Bluefield State College News August 24, 2016 BSC Program to Prepare Special Education Teachers Approved by State Board of Education A Bluefield State College School of Education program proposal designed to address a statewide shortage of special education teachers has been reviewed and approved by the West Virginia Board of Education. The program creates a new, combined multi-categorical special education and K-6 elementary education program within the BSC School of Education. "The program will be a great fit for new students entering the field and for teachers who want to add this specialization," noted Dr. Shelia Sargent-Martin, Dean of the School of Education. "The program has been designed with a focus on efficiency and effectiveness, keeping courses to a minimum without losing content." Former School of Education Dean, Dr. Betsy Steenken (now retired), coordinated the proposal process, which included receiving approval from the State Board of Education to begin, followed by approval from the WV Educational Personnel Preparation Advisory Committee, and the BSC Board of Governors, before advancing to the WV Department of Education. "I am excited that the BSC Teacher Education Program can once again offer the special education endorsement," Dr. Steenken commented. "There is a shortage of qualified special education teachers in the surrounding counties, and many BSC education students have shown an interest in the field. It is therefore a win-win situation." "This program will ensure that our students will be well prepared to serve in special education," added Dr. Sargent-Martin. "There is a compelling need for more special education teachers who are well trained." Terene Stiltner, a Visiting Professor in BSC's School of Education, was also very involved in developing the proposal. Like Dr. Steenken, Stiltner was a special education teacher before joining the BSC faculty. "Working with these students touches your heart," she explained. "There's tremendous fulfillment when you see a student reach each milestone. It's very rewarding for the student and the teacher. Our goal is to equip these students to live independently and to be successful in both their postsecondary training and their careers." Classes will begin in the Spring 2017 semester. Additional information can be obtained by contacting Dean Sargent-Martin (ssmartin@bluefieldstate.edu), or Professor Stiltner (tstiltner@bluefieldstate.ed<mailto:tstiltner@bluefieldstate.ed>u) or calling (304) 327-4173. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 404-978-2118 (office) 404-702-5854 (cell) 404-577-5158 (fax) Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ and Twitter at https://twitter.com/HBCULibAlliance Check out "PULSE!" The HBCU Library Alliance's News Source! - https://hbculibraryalliance.wordpress.com/ 7th Biennial Membership Meeting: Register here http://hbculibraries.org/2016meeting-form.html for the October 10,11 Membership Meeting in Atlanta. Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library 111 James P. Brawley Drive SW Atlanta, GA 30314-4207 www.auctr.edu<http://www.auctr.edu/> [cid:image003.jpg@01D20297.5AE107E0] We will always provide service that exceeds the customer's expectation...Because We Care!