Nine seniors in the Bluefield University teacher education program are receiving valuable career training through the school’s student-teaching program. The student-teaching program allows students to work alongside knowledgeable teachers in local classrooms to receive hands-on experience in the classroom.
The nine students receiving this training during the spring 2019 semester include: Cameron Roberts of Panther, WV; Kelly Dietz of Bluefield, VA; Ally Carter of Cool Ridge, WV; Hannah Ingo of Max Meadows, VA; Evan Ferrell of Richlands, VA; Heather Wrench of Godwin, NC; Brooke Hall of Bluefield, VA; Anna Oliver of Ashland, VA; and Madeline Atkins of Pembroke, VA.
Teacher licensure training through Bluefield University’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 knowledgeable teachers at various local schools help the BU students grow in their skills and knowledge of how to work in the classroom setting.
“My experience in the Teacher Education Program has been unforgettable; I have established friendships with my fellow students and mentors that will outgrow just my time here at Bluefield,” said Cameron Roberts, who is student teaching at Graham Intermediate School, Springville Elementary School, and Tazewell Elementary School. Roberts is completing his student teaching with Mrs. Linda O’Neal, Mrs. Kerri Spurgeon Dudley, Mrs. Alice, Mrs. Catron, and Mrs. Elliott.
Roberts is the son of Michael and Marchell Roberts. He graduated from River View High School. While attending Bluefield University, he has made the Dean’s List and has earned distinctive honors from the Student Virginia Education Association.
“Bluefield University has the best Teacher Education Program around. The professors truly care about their students and want to see them succeed. I am glad I chose Bluefield University to further my education,” said Dietz, who is completing her student teaching with Mrs. Brewster at Graham Intermediate School.
Dietz is the daughter of Kenneth and Sherry Dietz and is a graduate of Graham High School. While at Bluefield, Dietz made the Dean’s List for both the Fall 2017 and Spring 2018 semesters.
“The Bluefield University Teacher Education Program has adequately prepared me to enter the professional workforce, given me the tools to become an effective teacher, and to find purpose in my calling as a teacher. The professors challenged me to think about the reason I want to enter the classroom and have encouraged me to pursue the calling that God placed on my life,” said Carter who is student teaching with Laurie Arthur and Lisa Johnson of Graham High School and Tazewell Middle School, respectively.
Carter is the daughter of Danny and Michele Carter and is a graduate of Shady Spring High School. During her time at Bluefield, Carter has been a member of Alpha Chi National college Honor Society, Bluefield University Honors Program, a member of the Residence Life Staff, a Bluefield Collegiate Ministries leadership team member, and an ACE (Academic Center for Excellence) tutor in math.
“Being a part of Bluefield University’s Teacher Education Program has allowed me to develop professionalism, networking skills, and leadership skills that will benefit my future as an educator. I have had various opportunities to observe current music teachers and participate in various professional development events which have shaped my philosophy of education and strengthened my desire to teach. I am beyond blessed and grateful to be a part of this program,” said Ingo, who is student teaching at Tazewell Elementary School, Graham Middle School, and Graham High School.
Ingo is the daughter of Mike and Glenda Ingo and a graduate of Fort Chiswell High School. Since coming to Bluefield, Ingo has been on the Dean’s List, served as President of the Student Government Association (SGA), is a member of the Student Activities Leadership Team (SALT), Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow (STAT), a member of the Student Virginia Education Association (SVEA), Active Minds, BU Flute Ensemble, BU Stadium Band, BU Concert Band, BU Jazz Band, and has been a Fine Arts Community School Instructor.
“My time in the Teacher Education Program at Bluefield University has provided me with many great opportunities to work with students and faculty throughout my prior field placements as well as my current placements for student teaching. With these opportunities and the guidance of the professors in Bluefield University’s Education Department, I feel well prepared to begin teaching and to help students learn and achieve at a high level,” said Ferrell, who is student teaching with Mr. Smith at Richlands Middle School and Ms. Elswick at Richlands High School.
Ferrell is the son of Bradley and Janice Ferrell and a graduate of Richlands High School. Ferrell is the recipient of the Bluefield University Presidential Scholarship, a full-tuition scholarship. He made the President’s List for the Fall 2017 and Spring 2018 semesters. He also has made the Dean’s List for the Fall 2016, Spring 2017, and Fall 2018 semesters.
“I feel like Bluefield University’s Teacher Education Program has prepared me to be the best teacher I can be, and it has helped me be excited about my teaching and confident in my ability to teach the material to my students,” said Wrench, who is completing her student teaching with Mr. Lee Brown at Graham High School.
Wrench is the daughter of Wayne and Erika Wrench and is a graduate of Midway High School. During her time at Bluefield, Wrench was the President of Art Club and a member of the Student Virginia Education Association.
“The Teacher Education Program at Bluefield University has made me feel confident and prepared during my student teaching! I love how all the professors are very helpful and want to see me succeed! My time at Bluefield has been great, and I cannot wait to take on my own classroom!” said Hall, who is completing her student teaching with Mrs. Thompson at Graham High School.
Hall is the daughter of Lloyd and Susan Hall and a graduate of Graham High School. During her time at Bluefield, Hall made both the President’s List and Dean’s List.
“The Teacher Education Program and all those involved have done a wonderful job preparing me to be a successful teacher and life-long learner,” said Oliver, who is student teaching with Mrs. French at Graham Middle School.
Oliver is the daughter of Troy and Beth Altizer and was homeschooled. She is the recipient of the Gerald E. Clay Scholarship for Excellence in Teacher Education in the Spring semester of 2018. She is a member of the Alpha Chi National University Honor Society. Oliver made the President’s List in the Fall 2015, Spring 2016, and Fall 2017 semesters. She made the President’s List during the Fall 2016, the Spring 2018, and Fall 2018 semesters.
“The Teacher Education Program at Bluefield University has been an influential part of my University experience. The professors in the program work tirelessly to make sure that we have everything that we need in order to be successful in the classroom as future teachers. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as part of the Teacher Education Program at Bluefield University and will forever be thankful for the amazing people I have met on my journey to become a teacher,” said Atkins, who is completing her student teaching with Kim Mills at Macy McClaugherty Elementary/Middle School.
Atkins is the daughter of Slater and Melanie Atkins and is a graduate of Giles High School. While at Bluefield, Atkins played women’s varsity soccer, is a NAIA Scholar Athlete, is a member of the Alpha Chi National College Honor Society and has made the Dean’s List.
For more information about the School of Education or the student-teaching program at Bluefield University, visit www.bluefield.edu/school-of-education online.