Today we’d like to introduce you to Jon McFarland.
Hi Jon, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
In 2018, I joined the faculty at California State University Stanislaus where I am an Assistant Professor of Teacher Education in the Single Subject Credential Program that prepares upcoming secondary school teachers. I soon realized that our teacher credentialing program did little to prepare teachers to work with LGBTQ+ youth and the issues they face in our K-12 schools. Teaching courses on promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in K-12 schools afforded me opportunities to develop curricula that included content that brings more awareness to this group of youth.
In 2019, I was fortunate to meet and collaborate with other like-minded educators in Merced, CA where we organized and started GLSEN Merced, one of three nonprofit chapters in California that advocates for safe schools for all, increased awareness of inclusive curricula, and equitable policies that better support LGBTQ+ youth in K-12 schools. Since 2020, I have been the Chair and Professional Development Coordinator of GLSEN Merced. I developed and conducted multiple training across the state of California working with K-12 schools and school districts to help them best support their LGBTQ+ youth. As an organization, we have been able to provide grants to GSA clubs across Merced schools, offer LGBTQ+ affirming books to Merced school libraries, sponsor a countywide Pride Prom, and work with the Merced County Office of Education to develop their LGBTQ+ Success Network.
We are currently partnering with Central Valley Pride as their educational strand known as Central Valley Pride Youth Initiatives to expand our services to the community.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have been some struggles working as part of GLSEN National and the organizational changes that they are trying to implement. The Covid pandemic was also a difficult time by forcing us to conduct business online and halt all professional development.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am currently an Assistant Professor of Teacher Education at California State University, Stanislaus. Before coming to CSUS, I was a high school French and English teacher in Ventura County, CA for 16 years. With almost 30 years of teaching experience in K-12 and higher education, I have learned that this profession is much more than teaching in one’s specific content area. Educators need to teach the whole child to assure that every kid thrives physically, emotionally, socially, and academically. I am perhaps known to empower my students to advocate for themselves and the quality of education they deserve. Since coming to CSU Stanislaus, I am known to advocate for students, equitable educational spaces, and access to an inclusive curriculum for all.
My professional life has greatly influenced my service in the community working with K-12 educators to best serve the LGBTQ+ youth at their institutions. Central Valley Pride and Central Valley Pride Youth Initiatives provide ongoing services to both private and public educational entities that promote inclusivity. Our mission is to serve the Central Valley’s LGBTQ+ community with authenticity, integrity, and pride that will transform school campuses into inclusive, safe, and welcoming spaces for all students to thrive and grow.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Here is the link to our services: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gezzK66xSjNPhXTAR9A5CqxozMCMRJc3/view?usp=sharing
Here is the link to our prices: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JhnHLiHqdjwVkFLddThp2hRJzdKo-qdz/view?usp=sharing
Contact Info:
- Website: https://centralvalleypride.org/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/centralvalley_pride?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
