Bluefield University in the News

Bluefield University Undergraduates Complete Student Teaching

by | Dec 10, 2021

Bluefield, VA “My time in the teacher education program has helped prepare me for teaching not only how things would be normally but also how to be a good and effective teacher during a pandemic,” said student Tessa Saiia. “I have learned many tools, skills, and resources I can use for the years to come.”

Three education students at Bluefield University completed their student teaching this fall: Emma Hyatt of Randleman, North Carolina; Leah Plott of Bluefield, Virginia; and Saiia of Baraboo, Wisconsin.

“My most memorable experience that I had in the program was one specific class I took with Professor Brandy Smith,” Hyatt said. “Her class, Human Growth and Development, taught me how to not only teach students but to understand how to help them learn through different traumatic experiences in their lives.”

Hyatt, the daughter of Scott and Jennifer Hyatt, graduated from Level Cross Christian School before attending Bluefield University. She was mentored by Ashley Meadows at Graham Middle School and Cindy Young at Tazewell High School. She received the Heather M. Scholarship Award and contributed to The Bluestone Review literary journal.

The wife of Kody Plott and daughter of Kristen Mackey, Plott graduated from Tazewell High School. She taught with Cynthia Largen at Graham High School and Breanna Gillespie Lewis at Abb’s Valley-Boissevain Elementary. She is a member of the Student Virginia Education Association (SVEA) and National Education Association (NEA). She is also a Virginia High School League (VHSL) judging official for cheerleading in the Southwest Virginia District.

“During this time, I made several friendships that I will cherish forever,” Plott said. “I loved getting to know all my students at Graham High and my first graders at Abb’s Valley, where I am finishing my student teaching as a long-term substitute. The faculty at both schools have been amazing and helped me with everything I needed.”

Saiia is a graduate of Baraboo High School. She was mentored by Juda O’Quin at Tazewell Primary School and Natasha Simpkins at Tazewell High School.

“The education department at Bluefield University has challenged me and pushed me to be the best version of myself. Because of how involved we are as education students in the local school district, we are given the opportunity through observations and student teaching to make connections in the district that will benefit us after graduation,” Saiia said.

Hyatt, Plott, and Saiia were all named to the Dean’s List in spring 2021.

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://www.bluefield.edu/academics/colleges-schools/school-of-education-and-social-sciences/

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

Daniel Mullins, Creative Content & Social Media Coordinator

[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. Kristen Moran

Associate Professor of Counseling

Brandy Smith

Assistant Professor of Education & Counseling,
Director of the Master of Arts in Counseling Program,
Title IX Confidential Counselor

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

This form requires credentials in order to request information.