Dr. Julián Jefferies

Julián Jefferies is Associate Professor of Literacy and Reading Education at Cal State Fullerton, where he teaches critical approaches to education and creates opportunities for first-generation Latino/a students to practice service learning in Mexico and Puerto Rico. In Guadalajara, Mexico, he has partnered with Fm4 Paso Libre, a migrant shelter where students can interact with Central American migrants on their trip to the United States border. In Vieques, Puerto Rico, students learn about colonization in education through volunteering in non-profits that work on health issues and against gentrification in the island. In both experiences, first generation Latino/a college students are challenged to apply course concepts in an experiential manner, practice and strengthen their academic Spanish and reunite with their Latin American roots.  Students gain an understating of their major and career interests and have a better transition to the workforce and graduate school. Dr Jefferies received a Fulbright-Garcia Robles Scholarship in 2018 and has also been recognized by the California State University for Faculty Innovation and Leadership in his study abroad programs this year.