“It was early August, and I was gearing up for another year of teaching at Academy Primary School,” remarked Bush. “I received a call from Dr. Lynn Rupp, chairperson of the Department of Education, asking me if I wanted to come to the College and teach a year as an ‘Educator in Residence.’ It was a big decision because I was very close to retirement. The College worked out an agreement with the county school system where I could maintain my benefit program. I was supposed to be at Wesleyan for one year, but that one year has turned into many. I would not want to be anywhere else right now other than teaching at Wesleyan.”

Bush, who has won national awards for her teaching expertise at Academy, still finds the time to keep her pulse on elementary education working as a substitute teacher in Upshur County. She believes it is important to keep that line of communication with the local school system open. “There is so much professional development in our field, which makes it easy to fall behind,” she remarked. “You have to stay informed of what is occurring locally in the classroom. This is the only way you can prepare students for what lies ahead of them in the classroom as teachers. Still, I will always have that soft spot for teaching in an elementary classroom. I spent my adult life there. It is who I am.”

With the recommendation of NCATE (National Council of Accreditation of Teacher Education) wanting collegiate educational departments to have an impact in their locals schools, Bush has her reading and math class students work with first and fifth graders at Buckhannon-Upshur Intermediate School. Her reading and math class students find a ‘reading or math buddy’ and helping plan activities and different projects.

In the ever-changing world of education, the nationally-accredited Wesleyan education department is always evolving as well. Technology assessment is one of the new areas the department is working on this year. “The state has asked us to identify how technologically savvy our students are,” commented Bush. “We feel like they are, but this is more in terms of how can they implement their technological skill into the classroom and use it for purposes of education.”

While the education field is always shifting and changing, the one constant for the department and Bush is to prepare graduates for life in the classroom after their time here at Wesleyan. “Our goal here is simple,” she remarked, “we want to produce the best possible teachers into the workforce that we can. Teaching is a very powerful occupation. I think some people initially choose the profession because they ‘like children.’ However, there is so much more to it than liking or being good with children, you have to be able to teach children as well.”

In the classroom, Bush keeps a simple philosophy – Knowledge, Skills, and Disposition. “While having the skills to teach is very important, if a student does not have a knowledge base, the skills will not be helpful. And if a student does not have the disposition, which consist of being approachable, responsible, and dedicated, that student is probably choosing the wrong profession.”

Originally from Ronceverte, WV, Bush graduated from Greenbrier High School. Bush attended Wesleyan and earned a degree in elementary education in 1971. Following her graduation, she returned home to Greenbrier and taught kindergarten for nine years. Bush and her husband Russ returned to Buckhannon in 1980 where she taught at East Main Street School and then moved to Academy Primary where she spent seven years. During this time, she also earned a master’s degree from West Virginia College of Graduate Studies and her doctorate from West Virginia University.

Alumni Focus: Tricia Boothe

Any graduate of West Virginia Wesleyan College could probably name at least one professor who made a difference in his or her life, either by teaching an exceptional class, taking an interest in student research, or offering advice on career and academic decisions. Often, the students of such teachers go on to create an impact in their fields and in other people’s lives. For alumni of the education department, they have the opportunity to return to some of those same classrooms to touch the lives of others.

Tricia Boothe ’99 is touching many lives in the classrooms of South Salem (VA) Elementary School teaching developmentally delayed students from kindergarten to second grade. A developmentally delayed learner is a student who exhibits below average intellectual functioning and a potential for measurable achievement in instructional or employment settings. Autism and other developmental disorders can severely affect the way a child develops, impacting everything from academic skills and peer interaction to social and behavioral development. This is the seventh year Boothe has taught developmentally delayed students.

While not all of her students suffer from autism, it is a prevalent trait among her students. Children diagnosed with autism frequently wrap themselves in their own world and shy away from touch and tactile experiences. It is one of Boothe’s challenges as a teacher to help them emerge from their shell. One of her students, an eight-year-old, was non-verbal when she first entered the classroom. Under her guidance the little girl now verbalizes her needs and has made many other accomplishments in the classroom.

