Hello, I am Mr. John Candias, this is my first year with Liberty High School. I am assigned to the School of Public Service and Leadership where I instruct 9th grade Leadership and 1oth grade Law Enforcement. I am very excited to be a member of the HERD family and this amazing campus.
Course Management:
I manage my classroom in a collaborative fashion, where students are expected to deepen understanding through:
- Projects
- Presentations
- Discussions
- Research
- Teamwork
My courses are managed using the Canvas web-based learning management system, where students can find all lessons and materials for learning. To track grades and homework assignments, please refer to Infinite Campus platform.
Leadership Development (9th grade): https://puhsd.instructure.com/courses/37613
This course provides students with foundational concepts and training to develop into an effective leader. Students will examine social influences, leadership theories, and the impact of great leaders on their community. Students will explore individual characteristics, team dynamics, and organizational leadership development to understand their role in each setting. Application of these skills include decision making strategies, team building practices, coaching others, ethical examination, leader mediation, communication, and conflict resolution. Participants will analyze their personal strengths, career interests, identify a leadership style, and develop a leadership plan to map their desired leadership opportunities.
Law Enforcement: (10th grade) https://puhsd.instructure.com/courses/39173
This course is designed to give students interested in a career in Law Enforcement an opportunity to learn about various aspects of police work and the career avenues available. Among units to be covered are patrol procedures, ethics, vehicle codes, communications systems, physical training, safety, narcotics, gang awareness, penal codes, criminal laws. This course covers the constitutional amendments important to rules of arrest and search and seizure.
Extra Credit: Volunteer in community organizations outside of the classroom. Our pathway maintains healthy relationships with industry partners. Students are HIGHLY encouraged to participate in a leadership program to sharpen their leadership skills and enrich their understanding of vocational opportunities, post high school.
Click on the extra credit icon below to visit organization sites.
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Instructor Background:
United States Army: 
I am a native of Southern California and have served in the U.S. Army for over 30 years and in numerous countries around the world conducting military operations. My combat deployments include the Gulf War/Operation Desert Storm, Iraq and two combat tours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and the fight against Terrorism (Afghanistan/Philippines). I was awarded the Bronze Star for exceptionally meritorious service in combat. I currently serve in the United States Army Reserve as a Command Sergeant Major, Riverside CA.
Rialto Police Department: 
In 2001, I began my Law Enforcement career with Rialto Police Department and retired in 2022. My Law Enforcement assignments included Patrol, Special Weapons and Tactics (S.W.A.T.), Gang Investigator, Robbery/Homicide Detective, and Task Force Officer, Federal Bureau of Investigation Joint Terrorism Task Force. I was awarded the Medal of Valor during a S.W.A.T. Hostage Rescue Operation.
CTE Instructor:
My previous instructor experience includes:
CTE High School · Criminal Justice & Crime Scene Investigation · Orange County
CTE Law Enforcement Academy · Los Angeles County
Education:
CTE Credential · Public Service Pathway
M.A. Degree · Organizational Leadership · Chapman University, Irvine, CA
B.S. Degree · International Security & Intelligence · Bellevue University, NE
Graduate · United States Army Sergeants Major Academy, Fort Bliss, TX
San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Academy · San Bernardino, CA
A.S. Degree · Correctional Science · Chaffey College · Alta Loma, CA
Hobbies: I enjoy the company of my wife Denise and three adult children, the outdoors, cycling, hiking, fly fishing, beach going, golf, and all functional fitness activities. I have completed a few marathons and compete in community triathlons.
Mission Statement: I will aim to influence students through contextual teaching strategies tailored to develop social skills, leadership attributes, and the character required to succeed in their formative years. I will engage professional learning opportunities to sustain teaching competency and foster a culture of trust and critical thinking. I will unlock student potential and influence them to become powerful team players capable of becoming thoughtful independent leaders in their community.
I am very excited to work with you this school year and beyond. We have an amazing High School with exceptional staff that are here for your individual and team growth. We Bison are a family and are always stronger as a "HERD!"
I look forward to an amazing year with you all!
Sincerely,
Mr J.C.
"Lead by Example"
