Six seniors in the Bluefield University teacher education program are receiving valuable career training through the school’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.
The six students receiving this training during the fall 2018 semester include: Jenna Blankenship of Bland, VA; Amanda Brown of Virginia Beach, VA; Nathan Cline of North Tazewell, VA; Amber Gurganus of Franklin, VA; Shannon Hayes of Tannersville,VA; and MyKenzie Roach of Bluefield, VA.
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 the BU students grow in their skills and knowledge of how to work in the classroom setting.
“The people at Bluefield University have worked with me unfailingly and made my transition back into University manageable,” said Jenna Blankenship, who is completing her student teaching at Bland County Elementary School.
Blankenship is the daughter of David Blankenship and Rebecca Via. She graduated from Bland County High School and attended New River Community College prior to coming to Bluefield University. While attending Bluefield University, she made the President’s List for the Fall 2016 and Spring 2017 semesters as well as the dean’s list for the Fall 2017 and Spring 2018 semesters. In addition, Jenna coaches middle school volleyball.
“I found this experience to be inclusive and rewarding. Everyone involved with the program is welcoming and there to help you,” added Amanda Brown, who did her student teaching at both Dudley Primary School and Graham Intermediate School.
Brown is the daughter of Charles and Crystal Brown and is a graduate of Landstown High School. At Bluefield University, Amanda is a member of the women’s soccer team.
“The Bluefield University Teacher Education Program has readied me, as well as supported me, in gaining my teaching licensure throughout my academic career at Bluefield University,” said Nathan Cline who is completing his student teaching at Tazewell High School which is the same high school he attended. Cline also attended Southwest Virginia Community University where he graduated summa cum laude with an associate of arts and science degree in education and specialized in pre-teacher education prior to coming to Bluefield University.
At Bluefield University, Cline received a Certificate of Academic Excellence for the 2016-2017 academic year and earned a cumulative GPA of 3.94. For the 2017-2018 academic year, Cline received the Senior Academic Excellence Award and obtained a 3.95 GPA. Cline has made the Bluefield University dean’s list from 2016-2018. He is the son of Carla Cline.
“Working one-on-one with professors at Bluefield University and local teachers in the Tazewell area has given me the confidence and experience I need to be a successful teacher,” said Amber Gurganus.
Gurganus is the daughter of Edward and Lois Gurganus and is a graduate of Southampton High School. She is completing her student teaching at Dudley Elementary School and North Tazewell Elementary School.
“The Bluefield University Teacher Education Program gives you everything you need to succeed, the success is up to you,” said Shannon Hayes who is student teaching at both Tazewell Elementary and North Tazewell Elementary.
Hayes is the daughter of Charles and Teresa Hayes. Prior to attending Bluefield University, Hayes attended Southwestern Virginia Community University from 2014-2016.
“I have found the faculty and staff of the School of Education to be very helpful, kind, and encouraging throughout my tenure at Bluefield University,” said MyKenzie Roach.
Roach is the daughter of William and Stephanie Roach and a graduate of Graham High School. She is completing her student teaching at both Dudley Primary School and Graham Middle School. At Bluefield University, Roach is a dean’s list scholar athlete, a member of the women’s tennis team and a cheerleader. In addition, she is a member of the Alpha Chi Honor Society, and served as the president of Alpha Delta.
For more information about the School of Education or the student-teaching program at Bluefield University visit www.bluefield.edu/school-of-education online.