SVC Education Department

A Welcome Message from
Dr. Veronica Ent,
Professor & Chair of the Education Department

Learn More Here:
https://www.stvincent.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/programs/education.html

Our Mission

The Education Department derives its direction and vitality from the mission statement of the College. As the College seeks to integrate professional ethics and goals with the broader purposes of human life, so the Education Department seeks to focus its field and classroom experiences on the development of teachers who understand the integral relationship of parents, family, school, and community to the general development of children. The Department’s certification programs, activities, and encounters encourage theoretical studies of curricula and child/adolescent development; induction into the conventions and practices of masterful teaching; the nurturing of personal aspirations to serve and care for children; and the personal maturation into socially, emotionally, and intellectually well-adjusted educators who will make positive contributions to the schools and communities in which they teach.

What Makes Our Program So Special?

First-Year Classroom and Synchronous Teaching: During your first year, you will work directly with PK-12 pupils where you go on-site as well as learn to deliver live online lessons to students.

Step Up Campus-Based and Online Enrichment Program: During your sophomore year, you will experience your first solo teaching experience where you will create and teach a ten-week unit to school age students in the classroom as well as online.

Third Space On-Site Methods: Some of your teaching methods courses will be held in an actual school building which will allow you to learn your craft and then see it in action in real classrooms. This model is unique to SVC.

Full-Year Student Teaching: We place you with your mentor teacher for student teaching for a complete year. Your final year includes a semester of one-day a week and a complete immersive teaching experience. You will be ready to teach day one!

What Makes Our Program So Special?

Professional Mentorship: We understand the importance of keeping our students supported and current on the latest educational trends, so we provide a variety of new teacher mentoring events, annual workshops, conferences, and speakers free of charge for our students.

Unique Opportunities: Saint Vincent College is home to the Fred Rogers Center for Children’s Media, the Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve, and Bearcat BEST, which is a 2-year transitional program for young adults with special needs. We also offer the Challenge Program, a weeklong academic summer program for children PK-12th. These programs offer unique opportunities for field hours and paid positions.

Graduate Fellowships: All successful graduates of the SVC education department are permitted to apply for a fellowship to earn a complete master’s degree without charge! The fellowships are provided by school districts in which you will work as a teacher in exchange for tuition and a monthly stipend.

Dr. Veronica Ent, Professor
and Department Chair

Phone: (724) 805-2586
Email: veronica.ent@stvincent.edu

Courses Taught: Curriculum and Systems Design, Instructional Technology, Instructional Methodology, Visual Thinking and Learning, Advanced Instructional Design for Online Learning

Specialties: Instructional Technology, Blended Learning, History of the American Curriculum

Other Responsibilities: Faculty Sponsor of the Equestrian Club, Faculty Advisor of Graduate Students

Dr. Kathleen Beining, Assistant Professor and Director of Education Programs

Phone: (724) 805-2981
Email: kathleen.beining@stvincent.edu

Courses Taught: Curriculum, Projects, and Play; Program Development for Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers; Field Experience III; Early Learning and Advocacy

Specialties: Empathy, Early Learning Directorship

Other Responsibilities: Faculty Advisor of PreK-4 Transfers, Faculty Sponsor of ECE Club, Director of Challenge Camp, Coordinator of SVC Wraps

Dr. Stacie Nowikowski,
Associate Professor and Field Placement Director

Phone: (724) 805-2096
Email: stacie.nowikowski@stvincent.edu

Courses Taught: Foundations of Education, Educational Psychology, Teaching of Math/Science for Middle and Special Learners, Educational Testing, Field Experiences IV and V

Specialties: Middle Level Pedagogy, STEM Pedagogy

Other Responsibilities: Faculty Advisor of PreK-4 Majors (Select Years) and Middle Level Majors, Faculty Sponsor of the Education Club

Dr. Dawn Turkovich, Assistant Professor and Director of Secondary Education

Phone: (724) 805-2714
Email: dawn.turkovich@stvincent.edu

Courses Taught: Strategies and Techniques, Teaching of Math, Numerical and Manipulative Math for Early and Special Learners, Math for Teachers, Geometric and Measurement Theory, Adult Learning

Specialties: Mathematics Education & Third-Space Delivery

Other Responsibilities: Faculty Advisor of Secondary Matt, Science, Art, Music, and World Language Students

Dr. Tracy McNelly,
Associate Professor and Certification Officer

Phone: (724) 805-2447
Email: tracy.mcnelly@stvincent.edu

Courses Taught: Foundations of Education; Educational Psychology; Teaching of Humanities for Middle and Special Learners; Reading, Writing, and Differentiation in the Content Areas; Teaching of English; Educational Testing; Professional Seminar; Foundations of Literacy

Specialties: English Pedagogy, Literacy, Media Literacy, School Leadership

Other Responsibilities: Faculty Advisor of Secondary English and Social Studies; Faculty Sponsor of Kappa Delta Pi

Dr. Bill Rullo,
Assistant Professor

Phone: (724) 805-2096
Email: william.rullo@stvincent.edu

Courses Taught: Field V; Professional Seminar; Counseling of Children and Young Adults

Specialties: School Counseling