Bluefield, Va.—Bluefield University and Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC) are partnering with local school divisions to recruit and assist students who would like to teach in the region.
Students who are admitted to the Return to Roots (RTR) Teaching Initiative will complete two years of coursework at SWCC, while also taking selected classes at Bluefield University. Upon graduation from SWCC, the remaining coursework will be taken at Bluefield University. All four years of the Return to Roots Teaching Initiative will use defined pathways of instruction to ensure that all students are on track for graduation at the end of four years.
“Bluefield University School of Education and Social Sciences is excited to partner with Southwest Virginia Community College as part of our Return to Roots Initiative. Our goal is to help future educators train local and stay local by training them at SWCC and Bluefield University and by helping them find employment opportunities within their local school districts,” said Shellie Brown, director of teacher education and assistant professor, Bluefield University School of Education and Social Science.
Brown continued, “This partnership will allow students to be enrolled simultaneously at both colleges which will provide discounted tuition and many other incentives including the option to take courses at either college and free admission to BU sporting, music, and theater events. Teaching is a rewarding profession, and we look forward to increasing potential teaching candidates in our local area.”
“Bluefield University is committed to preparing the next generation of teachers for Southwest Virginia and beyond. This partnership with SWCC will help create pathways for students in our region so they can learn locally and return to their home communities to teach,” said Bluefield University President, Dr. David Olive.
For more information about the Return to Roots Teaching Initiative, or to enroll in classes, contact Bluefield University’s Office of Admissions at 276-326-4231 or via email at [email protected].