Changing the Status Quo as a Male in Early Education
John Fernandez was one of ten men in his San Jose State University Child Development graduating class of about 150. As one of few male figures in the field, he wanted to make a difference and change the status quo.
—-
What inspired you to join education?
My interest in education began when I felt I had a learning disorder that was undetected for years. During my high school years, sports was my fascination. I ran, swam, played any kind of ball, and my studies began to falter. I made it through high school…barely. Soon, I felt that I was not fast enough, strong enough and big enough for anything beyond high school sports, so I had to go into a different route.
I choose a field where I could help others find their full potential.
In college, when I took a writing class, I wanted to be a sports writer. When I took a math class, I wanted to be a sports statistician. When I took a chemistry class…well, I did not want to be a chemist. A whole new world existed other than my love for sports. After I injured my foot and knee, I truly had to say goodbye to my never started sports career.
It was during this time when I learned about learning disorders. As I was studying these learning disorders, I reflected on my early education experiences. Reasons on why I could not focus, reasons why I had difficulty studying, reasons on why I had to keep on moving, reasons why I had to be ingenious (cheat), reasons why I thought I was a “difficult child”, suddenly became so clear.
I had to rely on a variety of different modes of learning other than the usual, visual, and auditory kinds that is predominantly used in elementary school to teach. I learned to also use movement, music, relaxation, and study groups to learn and master concepts. If I can learn and re-learn, then others can do it too. I choose a field where I could help others find their full potential.
…I wanted to work where we trailblaze.
What brought you to Izzi Early Education?
I joined Izzi as a teacher [at our South San Francisco site] when it was still called IHSD in November of 2004. In 2006, I co-supervised with Teacher Tobi and then in 2018 I became an early childhood education coach.
Head Start’s name is referenced on most educational papers, publications, and books. It is a leader on early education research. So when I heard that Baden Adult Education at South San Francisco had a Head Start site, I was ecstatic! Not only because it’s location is less than a mile from where I live, I wanted to work where we trailblaze.
Head Start has been providing the world research on the importance of preschool. The growth of preschools has been exponential since the inception of Head Start in 1964. Even school districts have opened up Universal Preschool because Head Start trailblazed. Today, we are now providing research on the importance of giving children and their families earlier head starts. Izzi is also an Early Head Start and Home Base provider that serves children of 0-3 years old and their families. Another chance where we can trailblaze.
I have been humbled by this experience as I have learned and witnessed the trials, tribulations, and triumphs that our fathers have been through.
What are your favorite memories in the classroom?
There are so many that not one stands out. I love the facial expressions of children (and adults) who have had a “light bulb” experience. A child who surpasses the point of frustration into a point of accomplishment. A teacher who challenges himself into practicing a novel teaching strategy. A parent who acknowledges a child’s “heart-work.” A father who silently hugs his child. Not one but many favorite memories I have encountered, and to the days yet to come I will encounter many more.
What is it like mentoring father figures in our community?
I have been eager, excited, and anticipating every Fathers Café this school year. It was truly in my favor to co-facilitate with the father of our Izzi Fathers Café, Charlie Cervantes, with the leadership of our Family and Community Engagement Coordinator, Moana Lupe, and our Executive Director, Angel Barrios. I have been humbled by this experience as I have learned and witnessed the trials, tribulations, and triumphs that our fathers have been through. Instead of me mentoring them, they have mentored me. I am still practicing to be a better father and to be a better person because of their mentorship. I aim to emulate them. As they opened up their hearts and mind, I have witnessed their courage to discuss uncomfortable issues, their strength to accept their duties and responsibilities, and their willingness to learn and to do it all over.
I have been married for 28 years, and we have two grown up sons (ages 27 and 24). During the weekends, my wife and I enjoy walking our dogs in off-leash dog parks in the Bay Area, or tending our vegetable garden.
