By Jake Martinez, Communications Technician

THIS PAST MARCH, teachers, and staff of Madera Technical Exploration Center moved into their new building. Located on the corner of Sunrise Ave. and Tozer St., and across from Virginia Lee Rose Elementary, and adjacent to Madera County Public Health Department, their campus is one of the newest additions to Madera Unified School District.

Madera Technical Exploration Center’s inception began in 2018. After support and approval from the community, MadTec began the process of creating a team of qualified teachers, administrators, and support staff. After collaborating within the district, MadTec teachers and staff now have their own space to take their expertise in their lab and share it with their students. The six labs offered are Agriculture, Entrepreneurship and Marketing, Health, Manufacturing and Engineering, Public Safety, and Digital and Performing Arts. 

“During planning stages the opening of our site was a distant dream,” said Alyson Rocco, Principal of Madera Technical. “Seeing everyone here brings happiness, a sense of pride, and accomplishment by all involved. It’s a dream come true!” 

Teachers were seen unpacking both school materials and personal belongings in their classrooms. From bringing seat cushions and classroom decorations to positioning their camera and monitor to give students a glimpse of their future classrooms. While teachers unpack, construction was completed throughout the day as well. 

Each lab has three instructional spaces; one main space and two additional spaces for small group instruction and /or additional career themed activities. They gave students a glimpse of their future labs using seat cushions, classroom decorations, and tech. 

“Seeing everyone finally at their labs and in their environment, it’s amazing,” said Laura Quiroz, Dean of Curriculum at MadTec. “To think we had gone from one school site to another school site, and now we are here where our students will feel comfortable. We’re just so excited to finally be home.”