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( Bluefield)—Bluefield State College’s entire teacher education program is now available in the greater Beckley region. The program has held National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) accreditation since 1991.
Dr. Thomas Blevins, Dean/BSC School of Education, noted, “Bluefield State College is offering all courses specific to its education program, and all 100-level and 200-level courses needed to meet degree requirements are offered by New River Community & Technical College. During the 2006 fall semester, EDUC 110: Foundations of Education, was taught by BSC faculty member, Dr. Donnie Lawrence. EDUC 200: Child and AdolescentDevelopment will be taught by BSC Director of Teacher Education, Dr. Elisabeth Steenken. This arrangement provides easy accessibility for students residing in the Beckley area to the program.” Additionally, many of the program’s core courses are available online through either BSC or NRCTC, he added.
Blevins notes that a projected decline in the number of elementary education teachers will enhance career prospects within the profession for program graduates. “Elementary school teachers who are ‘baby boomers’ will be retiring in greater numbers in the next few years,” he explained, “and students earning degrees through BSC’s teacher education program will be prepared to enter the profession and, if they choose, continue their studies in an education specialization for which there are teacher shortages.”
“We are gratified for the opportunity to join fine institutions including Concord University and Appalachian Bible College in offering our teacher education program in Beckley,” he said. “There will always be a need for well prepared teachers who are passionate about their profession, and there’s room in the Beckley market for each of our institution’s programs.”
Additional information concerning the BSC teacher education program in Beckley can be obtained by contacting Dr. Blevins at 304-327-4059 or tblevins@bluefieldstate.edu or Dr. Elisabeth Steenken/Director of Teacher Education @ 304-327-4176 or bsteenken@bluefieldstate.edu
October 18, 2006
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