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UPPER LAKE, Calif. – A creative and passionate local teacher is opening up a world of technology and innovation to his students.
Gary Madison is a Regional Occupational Program (ROP) Teacher at Upper Lake High School.
He teaches digital arts, visual communication, ROP digital media, ROP robotics and ROP computer service that is intended to teach students a variety of computer skills as part of the information and technology pathway.
Although many schools teach classes that are part of the information and technology pathway, very few feature the diversity of the Upper Lake program.
Madison teaches his classroom with real world production in mind.
He has taught at ULHS since 1993 and has grown his program based on trends and interest of his students.
Upon completion of his program students will have been exposed to a vast array of programs and applications that will allow them to pursue technology based careers.
Though not all students are interested in such a career, most students said they take the ROP courses because of the teacher and the hands on learning.
According to student Alex Dukes, who plans to go into software engineering next year, he takes the classes with Madison not only because he is interested in computers but because Madison has many of the same interests as the students.
If you’ve never met Madison or talked to him about his program, you are missing out on knowing one of the most passionate and creative teachers we have in Lake County.
His pride is obvious as he talks about the hands-on projects that his students are able to create as well as the success of his former students, some of whom have gone on to do computer graphics for commercials.
ULHS is fortunate enough to have some pretty high tech devices at the students' disposal, including a CNC machine and laser engraver. Both are utilized to bring computerized 3D designs to life.
Students will soon be drawing the components of an air engine and manufacturing those parts to assemble an actual working product. This is something unusual and exciting for computer students.
In the service and repair class students are responsible for keeping the computers on campus functioning and building new computers from scratch. This service alone has been able to save the district quite a bit of money as well as provide a valuable learning experience.
Madison runs an ROP program that allows students to apply their learning to real world and work applications. Being a small school allows the program to stay flexible and keep variety.
He runs his program with the philosophy that “rather than mastering one program or computer skill, students will be exposed to a variety, allowing them to discover their strengths and interests and thus make good career choices after high school.”
In the newly created robotics class, students recently participated in the Skills USA Competition in Petaluma.
Students built robots from a kit and were responsible for programming them to perform different functions.
Students earned four gold medals in robotics and automation technology and one gold medal in computer maintenance technology. These students will be heading to San Diego to compete in the statewide competition in April.
Madison said that he feels well supported by his administration and board. He is able to keep what most consider to be an expensive program functioning by product and supply donations that he seeks out.
His needs are for continual funding to keep software upgraded and for material donations of sheet acrylic for use on the CNC and laser engraver.
If you would like to find out more about this innovative ROP program, please contact Mr. Gary Madison at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 707-275-2338.
Tammy Serpa is a program specialist for the Lake County Office of Education.
