Font Size: A A A

Bluefield College teacher education seniors are providing much needed assistance to local schools, while at the same time getting valuable practical experience as teachers in the classroom.

December 14, 2009

As part of the college's vision and mission to prepare innovative learners and transformational leaders through a liberal arts education that integrates career-oriented studies with service to God and the community, seniors in the BC Teacher Education Program spend time throughout the academic year as student-teachers in local school systems.

Often described as one of the most rewarding aspects of the teacher licensure program, the student-teaching component provides "in the classroom" experiences for BC seniors, who work and learn alongside teachers who have been in an actual classroom setting for many years.

"It's a valuable opportunity for students to practically apply various theories presented in the college classroom," said Dr. Donna Watson, chair of BC's Division of Education.

And, while the college students are getting great on-the-job training as they prepare to become tomorrow's teachers, today's local secondary school educators are getting tremendous support in the classroom from their protÄgÄs.

Five Bluefield College Teacher Education seniors participated in the school's student-teaching program this fall, including Kim Carroll of Pearisburg, Virginia, Jonathan Hagee of Dublin, Virginia, Sarah Mota of Brownsville, Texas, Whitney O'Quinn of Tazewell, Virginia, and Elizabeth Nicole Riffe of Bluefield, West Virginia.

Carroll, the daughter of Mike Johnson of Pearisburg, completed her student teaching at Graham Intermediate School and Dudley Primary School. A graduate of Giles High School, Carroll is a member of the Student Virginia Education Association (SVEA).

Hagee, a graduate of Pulaski County High School, served as a student teacher at Graham Middle School and Bluefield High School. In addition to his teacher education accolades, as a student-athlete at BC Hagee has been named twice to the All-Academic Team for the Appalachian Athletic Conference. He is the son of John and Sherry Hagee of Dublin.

Mota, the daughter of Mark and Gina Mota of Brownsville, completed her student teaching at Graham Intermediate and Dudley Primary schools. A graduate of Rivera High School in Texas, she is a member of SVEA and also attended Pensacola (FL) Christian College and the University of Texas at Brownsville.

O'Quinn, a graduate of Tazewell High School and Southwest Virginia Community College, served as a student teacher at Tazewell Elementary School. The daughter of Tony and Jean O'Quinn of Tazewell, she is a member of AmeriCorps.

Riffe, the daughter of Frank and Betty Perry of Bluefield, did her student teaching at Big Creek High School. A graduate of Bluefield High School, she is a member of SVEA and a frequent selection for BC's President's and Dean's lists. She also holds a degree in chemistry.

In addition to its efforts to prepare innovative learners and transformational leaders through liberal arts studies, career-oriented programs, and service to the community, Bluefield College is committed to graduating students who think critically, communicate effectively, and adapt readily to a changing world.

Comments: