Occupation: Elementary School Educator (Retired)
Born: Altadena, California
Education:
MA, Chicano Studies, California State University, Los Angeles (1985)
MA, Education, California State College, Los Angeles (1978)
BA, English, California State College, Los Angeles (1971)
Certifications:
Certified Elementary Teacher, California; Certified Bilingual Specialist, California
Career:
Teacher-Union Officer, El Rancho Unified School District (1976-Present)
2nd Grade Teacher, El Rancho Unified School District, Pico Rivera, CA (2005-2010)
2nd and 3rd Grade Teacher, El Rancho Unified School District (2004-2005)
5th Grade Teacher, El Rancho Unified School District (2001-2002)
4th Grade Teacher, El Rancho Unified School District, Pico Rivera, CA (1997-2002)
5th Grade Teacher, El Rancho Unified School District (1995-1997)
Teacher, Spanish as Second Language, Gifted and Talented Education Program, El Rancho Unified School District, Pico Rivera, CA (1990-1992)
Chair, El Rancho Unified School District, Pico Rivera, CA (1990-1991)
1st Grade Teacher, El Rancho Unified School District, Pico Rivera, CA (1990-1995)
4th Grade Teacher, El Rancho Unified School District, Pico Rivera, CA (1989-1990)
2nd Grade Teacher, El Rancho Unified School District, Pico Rivera, CA (1984-1989)
Kindergarten Teacher, El Rancho Unified School District, Pico Rivera, CA (1979-1984)
3rd Grade Teacher, El Rancho Unified School District, Pico Rivera, CA (1979-1984)
3rd Grade Teacher, Valle Lindo School District, South El Monte, CA (1976-1979)
Bilingual Teacher, Valle Lindo School District, South El Monte, CA (1975-1976)
5th Grade Teacher, Valle Lindo School District, South El Monte, CA (1972-1976)
Mentor, California State University Alumni Association
Career Related:
New Student Sponsor, San Gabriel Mission High School (2024-President); Consultant in the Field, Planning Task Force, El Rancho Unified School District (1990-Present); Representative of Elementary Schools, Strategic Planning Task Force (1991-Present); Vice President, El Rancho Federation Teachers (1991-Present); Established New World Essay Scholarship, San Gabriel Mission High School (2015); Established Community Service Scholarship (2012); Judge, Literacy Day Essay Contest (2006); Member, Literacy Committee (2002-2006); Chairman, Essay Committee (2002-2005); Member, Leadership Committee (2004); Union Representative, El Rancho Unified School District’s Phase II Budget Committee (2002-2003); Established The Leader Scholarship, California State University (2002); Established Renaissance Man/Woman Scholarship, California State University (2000); Established New World Scholarship, California State University (1996); Principal Judge, Computer Contest, South Ranchito Elementary School (1985-1992); Secretary for School-Wide Effectiveness (1992); Chairman, Language Arts Component (1992); Co-chairman, Parent Participation Component (1988), Computer Participation Component (1988); Judge, District-Wide Finals Computer Contest (1984-1988); School Representative to Computer and Technical Committee (1984-1988)
Civic:
Acting President, San Gabriel Veteran’s Memorial Coalition (2024-Present); Co-coordinator, Liturgical Ministry of Eucharistic Ministers (2024-Present); Union Chair, Modified Day Committee (2000-Present); Official Photographer, Mission Fiesta (1995-Present); Eucharistic Minister (1981-Present); Co-Editor, San Gabriel Mission Souvenir Program and Schedule of Events Book (1998-2004); Administrator, Gabriel Chico Muro’s Estate (2000-2003); Chairman, Liturgical Committee (1992-1997); Coordinator, Eucharistic Ministers (1983-1988, 1990-1995); Co-chairman, Subcommittee for Human Rights (1988-1991); Treasurer, Peace and Justice Committee (1988-1991); Co-coordinator, Benefit for Homeless and Orphans of El Salvador San Gabriel (California) Mission Parish (1984-1989); Co-coordinator, Legalization Program for Undocumented (1986-1987); Chairman, Accion Catolica Juvenile Youth Group (1983-1984); Chairman, Religious High School Youth Program (1981-1982); Chairman, 5th Grade Religious Education (1978-1979); Chairman, Religious Elementary Education (1974-1976)
Creative Works:
Publisher, San Gabriel Mission Fiesta Souvenir Program Book (1998-2019); Publisher, El Rancho Federation Teachers Unity Newsletter (1990-1994)
Achievements:
Development of the bilingual/bi-cultural program for the aforementioned school district; In the field of education, working as a teacher, he served on a district committee revising the report cards, because of the area in which he worked was primarily students with developing English skills. They had to have different standards for their report cards, as Spanish speaking students had to be graded differently for their language ability. He requested that the grading system added one more level that kind of gave the parent and the student that they are working toward that grade level. The also aimed to state in the report card that their grades were based upon their language ability. So if a child is an English learner, their grades would be based upon that until they tested out of the program and is considered an English speaker. They are moving toward accomplishing all the standards required by the state for that grade level, and for the students that are English learners, their grades are classified according to that level. If you have a child that is an English learner, what will happen is their grade for language, such as reading, writing, speech is considered based upon their language ability. When they are tested again around 4th or 5th grade to see if they have mastered it, their report card is shifted over to say they are fluent English speakers. It was just a way to help to know the ability of the child and know that they are in the process of moving from their native language into English.
Awards:
Recipient, San Gabriel Mission High School Alumni Recognition Award (2019); Honoree, Recognition by Chicano/Latino Department Spring Newsletter under Alumni Alumni Profile (2019); Grantee in field; Nominee, Vice President of The Teachers Union
Memberships:
Member, Association Scholarship Committee, California State University Alumni Association (2000-present); Member, Negotiation Team, Elementary Issues, El Rancho Federation of Teachers (1994-Present); Vice President, El Rancho Federation of Teachers (1991-Present); Representative, El Rancho Federation of Teachers (1989-1991); Member, American Federation of Teachers; Member, International Reading Association; Member, American Federation of Teachers of Communications Association; International Labor Communication Association
Political Affiliation:
Democrat
Religion:
Roman Catholic
Family:
Son of John G. and Anita (Muro) Cervantes
Hobbies:
Reading; racquetball; bicycling; movies; ballet; photography; theatre; walking
Biography Sources:
Who’s Who in American Education – 2007-2008, 8th Edition (pub. 2007)
Who’s Who in American Education – 1992-1993, 3rd Edition (pub. 1991)
Who’s Who in the West – 1989-1990, 22nd Edition (pub. 1989)
Who’s Who of Emerging Leaders in America – 1993-1994, 4th Edition (pub. 1992)
Who’s Who of Emerging Leaders in America – 1991-1992, 3rd Edition (pub. 1991)
