EUGENE, Ore. – In response to the pressing need for educators across the state of Oregon, Bushnell University’s School of Education has embraced an innovative approach to tackle the ongoing educator shortage. Over the past 18 months there has been a significant increase in the hiring of teaching and school counseling candidates before they complete their licensure programs. Bushnell candidates have been at the forefront of this trend, stepping into roles to meet the demands of school districts statewide.
This proactive approach not only addresses the immediate need for qualified educators but also provides invaluable hands-on experience for Bushnell candidates, enhancing their professional development while still enrolled in their licensure programs. Moreover, Bushnell University has established a collaborative partnership with local school districts, focusing on “growing your own” efforts, supplemented by scholarships, to develop and support existing employees wishing to pursue a career as a professional educator.
For these individuals, holding a dual role as educator and college student can be quite rewarding and demanding. To help ensure success in both arenas, Bushnell works jointly with school-based personnel to ensure candidates are afforded regular opportunities to engage in meaningful and reflective conversations with their mentor and Bushnell supervisor, can strategically prioritize competing responsibilities, gain valuable field experience beyond the position they hold, and can strengthen their professional background knowledge both in the field and through their coursework. This strategic partnership aims to collaboratively support educator candidates toward successful program completion and a positive professional experience for the purposes of filling vacancies within the district while nurturing and growing future educators from within the local school community.
Associate Dean of the School of Education, Suzanne Price, M.Ed., expressed enthusiasm about the impact of this initiative, stating, “Our partnership with local school districts demonstrates our commitment to addressing the educator shortage in Oregon. By supporting our candidates in securing employment while still in their licensure program, we not only fulfill immediate staffing needs but also foster lasting connections within the school community.”
This collaborative effort between Bushnell University’s School of Education and the local school districts not only addresses the immediate challenges posed by the statewide educator shortage but also lays the groundwork for sustained community engagement and support for future educators. Bushnell University remains dedicated to building strong relationships within the school community and preparing educators who are equipped to meet the evolving needs of students and districts alike.
To learn more about Bushnell’s School of Education, visit our website.
EUGENE, Ore. – A little over a year after being awarded the Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE) Program Development Grant, Bushnell University celebrates substantial progress made in fortifying its commitment to guiding students on the path of theological reflection and vocational calling.
Among the 18 universities and colleges awarded the NetVUE grant in March 2023, Bushnell is distinguished as the lone representation for the West Coast. The NetVUE program includes a nationwide network of 300 colleges and universities and is specifically designed to support and enrich vocational exploration and discernment among undergraduate students. It is administered by the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), with guidance from an advisory council comprising representatives from participating institutions.
Notably, this marks the university's seventh collaboration with NetVUE, showcasing a longstanding commitment to fostering vocational calling and exploration. The NetVUE grant, awarded in March 2023 and providing vital financial support until 2025, has been instrumental in the establishment and growth of Bushnell University's Vocation Institute. Over the past year, this institute has spearheaded pivotal staff and faculty related initiatives, supported by the NetVUE grant, that have become integral to the comprehensive approach to vocational exploration within the university community, both for students and employees. Key components of these efforts include retreats, departmental gatherings, and the development of a vocational discernment orientation course for new staff and faculty members.
Reflecting on the progress made, Dr. Reed Mueller, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Bushnell, expressed optimism and gratitude. "Receiving our seventh NetVUE grant is both an honor and a responsibility. The work in developing the institute this past year has been a testament to the power of intentional vocational guidance. This NetVUE program development grant has allowed us to not only strengthen our existing initiatives but also to create a culture where our new employees are encouraged to engage in thoughtful theological reflections on their vocation and calling, leading to enhanced engagement with our students and their vocational exploration."
As the Vocation Institute continues to evolve, Bushnell University remains committed to providing students with a supportive environment that nurtures purpose and meaning in their academic and career journeys. For more information about NetVUE, please visit NetVUE’s official website.
About NetVue
The Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE) is a nationwide network of 300 colleges and universities formed to support and enrich vocational exploration and discernment among undergraduate students. A program of the Council of Independent Colleges, NetVUE is supported by the generosity of Lilly Endowment Inc. and member dues. CIC administers NetVUE with guidance from an advisory council comprising representatives from participating institutions.
About Bushnell University
Founded in 1895 Bushnell University helps students discover and answer God’s call on their lives. Devoted to offering a Christ-centered environment, Bushnell encourages students to grow in wisdom, informed by faith, and leading to lives of service. Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the University was founded by pastor-educator Eugene C. Sanderson and pioneer businessman and church leader James A. Bushnell.
Bushnell is the largest private university in Eugene’s vibrant university district. The University offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees for undergraduate and graduate studies through course formats on campus, online, and hybrid formats. More information about the University is available at www.bushnell.edu.
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