ATE-VA is an affiliate member of the national Association of Teacher Educators (ATE), an organization for individuals who have a professional interest in the preparation and continuing education of teachers and other professionals in the field of education. Members represent public and private schools, colleges and universities, professional associations, learned societies, and government agencies.
To recognize and promote teacher research and school and college partnerships, ATE-VA established three awards for excellence in teacher research. Each honor includes a plaque and a monetary award.
Bluefield College’s Riffe, a student in the school’s Teacher Education Program, was recognized for research that “contributed to best practice in teaching and student learning.”
Candidates for the honor include full-time teachers in Virginia schools, students in a Virginia teacher education program, and students who are student teaching in a Virginia teacher education program.
In addition to her award-winning studies at Bluefield, Riffe has been a member of the women’s basketball and women’s soccer teams and a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes.