Santa Clara Teacher Honored by San Francisco 49ers
A first-grade teacher at John J. Montgomery Elementary was recognized for her commitment to her students.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Primary Education
First-grade teacher Tracy Nees was honored as Teacher of the Game by the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The award recognizes her commitment to students at John J. Montgomery Elementary School.
Why it matters
Local educators like Nees support the academic and social development of 20-24 students in their classrooms each year. Her recognition highlights the importance of the student-teacher bond in building a strong foundation for local children.
Tracy Nees manages a classroom of 20-24 students each year at John J. Montgomery Elementary School. She was nominated for the award by a former student, Aliyah Alves, who was in her class two years ago.
The players
Tracy Nees
A first-grade teacher at John J. Montgomery Elementary School who holds a master's degree from San Jose State.
San Francisco 49ers
A professional football team that hosts a foundation dedicated to recognizing community leaders and educators.
Aliyah Alves
A former student who nominated her teacher for the recognition.
The details
Before transitioning into education, Nees worked in the technology sector and earned a master's degree from San Jose State. In the classroom, she focuses on building personal connections with her students through daily greetings like fist bumps, high fives, or hugs. The 49ers Foundation selected Nees for this honor after reviewing nominations for educators who go above and beyond for their classes.
Timeline
Two years ago, Aliyah Alves was a student in the Nees classroom.
October 22, 2026, marks the article publication date.
The Home Front
This recognition is part of the 49ers Foundation community outreach, which frequently highlights educators throughout the Bay Area. It underscores a regional trend of professional sports organizations leveraging their platforms to support local primary education initiatives.
Parents can consider nominating impactful teachers in their own local schools for community awards programs to encourage educators. Families should check their local school district's news pages to stay informed about events that honor neighborhood teachers.
The takeaway
Recognizing educators helps maintain strong community support for local schools. Keep an eye on your local school district website to see how your own neighborhood teachers are being honored throughout the school year.
Further reading
For more information on supporting local learning, visit the Primary Education section.
