Jon Baras serves as the college's coordinator for workforce engagement, licensure, and field placement, where he supports students as they progress from academic preparation into clinical experiences, professional licensure, and education and mental health careers. His work focuses on strengthening educator pathways, expanding workforce partnerships, and developing effective, data-informed systems that help students navigate complex academic and professional requirements and professional development.

Before joining UNLV, Jon spent a decade as a special education teacher and elected educator representative with New York City Public Schools. He held leadership roles in school- and district-level labor relations, academic policy implementation, and legal and legislative advocacy on behalf of students, families, and educators. He also supported fellow educators through mentorship, career guidance, and professional development.

Throughout his career, Jon has worked to create opportunities for students both inside and beyond the classroom. He led targeted reading-intervention initiatives, founded and coached girls’ and coeducational basketball teams, and co-founded one of New York City’s largest public-school-based basketball leagues.

Jon earned a bachelor’s degree in English and media studies from Queens College, City University of New York, and a master’s degree in education from St. John’s University in New York.