John Durand committed to helping Galt's youth gain knowledge

John Durand, of Galt, has brought in millions of dollars for the area's youths through grants and various hats he's worn during his 30 years with the elementary school district. Durand was recognized at a countywide event late last month. (Brian Feulner/News-Sentinel)

John Durand committed to helping Galt's youth gain knowledge

Friday, October 9, 2009 5:55 AM PDT

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John Durand has been surrounded by Galt's youngest residents for years.

He first served as a volunteer, then the education director at McFarland Ranch, Galt's living history ranch.

Other hats he's worn through the years include elementary teacher, service learning coordinator for the Galt Joint Union Elementary School District, and now the city's youth development coordinator, where he is playing an integral role in the Galt's first-ever Youth Master Plan.

For this and other efforts, he was recently recognized by E:merge of Sacramento County. Among the attendees at the event was General Colin Powell, former Secretary of State.

Durand received "The Pillar of Promise" award, which recognizes extraordinary commitment to youths. In fact, elementary school district Superintendent Karen Schauer said his efforts have resulted in more than 4,000 service learning experiences.

Today he oversees the Galt Area Youth Coalition, a partnership formed to create positive opportunities for youths from ages 10 to 15 who live within the boundaries of the Galt Joint Union High School District. He is also part of a school district network of master teachers, administrators and experts to put into place a coaching program , commonly known as "Great First Teaching."

During a recent Galt elementary school board meeting, trustees gave Durand a standing ovation and president Robert Ellis referred to him as a "beacon" in the community.

Durand recently answered questions from education reporter Jennifer Bonnett via e-mail about his current position and how it's affecting Galt's youths.

Q: What is service learning?

A: Service learning is a teaching strategy that combines academic instruction with service to the community.

Through service learning, students use the skills and knowledge they learn in school to address issues in the community. Students make a connection between the classroom and the real world.

When students are working with community volunteers at the McFarland Living History Ranch, they are building relationship with caring adults.

They are also learning skills they will need in the workplace.

Q: What are some examples of how this is working in Galt?

A: Students in Galt engage in a variety of meaningful service projects that enrich their academic studies and foster civic responsibility. Through a partnership with the Cosumnes River Preserve, students are helping restore valley oak forests, wetlands and grasslands, and their efforts are helping protect threatened wildlife.

Working with the Galt Area Historical Society, students, teachers and community volunteers are bringing history to life at the McFarland Living History Ranch.

With the help of the California Department of Fish and Game and the California Fly Fishers Unlimited, elementary, middle and high school students are raising salmon and steelhead to be released into the American River while learning about river ecosystems.

After school programs at the elementary, middle and high schools provide additional opportunities for youths to participate in high quality service learning projects.

John Durand at a glance

Age: 53.

Resident of Wilton

Three children: 24, 22 and 15.

Favorite things about his job include teaching in the outdoor classroom at the Cosumnes River Preserve and sharing the wonders of nature with children and adults.

"One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is coordinating service learning in the Galt area. Working with teachers and community partners, youths have an opportunity to make a difference in their community," he said.

"It is very gratifying to hear from former students who talk very proudly about the trees they planted or the career path they have chosen based on some of their positive volunteer experiences." News-Sentinel staff

Q: How do you measure its worth?

A: Research has shown that high quality service learning provides significant academic, civic, social-emotional and career outcomes. Service learning promotes healthy youth development, and provides benefits to the schools and the community.

Q: Where does the funding come from to run these programs?

A: Grant funding to support service learning in Galt has come from California Department of Education's CalServe initiative, Youth Service CA, and through the Sierra Health Foundation's REACH initiative. We are also very dependent on the support of local service clubs, including the Kiwanis, Rotary and Lions, clubs and private donations.

Q: How do you work between the elementary and high school districts?

A: Both the Galt Elementary School District and the Galt High School District have supported the effort to engage all K-12 students in high-quality service learning experiences that meet community needs and enhance academic learning.

Q: Do you have any interaction with the smaller districts in the Galt area?

A: New Hope Elementary School District and Arcohe Elementary School District also participate in service learning projects at McFarland Ranch and Cosumnes River Preserve. There are also some school-based projects in both of those districts.

Q: How are you involved in the Galt Youth Master Plan?

A: In collaboration with city and school leadership, youths are engaged in the development of Galt's first Youth Master Plan, which will guide policy and program decisions in future years.

We are very proud of our efforts, which will help make Galt a community where all youths are successful and make a healthy transition to adulthood.

Q: Why has your position become even more important in the last 10 years, with the changing socio-economics of the city?

A: I think there is a growing realization that schools, parents, community organizations and businesses must work together to provide the support and opportunities youths need to succeed.

Within the school setting, teachers are striving to provide experiences for students that are academically rigorous, engaging and relevant, and build positive relationships with adults. The business community is demanding employees with 21st century job skills, which include creative thinking, problem solving, strong communication skills and the ability to work as a team.

During challenging fiscal times, school-community partnerships provide the opportunity to work together to effectively manage existing resources.

Q: Were you active in your community while growing up?

A: I was fortunate to be raised in a family and in a community that had a strong ethic of service.

I am proud to work in the Galt community, where there is such strong support for civic participation. We should be very proud of the work our youths are doing and of the many community volunteers who support them.

Q: What book are you currently reading?

A: I'm in the middle of several books right now, including the detective novel by Jonathan Kellerman, "Bones."

Contact reporter Jennifer Bonnett at jenniferb@lodinews.com.

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