Dr. Bunny McFadden is a mother, educator, Chicana, journalist, and advocate for our students.

My
Values

Transparency

A big part of the ongoing crises at the City College level are because there’s a perception of a lack of transparency. I embody the value of transparent and fair decision-making, explaining using clear communication why I make decisions that I do (to the extent possible, given that oftentimes boardwork deals with sensitive or confidential issues).


Innovation

We need to get creative if we’re going to make this the institution we all believe in.

Compassion

Every part of the City College community is important. We can move past differences, work with each other regardless of political camps, and preserve this shining beacon of light in these dark times.

A better world is possible.

Trust

There’s a lack of trust in San Francisco. We don’t trust that someone is who they say they are. And to be frank, too many people view seats in the Board of Education and City College Board of Trustees as stepping stones.

Our education system deserves people who have a commitment to the long-term impacts of their decision-making, because otherwise there’s a lack of accountability.

I still keep in touch with my students from over a decade ago, and I know that even one conversation can change the course of someone’s life. That’s why I will prioritize building trust, showing up when I say I will, and in turn having an open mind and heart as I learn the ropes. 


Scrapbook

High School & Community College Educator

Pandemic Doctoral Graduate in Curriculum & Instruction

Student Mom

Sentimental person

Published Education Researcher

Syllabus

  • When I was in high school, I took my regular classes during the day and some community college classes in the evening (while working at a fast food place to pay for my books & gas). This is called dual enrollment, and it helped me graduate high school at 16. When I entered UNM, I was already ahead and got to jump into higher level classes (and save tuition money). That’s how I got my BA in Philosophy & English at 19 years old.

    Dual enrollment is a great way to give SFUSD kids a chance to learn more about college, have more resources to succeed, and figure out what they want to do.

  • I got my Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of South Carolina. Their program let me teach during the day and study at night. A doctorate is the highest level of education you can get. It’s a step above a Masters.

    After I got my Masters of Arts in Secondary Education, I took a few more years to decide I wanted to enroll in a doctoral program. I had to write a lot of papers, find experts who would be on my committee and give feedback, and write a dissertation. Then I had to defend it (present and answer their hard questions). I passed in 2021!

  • It’s a policy, a concept, what voters demanded. HIGHLY recommend reading the book (Free City! The Fight for San Francisco's City College and Education for All).

    In New Mexico, we had something called “The Lottery.” It wasn’t as strong as Free City, but it helped me go to college since my family couldn’t afford tuition. I was the first in my family to get a 4 year degree because of it. Free City is even stronger, and it’s the first of its kind in the entire country.

  • It’s how we teach, how we treat students, how we understand education as a science and an art. Students aren’t a blank canvas. They’re active partners in education. Check out Paolo Friere’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed.

    Part of being an educator is committing to treat everyone as a partner. I know how to explain educational policy but I want you to join me in learning about it! Talking down to someone or being condescending never helped anyone.