“It is always an ongoing challenge, but it also gives me great pride to work with these wonderful children,” remarked Boothe. “You see them make friends and learn to maneuver around the building. These are important life skills. I have children that go into regular classrooms when they leave me, and some go into learning disabled classrooms.
It’s great to see them totally developed.”

“She is really engaged with her children.” remarked principal of South Salem Elementary Dr. Alan Seibert to the Salem-Times Register about Boothe. “She is teaching and the students are learning about a lot of things people take for granted. It is all about preparing these children for being complete citizens.”

Boothe is quick to credit Wesleyan for her achievements with the children in the classroom. “Wesleyan instilled great methods of teaching and thinking outside of the box for me that have provided many students what I believe to be an exceptional education. I truly believe that many children in Salem, as well as other places around the country have no doubt, progressed in their education because of the influence Wesleyan’s education has had on students like me just wanting to be exceptional teachers.”

Students Gain Professional Experience

For many years, education majors have taken the lead in applying classroom learning with real-world experiences through semester-long student teaching experiences.  Today, education majors are not the only students completing out-of-classroom professional experiences.  In fact, most all Wesleyan majors either require or strongly recommend a program-related internship as part of the College’s curriculum.

This semester, students are working for television stations, non-profits organizations, hospitals, College offices, and private businesses.  In the meantime, five interns are spending a semester in Washington, D.C. working for members of Congress, government agencies, and legal offices.
           
Jessica Holley, senior public relations major from Beckley, WV, will complete two internship programs this year, both in the Buckhannon area.  Her first experience was with WBUC-TV3 where she wrote and broadcasted a “Weekly Wesleyan Update” segment every Wednesday.  She also helped write and record radio commercials and recruited guests for a weekly radio roundtable discussion show.  In addition, she had the opportunity to work behind the camera and produce various television shows. 

Holley developed a marketing brochure and website in her second internship experience with Molly’s Photography. “Both internship experiences allowed me the opportunity to network with community leaders and contribute back to the Buckhannon community,” says Holley.  “The experiences also provided confidence and direction for my future career endeavors. 

Julia Shakeri hopes her internship experience will increase her chances of admittance to veterinary medicine school.  The biology major and chemistry minor from University Park, MD, is completing a “General Vet Care and Learning in Miniature Horses” with Hodges Miniature Horse Farm.  Shakeri has worked three semesters at the local business where she has learned how to drive horses and become educated about pregnancy, foal care and socialization, weaning, and other various related aspects such as behavior changes in a mother to be and what they signify. 

Gus Fernandez, senior marketing major from Kissimmee, FL, and Leslie Batove, senior graphic arts major from Hickory, PA, are both completing field experiences at the Stockert Youth Center in Buckhannon.  Fernandez has been working on a feasibility study that relates to a capital campaign to raise funds for an expansion to the facility.  Batove is teaching art in a program named Stock-Art, a weekly program that focuses on instructing area youth the elements of art. She also demonstrates after-school projects two days a week to promote the development of their creative skills. 

Both students have found their experiences helpful with their career goals.  “I have had the opportunity to implement marketing theory into practice,” adds Fernandez.  “In addition, I have been able to present my ideas to members of the Board as well as other city officials.  My internship at the Stockert Youth Center will clearly help me in the advertising and public relations field, my career path.” 
           
“This experience has provided more career direction,” notes Batove, who will attend graduate school next year to pursue a master’s degree in art education. “Adding what I most valued from my classroom experience as a student, I have been able to develop what I believe to be an exciting and effective approach for teaching elementary students.”

Kim Cottrill, senior communication studies and psychology major from Spencer, WV, is completing an internship in the Pastoral Care Department at St. Joseph’s Hospital, under the supervision of Katie Davis Perperas ’03.  This has been a wonderful learning experience,” notes Cottrill.  “We take part in therapeutic listening with hospital patients and their families and provide support services in individual and group settings.  My academic experience at Wesleyan has been enhanced by taking all I have learned in the classroom setting and putting those concepts in practice.  Knowledge is important, but I have found that skill is another crucial area of personal development.”

