Bluefield University in the News

BLUEFIELD COLLEGE EDUCATION STUDENTS RECEIVE HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE IN STUDENT-TEACHING PROGRAM

by | Sep 11, 2019

Pictured from left to right are Kaitlyn Oxford, Sarah Bailes, and Hunter Furrow. These three seniors in Bluefield College's education program are receiving valuable career training through the student-teaching program.

Three seniors in the Bluefield College 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 College’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 BC 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 College 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 College. While attending Bluefield College, Oxford has been a member of the College’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 College, Sarah serves as a council member for Bluefield College Ministries (BCM), has previously served as the President of BCM, was a recipient of the Gerald E. Clay Scholarship, and has been on the College’s Dean’s List.

“The journey with Bluefield College’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 College.

For more information about the School of Education and Social Science or the student-teaching program at Bluefield College, visit www.bluefield.edu/school-of-education online or contact the Dean of the School of Education, Dr. Thomas Brewster at 276.326.4240 or via email at [email protected]

Bluefield University

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How do transferring credits work?

  • Each College or University completes a transcript review in order to decide which courses transfer. Sticking to general education classes generally makes transferring credits simple. All Early College courses at Bluefield University are general education classes that should transfer to another accredited institution.

Is an Early College student considered, and treated, as a transfer student when they become a full-time college student if they have earned enough credits to be a Junior?

  • No. Since they have not graduated from high school, they are considered a first-time college student regardless of how many credits transfer. However, by transferring credits when they enroll as a full-time student, they will have to take fewer classes to receive their bachelor's degree, which shortens the length of time to earn the degree.

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