Bluefield University in the News

Bluefield University Receives Planning Grant for Teacher Apprenticeship Program

by | Dec 13, 2022

Bluefield, VA Bluefield University’s School of Education and Social Sciences received a $14,000 planning grant from the Virginia Department of Education. The VDOE announced on November 28, that it awarded a total of $143,000 to nine universities across the state to develop programs that would allow would-be teachers on-the-job training, with pay, in classrooms as they do the academic work needed to become a teacher.

“We are extremely excited for this opportunity to help working adults gain on-the-job training in our local schools while completing the requirements to become a teacher,” said Dr. Shellie Brown, Director of Teacher Education. “We are facing a large teacher shortage in Virginia, and this grant will help pay for some classes for individuals and stipends during student teaching while they also have a job with the school.”

The planning grant will be used to work with Tazewell County Public Schools and Buchanan County Public Schools to develop a teacher apprenticeship program aimed at hiring classroom aides, paraprofessionals, long-term substitutes, and other unlicensed school employees as teacher apprentices as they complete coursework in Bluefield University’s new online Elementary and Special Education degree programs.

Bluefield University will also begin offering Elementary and Special Education degrees in an online format beginning Fall 2023 in addition to the on-campus programs.

“Offering our Elementary and Special Education degrees online will provide working adults with the flexibility needed to complete their degrees and become teachers,” said Dr. Brown. “Having students who are already working in the schools will give them the knowledge and skills needed to be ready to hit the ground running when they become teachers and have their own classrooms. This apprenticeship program is a win-win for individuals wishing to become teachers and for our local schools in helping meet the needs of vacant teaching positions.”

Bluefield University’s School of Education & Social Sciences offers a variety of undergraduate programs with teacher licensure related to arts, sciences, special education, and more. It also offers Early Childhood Education and Psychology & Human Services undergraduate programs without teacher licensure in addition to minors and graduate programs. BU’s Teacher Education Program received TEAC accreditation from the Inquiry Brief Commission of the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

For more information about BU’s School of Education and Social Sciences, visit, https://bit.ly/BUEducation_SS.

For more information, contact Rebecca Kasey, director of public relations at [email protected]

Bluefield University

[email protected] • 276.326.4212

Do I only apply once?

  • No. Students must apply each academic year for the fall semester and submit the necessary documents.

Do I have to take the classes specified in the Associate's Degree tracks as they are listed on the information sheet?

  • No. Students may take any of the courses that are offered in a given term.

Where do I find the textbook listing, and where do I purchase the books?

  • Log in to myBU, and under the "Student" tab, you will find a list of the textbooks required (if any) for each course. Students are responsible for purchasing their own textbooks.

How long is a semester?

  • Our semesters are divided into two 8-week terms.

Is there an orientation?

  • Yes. Students can attend an orientation session that explains how to access courses, how to register for classes, and answers other questions.

Where can I find a course description?

Does the student need to take the SAT or ACT in order to take Dual Enrollment classes?

  • No. If a student decides to study at BU full time, BU is currently test-optional for the 2021-2022 admissions cycle.

Are the classes live? Do students need to log in and participate at certain times?

  • Classes are offered online, so a student can log-on and study at their convenience and their own pace. Students have assignments due each week; you can complete your assignments at any point in time before the deadline.

Does an Early College student need to come to campus for anything?

  • No. However, we would love to have you visit our campus if you are interested in continuing with traditional on-campus study. Students who complete their associate's degree have the option to walk at our commencement ceremony.

Are Early College students able to receive Financial Aid?

  • No. However, Early College courses are very affordable compared to other options. The cost for an online Dual Enrollment course is $100 per credit hour.

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.

Can I speak to someone if I have more questions?

  • Yes. Please contact the Office of Admissions by email or you can call them at 276.326.4231

 

Meet our core Counseling faculty

Dr. Challen Mabry

Assistant Professor of Counseling

Dr. Jenna Fitzgerald

Assistant Professor of Counseling

Dr. Kristen Raymond

Assistant Professor of Counseling

Our team is here for you! How can we help?

This form requires credentials in order to request information.