In my field, sociology, some of the most significant and interesting changes that we’ve witnessed in the past half century have involved the composition of the American family. But I need to point out that the United States is not unique in this regard. As a nation, we are following the trends that started in the advanced economies of Europe. I think that a major reason for Europe leading the way in new family patterns in the 21st century is a function of the process of moder

For The Madera Tribune Ed Gwartney. The late Ed Gwartney was a self-described product of the “Okie” migration who never earned a high school diploma but became a pathfinder of new trails in the teaching of history. He was the founder of the James Monroe Children’s Museum, and he has left it to others to build on his passion that created the unique educational laboratory for teaching California history on the campus of James Monroe Elementary School. Gwartney and his family w

The California Retired Teachers Association (CalRTA) proudly joins communities across the state in celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week, May 4-8; National Teacher Day on May 5; and California Day of the Teacher on Wednesday May 13. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all educators for their tireless work, creativity, and unwavering commitment to educating future generations. Today and everyday, we thank them for the lasting difference they make in the lives of countless stu

For The Madera Tribune Team members Sherman Thomas Surge Showdown seventh grade team stand next to their launcher include Liam Maya, Payton Maya, Marilyn Moraga, Andre Torok.The team was coached by Jamie Brock and Angie Reed. Madera County’s middle school students from throughout Madera County competed in the first STEM Games hosted by Madera County Superintendent of Schools and Madera County Schools Foundation. This year, 10 teams from five schools competed in a series of fo

It was probably about 25 years ago. I had returned to school to get my MBA at Fresno State’s Craig School of Business. I was doing what they call burning a candle at both ends, working full-time, going to classes in the evenings and studying late at night and early in the mornings. My favorite place to read and study was in the corner of our sectional sofa in the living room. The only problem was that the lighting was not good there. So, I told David what I needed was one of

Job seekers of all experience levels are invited to attend the Madera and Mariposa County Schools’ Careers in Education Fair on March 17 from 1-5 p.m. at the office of the Madera County Superintendent of Schools. The free event will bring together school employers from Madera and Mariposa counties seeking to fill full-time, part-time, and substitute positions. A variety of classified and certificated positions will be available, including support staff, teachers, and managem

It's been part of the American ethos that we talk informally, but we write in "formal English." I don't know who introduced that rule or why it exists. Perhaps it's a "vestigial remnant" from a time when only the elite had any formal education. But it seems to me that it is a self-defeating custom. In a way, it's kind of like being bilingual in one language. When I was a junior in high school, my English teacher told me that once people begin to write correctly, they will sta