AP Computer Science A
Java programming with a focus on object-oriented thinking, problem solving, inheritance, polymorphism, arrays, ArrayLists, recursion, and AP-style free response practice.
Open AP CSATeacher * Coder * Historian * Curriculum Designer
Teaching Technology History Design
I believe learning should be creative, rigorous, useful, and humane. As a teacher of AP Computer Science Principles and AP Computer Science A, my work centers on helping students build confidence, think algorithmically, and use programming as a problem-solving tool, moving from ideas to tested code they can explain with clarity. Beyond the classroom, I pursue independent family and public-history research focused on how personal stories connect to larger historical memory. I also design digital tools that support student learning, inquiry, and deeper thinking.
Introduction
A personal site for teaching, history, and public memory.
Dr. John McGarvey has taught for more than 30 years in the Bonita Unified School District, first as a Social Science and Computer Science teacher at San Dimas High School and later as a Computer Science teacher and Electives Department Chair (2010-2022) at Bonita High School. He was part of an interdisciplinary Freshman Core at San Dimas High School and was named Bonita Unified School District Teacher of the Year in 2012.
Current high school courses
- AP Computer Science A
- AP Computer Science Principles
- Graphic Design
Previous courses
- American History
- World History
- AP World History
- Geography
- Journalism
- Introduction to Computers
- Game Design
- Web Design
Alongside his district work, Dr. McGarvey has extensive higher education experience teaching graduate courses in education and educational technology for California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (2001-Present) and formerly for Azusa Pacific University (1997-2005). He has also served as a Lead / Mentor Teacher for Claremont Graduate University summer interns completing clinical practice in World History classrooms.
Current college courses
- EDU 5262: Clinical Practice Single Subject Seminar
- EDU 5120: Elementary Social Science
- EDU 5215: Models of Secondary Instruction
- EDU 5010: Foundations of Teaching and Learning
Previous courses
- Educational Website Design
- Game Design for Educators
- Graphic Design and Animation
- Multimedia Production
- Educational Computer Literacy
High School Teaching
Courses where students create, debug, design, and explain.
AP Computer Science Principles
Broad computer science concepts including the internet, data, cybersecurity, algorithms, programming, creativity, and the AP Create Task process.
Open AP CSPGraphic Design
Visual communication through typography, color, layout, photography, composition, image editing, branding, and digital portfolio development.
Open Graphic DesignCollege Teaching
Preparing future teachers to plan with purpose.
My college teaching focuses on helping future educators connect theory, research, standards, and classroom practice. Across my courses, I emphasize reflective decision-making, purposeful lesson design, inclusive instruction, and practical strategies that help teachers create classrooms where students think deeply, participate actively, and understand why learning matters.
In EDU 5120: Elementary Social Science, teacher candidates deepen their understanding of the K-5 History-Social Science standards, including history, geography, economics, civics, and government. The course explores the philosophical and historical foundations of social studies instruction while emphasizing inquiry, critical thinking, democratic citizenship, and age-appropriate strategies that help young learners ask meaningful questions about the world.
In EDU 5262: Clinical Practice Single Subject Seminar, teacher candidates receive practical and reflective support during clinical practice. Drawing on more than 30 years of secondary teaching experience, the course uses structured reflection, collaborative discussion, and peer support to help candidates apply research-based strategies for instruction, classroom management, and assessment while growing in confidence as emerging professional educators.
In EDU 5215: Models of Secondary Instruction, graduate students study research-based principles of effective instruction, cognitive science, content standards, technology integration, and assessment. A central focus is Backwards Design: developing unit plans with clear goals, meaningful evidence of learning, and student-centered lessons that respond to diverse learning needs.
Courses taught
- EDU 5120: Elementary Social Science
- EDU 5262: Clinical Practice Single Subject Seminar
- EDU 5215: Models of Secondary Instruction
- EDU 5010: Foundations of Teaching and Learning
Tools
Classroom resources for inquiry, writing, and durable learning.
Teaching Resource
Children's Literature for Inquiry
A searchable resource that helps teachers and students find children's literature aligned with California History-Social Science themes, grade levels, inquiry topics, and teaching notes.
Open Literature InquiryWriting Tool
Thesis Creators
Created by Dylan McGarvey, this updated Thesis Creator rebuilds the number-one Google-ranked classroom tool first developed for my early-2000s World History courses.
Study Tool
Recall Study Cards
A private, browser-based study tool that combines active recall with spaced repetition, tracks learning locally, and creates study receipts students can submit for accountability.
Open Recall PracticeCoding Tool
Parsons Practice
A private, browser-based algorithm practice tool where students arrange mixed-up AP CSP pseudocode cards into the correct order and download a practice receipt.
Open Parsons PracticeMajor History Links
Public history, local rivalry, and family archive projects.
Local Rivalry Archive
History of the Smudgepot Game
A public history site documenting the 50-plus year football rivalry between Bonita and San Dimas High School, including game summaries, school traditions, the Smudge Pot trophy, and community memory.
Family Archive
McGarvey Family History Project
A family history project gathering photographs, migration stories, documents, grave records, maps, timelines, and research notes connected to the McGarvey family line.
Student History Project
Mono Lake Living Lab
A rebuilt archive of the 1999 and 2000 Mono Lake Living Lab projects, preserving student websites, writing, field-trip photos, video, and interdisciplinary work on water, ecology, history, and public memory.
Civil War History
Battle at New Creek
A focused incident history of the Confederate cavalry raid on the Union supply depot at New Creek on November 28, 1864, with primary-source reports, interactive maps, captured soldiers, and Union and Confederate reactions.
Family Archive
Matthew McGarvey
Soldier, settler, laborer, and the first known American-born McGarvey in this direct line, with records connecting Maryland, Ohio, Civil War service, and the Dayton National Cemetery.
Features
Featured work in history, teaching, and design.
Selected projects connect classroom practice, public history, family research, student design work, and historical interpretation.
Teaching Resource
Children's Literature for Inquiry
A searchable classroom resource that helps teachers and students find children's literature aligned with California History-Social Science themes, grade levels, inquiry topics, and teaching notes.
Open Literature Inquiry PageWriting Tool
Thesis Creators
Created by Dylan McGarvey, this updated Thesis Creator rebuilds one of the most popular classroom tools from my early-2000s World History courses, a number-one Google-ranked thesis writing site that helped students develop stronger argumentative claims.