Senior Stephanie Miller is hoping her public relations internship at Buckhannon Fitness Center will lead to employment in her chosen field after graduation this spring.  The Shinnston, WV, native has been serving as a consultant for the non-profit center, marketing its image as well as promoting membership and business sponsorships.  “I have learned to implement what I have learned in the classroom,” says Miller.  “Hopefully, my contributions will also help the fitness center attract more clients.”

Not all internships are completed off-campus.  Senior Abby Burge of Parkersburg, WV is assisting with event planning in the alumni office.  That office just recently completed the Senior Graduation Fair and is busily preparing for the upcoming Commencement weekend. 

Annie Merner Pfeiffer Library Update
Submitted by Paula McGrew '78 - Assistant Professor of Library Science and Reference Librarian

It is almost graduation time here at West Virginia Wesleyan College.  Many of you have fond memories of that wonderful day when you gathered on the Senior Walk in front of the Administration Building and took that last long walk down the sidewalk and across the stage to receive your diploma.   This is truly a wonderful time of year watching the students achieving their goals.

The next move for these brand new alumni is the job search.  As most will discover, this first job will not be their last.  Moving up to a new position, moving to a new area, becoming tired or burned out of a job, and unexpected opportunities will cause most people to change jobs several times throughout their careers.

In keeping with our goal of being helpful in your lifelong learning and information searching, the Annie Merner Pfeiffer Library offers some great resources for all of you to use when making a new start.  These can be found on the eReference section of the library homepage by choosing Career Information from the drop-down box.  Gathered together in one convenient place you will find such things as America’s Job Bank, Monster.com, the Occupational Outlook Handbook 2006-07 edition, and Quickstart Resumes.  In addition there is a link to the WVWC Academic & Career Center which offers excellent resources on: Internships, Resumes, Cover Letters and Job Websites.

Professor Publishes Book of Wildlife Photography

Professor Stephen Cresswell’s hobby of photographing wildlife has resulted in a newly-released book by Trox Press, “Stalking the Vesper Bluets.” Dr. Cresswell, professor of history at West Virginia Wesleyan College, has authored four books in the field of American history, but his latest book reflects his life-long passion for the outdoors. ...[read more]

Arts Alive: April 2006 Cultural Events Offered

Two dance performances, six musical concerts, and one art show in April will conclude another exciting Arts Alive! season. All events other than the dance performances have free admission. The following events are scheduled:

•The Senior Thesis Art Exhibit will be on display in Sleeth Gallery April 11 through April 29.

•The Wesleyan Concert Band, under the direction of Susan Radcliff, will perform in concert on Tuesday, April 11 at 7:30 p.m. in Wesley Chapel.

•Student recitals will be performed by seniors Sara Burnside from Buckhannon, Dayna Keller from Vienna, WV, and Natalie Shaffer from Fairmont, WV. The recitals are Wednesday, April 12, in Wesley Chapel. Keller performing soprano is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. Burnside will perform a program of percussion at 7 p.m. and Shaffer will sing soprano at 7:30 p.m.

•On Thursday, April 13, a music departmental recital will be performed in Wesley Chapel at 11 a.m.

•A performance by the flute ensemble will be held at noon in Wesley Chapel on Tuesday, April 20. Later that evening, David Wright, assistant professor of music, James Atha, a 1994 Wesleyan graduate in music, and Don Hamilton, retired music faculty, will join music faculty Mark Hamrick for a Faculty Recital in the Chapel at 7:30 p.m.

•Danceworks VII will be presented Friday, April 21 and Saturday, April 22 at 8 p.m. in Atkinson Auditorium. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for students and senior citizens, and $2 with a valid Wesleyan ID.

• Opera scenes featuring Mozart’s “Marriage of Figaro” will be performed by Wesleyan Opera Workshop students on Sunday, April 23 in Loar Auditorium at 3 p.m.

• The Wesleyan Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of David Wright, will present an Evening of Music concert on Friday, April 28 in Wesley Chapel at 7:30 p.m.

For more information about West Virginia Wesleyan’s Arts Alive! Series or any Wesleyan events, please visit the College’s online calendar.