Three seniors in the Bluefield University teacher education program are receiving valuable career training through the School of Education and Social Science’s student-teaching program. The student-teaching program allows students to work alongside veteran teachers in local classrooms to receive hands-on experience in the classroom.
Teacher licensure training through Bluefield University’s Teacher Education Program is known for being an extremely rewarding experience that leaves graduating seniors well prepared as they enter teaching careers. It is through this experience that veteran teachers at various schools help BU students grow in their skills and knowledge of how to work in the classroom setting.
The three students receiving this training during the fall 2019 semester include: Kaitlyn Oxford of Tazewell, Virginia; Sarah Bailes of Exchange, West Virginia; and Hunter Furrow of Bluefield, Virginia.
“The Teacher Education Program at Bluefield University is equipped with the best faculty and resources that have helped me put my best foot forward as a new teacher,” said Kaitlyn Oxford, who is completing her student teaching at Dudley Primary School and Graham High School.
Oxford is the daughter of David and Robyn Oxford. She graduated from Tazewell High School in Tazewell, Virginia prior to attending Bluefield University. While attending Bluefield University, Oxford has been a member of the University’s cheer team.
“My time in the Teacher Education Program has been both challenging and exciting. I can honestly say that I feel prepared to teach,” added Sarah Bailes, who is doing her student teaching at both Graham Intermediate School and Graham High School.
Bailes is the spouse of Tyler Bailes and is a graduate of Braxton County High School. At Bluefield University, Sarah serves as a council member for Bluefield Campus Ministries (BCM), has previously served as the President of BCM, was a recipient of the Gerald E. Clay Scholarship, and has been on the University’s Dean’s List.
“The journey with Bluefield University’s Teacher Education Program has been a 4000 feet elevation climb with every step lit along the way,” said Hunter Furrow who is completing his student teaching at Graham Middle School, which is the same middle school Furrow attended in his youth.
Furrow is married to Destiny Furrow and is a graduate of Graham High School. Furrow was a member of the Values Club at Graham High School, is a member of SVEA, and runs cross country for Bluefield University.
For more information about the School of Education and Social Science or the student-teaching program at Bluefield University, visit www.bluefield.edu/school-of-education online.