Six seniors in the Bluefield College 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 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 the BC students grow in their skills and knowledge of how to work in the classroom setting.
“The people at Bluefield College have worked with me unfailingly and made my transition back into college 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 College. While attending Bluefield College, 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 College, Amanda is a member of the women’s soccer team.
“The Bluefield College Teacher Education Program has readied me, as well as supported me, in gaining my teaching licensure throughout my academic career at Bluefield College,” 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 College 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 College.
At Bluefield College, 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 College dean’s list from 2016-2018. He is the son of Carla Cline.
“Working one-on-one with professors at Bluefield College 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 College 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 College, Hayes attended Southwestern Virginia Community College 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 College,” 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 College, 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 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].