Biographical Text
Professor Emerita of Elementary Education Madeline Edmisten Bradford (May 9, 1925-), was born in Boone, North Carolina. She is married to James D. Bradford, who is retired from the North Carolina Department of Transportation. Bradford is the mother of two children and the grandmother of six. She graduated from Bethel Senior High School, Sugar Grove, North Carolina, in 1943. Bradford attended Appalachian State Teachers' College (now Appalachian State University), where she earned the B.S. degree in elementary education in 1949, the Principal's Certificate in 1963, and the M.A. degree in administration in 1963. While attending school she worked as a teacher in the public and county schools as well as in the university. She began her career teaching first grade in the Forsyth County schools in 1949. She later taught second grade in the Forsyth County schools until 1950, when she was appointed to serve as secretary to the governor. Bradford then served the Raleigh public schools as a third-grade teacher in 1951, and as a first-grade teacher from 1952 to l954. She was regional manager of E.E. Compton & Co., from 1954 to l957. In 1957, she returned to teach first graders in the Raleigh public schools until 1959. From 1960 to 1964, she served as a principal in the Raleigh public schools. In 1964, she returned to Boone to teach first graders at Appalachian Elementary School. The same year, Bradford was appointed to serve as assistant professor of education at Appalachian State University, a post she held until 1976, when she was promoted to the rank of associate professor. From 1979 to 1987, she served Appalachian State University as a professor of education. While at Appalachian, Bradford served on numerous committees, including the Appalachian Field Advisory Council, Consortium for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Staff Development, Graduate Faculty (1978-83), K-3 Committee, ATE North Carolina Nominating Committee, Committee Stage II Student Development, Student Teaching Committee, and Task Force Evaluation Committee. Bradford was also appointed to the Status of Women Committee by Governor Sanford. She was an associate member of the graduate council from 1980 to 1983 and was on the chancellor's committee in 1986. From 1978 to 1985, she was a member of many professional organizations, such as IRA, ATE, ASCD, NCAE-NEA, and Alpha Delta Kappa. In 1980-81, Bradford held the office of vice president of Alpha Delta Kappa, and she served as president the following year. In addition to her busy schedule as an educator, Madeline Bradford served as director of the Appalachian State University and Winston-Salem/ Forsyth County Teaching Center. Her services also included seminars for special education and the self-study for re-accreditation for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. During her career, Bradford attended numerous conferences and gave many presentations dealing with faculty development. In addition, she taught many workshops and seminars for student teachers in the public schools. Bradford's long-term dedication was recognized in a book dedicated to her: Who, in her vivacious manner, created a learning climate in a stimulating environment; Who, through her own poise and keen sense of observation, adapted her guidance to each personality; Who, by sharing our laughter and enthusiasm, has given us a new perspective and made us realize afresh that teaching is indeed rewarding; Who has won our devotion. In her retirement, Madeline Bradford is enjoying her grandchildren to the fullest, taking dancing lessons, and traveling. Sources: Appalachian State University files and personal correspondence. -Dr. Richard D. Howe
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