s young life. Inspired by the impact her German teacher, Mrs. Gabriel, had on her, she decided to become a teacher and embrace the opportunity to be a positive influence on students who faced their own unique challenges.
At the age of 18, Mary returned to California to attend Humboldt State University, now known as Cal Poly Humboldt. There she earned her bachelor's degree in history and social science teacher preparation in 1991, staying an extra year to get her teaching credential from HSU. In 2002, Mary earned her master’s degree from San Jose State University.
Throughout her 32 years as an educator, as a classroom teacher and as an assistant principal, she developed a deep appreciation for the challenges faced by teachers and students within public education.
Before retiring in June 2024, Mary spent her time in San Jose Unified at San Jose High School, Ohlone Middle School, Willow Glen High School, and John Muir Middle School.
The issues of safety, accountability, and progress have been at the forefront of Mary’s professional career and personal life. In addition to being a dedicated site leader with San Jose Teachers’ Association, she has been actively involved in a number of civil rights advocacy issues. She and her wife Sheri have fought for disability and housing rights, engaged in a number of get-out-the-vote campaigns, and worked for marriage equality in the state of California. They believe that the civil rights of minority groups should not be determined by popular vote.
Advocating for equality under the law for all and defending access to a high quality public education for all students are key parts of Mary’s world view.
Mary and Sheri spend most of their free time enjoying the company of family and friends alike.

Beginning her teaching career at Fulton Middle School, in LAUSD, was a formative experience for Mary. Her love of teaching began there and would see her through the following three decades of her life.
Mentors have been integral to the development of Mary Grunthaner as an educator, as an advocate, and as a person. Beginning with her time
Beginning her teaching career at Fulton Middle School, in LAUSD, was a formative experience for Mary. Her love of teaching began there and would see her through the following three decades of her life.
Mentors have been integral to the development of Mary Grunthaner as an educator, as an advocate, and as a person. Beginning with her time in LA Unified School District, Mary learned the necessity of having strong union leadership to navigate the educational system as a new teacher. Ms. Nancy Fox mentored Mary in the art of classroom management. Mary welcomed this feedback from her and from others who had unique perspectives on problems that would arise.

Teaching at San Jose High for a decade was an amazing experience for Mary.
Once a bulldog, always a bulldog!
Early on in her time at SJHA, Mary became a San Jose Teachers‘ Association representative for the school. Together with her fellow reps, Mary advocated for teachers as they encountered issues involving their working conditions. Thi
Teaching at San Jose High for a decade was an amazing experience for Mary.
Once a bulldog, always a bulldog!
Early on in her time at SJHA, Mary became a San Jose Teachers‘ Association representative for the school. Together with her fellow reps, Mary advocated for teachers as they encountered issues involving their working conditions. This passion for due process and equality under the law at the school setting would lead Mary to advocate for those rights for all, both inside and outside of her classroom. She was embraced by her school community when she and her wife Sheri married in San Francisco in February 2004. Fighting for her own equality under the law was a natural outcome from the lessons she taught the students in her American Government classes.

As Assistant Principal at Willow Glen High School from 2007 to 2013, Mary honed her skills as a leader, as an effective communicator, and as an advocate for students with disabilities.
Working as the Assistant Principal of Guidance, and helping students navigate the stress of high school, showed Mary the very real need for counseling and
As Assistant Principal at Willow Glen High School from 2007 to 2013, Mary honed her skills as a leader, as an effective communicator, and as an advocate for students with disabilities.
Working as the Assistant Principal of Guidance, and helping students navigate the stress of high school, showed Mary the very real need for counseling and mental health services at the school site.
She was also responsible for ensuring that students with disabilities received the services they needed to succeed.

Mary enjoyed the last decade of her teaching career at John Muir Middle School.
Returning to the classroom, and interacting with students on a daily basis, was rejuvenating for Mary.
Teaching History to 7th and 8th grade students reinforced Mary’s commitment to ensuring every student understood their connection to the past, the present, and
Mary enjoyed the last decade of her teaching career at John Muir Middle School.
Returning to the classroom, and interacting with students on a daily basis, was rejuvenating for Mary.
Teaching History to 7th and 8th grade students reinforced Mary’s commitment to ensuring every student understood their connection to the past, the present, and their potential future.
Everyone must do their part to make this world a better place.
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