News Archive
2016 Published Articles
NEWS RELEASES
Education Department Hosts STEAM Forward Learning Conference
Visit www.steamforwardlearning.org to see conference photos or click on the photo above to read more about the event.
Participants interact in Science Olympiad learning stations
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The Education Department hosted its first STEAM conference on November 16, 2016. With over 300 attendess and 20 STEAM vendors, the event featured multiple breakout sessions and speakers who shared insights on how to effectively integrate STEAM principles across the PreK-College classroom setting.
Keynote Speaker, Dr. Kenneth Lockette, Assistant Superintendent, Avonworth School District, talks about how his district integrates STEAM
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Top: Elizabeth Forward and IU1 brought mobile Fab Labs
Bottom: Attendees participate in Escaping the Classroom, an interactive breakout session. |
 Pedro Rivera, Secretary of Education for the Pennsylvania Department of Education
September 14, 2016
Secretary of Education, Pedro Rivera, Speaks at the Westmoreland County Workforce Development Dinner On Wednesday, September 14, 2016, Dr. Ent and Dr. McNelly were invited to attend the Westmoreland County Workforce Development Forum, which hosted their annual dinner event at Greensburg Country Club. The Forum is made of of a group of educators and business leaders from across Westmoreland County, whose mission is to "connect business and education through coordinated opportunities which will improve workforce quality and economic development." Speakers for this event included, Dr. William Kerr, Superintendent of the Norwin School District and Chairman of the Forum; Bill Flannagan, TV news personality and Chief Corporate Relations Officer for the Allegheny Conference on Community Development; and Keynote, Pedro Rivera, Secretary of Education. During his talk, Mr. Rivera spoke about the need for all stakeholders to focus on what was best, developmentally, for all children, beginning in preschool through post secondary education. He also spoke about the various changes to the current high-stakes testing system that are forthcoming from the Department of Education-instead of relying on one test to determine a child's graduation fate, these new changes will provide multiple pathways for students to demonstrate proficiency. The event closed with remarks from the incoming Forum Chairman, Dr. Gennaro Piraino, Superintendent of the Franklin Reegional School District. |
Top: Dr. McNelly poses for a picture with Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Mr. Rivera
Bottom: Dr. Ent & Dr. McNelly join administrators, Mrs. Natalie McCracken and Dr. Stacey Snyder, from the Norwin School District |
April 29, 2016
SVC EDUCATION CHAIR AUTHORS ARTICLE ABOUT FLIPPED LEARNING
LATROBE, PA – Dr. Veronica I. Ent, associate professor and chair of education in the Saint Vincent College School of Social Sciences, Communication and Education, authored an article, Is Flipped Learning Really New to Academia?, in the May 2016 issue of Journal: Tech Trends.
“The article discusses the history of flipped learning in higher education, a technique in which media is leveraged to provide instruction outside of the class meeting,” Ent explained. “The technique is designed to allow class time to become more active and productive for students and teachers. The article provides an historical survey beginning with the visual instruction movement of the 1900s through military and adult learning advancements found common in today’s higher education courses.”
TechTrends is a leading publication for professionals in the educational communication and technology field.
Ent’s research areas include historical advancements in instructional technology. Similar research published by Ent includes the use and practices of 1900 technologies in the schoolroom.
SVC EDUCATION CHAIR AUTHORS ARTICLE ABOUT FLIPPED LEARNING
LATROBE, PA – Dr. Veronica I. Ent, associate professor and chair of education in the Saint Vincent College School of Social Sciences, Communication and Education, authored an article, Is Flipped Learning Really New to Academia?, in the May 2016 issue of Journal: Tech Trends.
“The article discusses the history of flipped learning in higher education, a technique in which media is leveraged to provide instruction outside of the class meeting,” Ent explained. “The technique is designed to allow class time to become more active and productive for students and teachers. The article provides an historical survey beginning with the visual instruction movement of the 1900s through military and adult learning advancements found common in today’s higher education courses.”
TechTrends is a leading publication for professionals in the educational communication and technology field.
Ent’s research areas include historical advancements in instructional technology. Similar research published by Ent includes the use and practices of 1900 technologies in the schoolroom.
April 20, 2016
SAINT VINCENT COLLEGE HONORS DR. VERONICA ENT WITH BONIFACE WIMMER FACULTY AWARD
LATROBE, PA – Dr. Veronica I. Ent, associate professor and chairperson of education and graduate program director in the Saint Vincent College School of Social Sciences, Communication and Education, was honored with the presentation of the Boniface Wimmer Faculty Award at the Saint Vincent College spring Honors Convocation on April 20 in Saint Vincent Basilica.
Named for the founder of Saint Vincent and the pioneer of Benedictine monasticism in the United States, the Boniface Wimmer award recognizes a senior faculty member for sustained excellence.
Ent earned a bachelor of arts degree in elementary education from the University of Findlay, master’s degrees in art education and curriculum and instruction from Ohio University, and a doctorate in instruction and learning from the University of Pittsburgh.
“Dr. Ent’s educational research spans the pedagogical spectrum from work on web-based and computer learning to examining the one-room school house,” commented Dr. John Smetanka, vice president for academic affairs and academic dean in making the presentation. “She has pioneered hybrid learning in both her own courses and the curriculum of the education programs. Never shying away from innovation, Dr. Ent was one of the first faculty members at the college to use the resources of the Fred Rogers Archive for the development of teaching modules and a template Fred Rogers lesson plan. She is a frequent presenter and reviewer for the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Besides her work preparing the next generation of teachers she was the founder and serves as the coach of the Saint Vincent equestrian team. She shares her love for horses with students, some who have never ridden, each Friday afternoon.”
“Primarily teaching in the graduate programs, most of Dr. Ent’s students are working as teachers while furthering their education pursuing a master’s degree or certification,” Smetanka continued. “Her students describe her as very knowledgeable, helpful outside regular class times and generous with her support. One student wrote, ‘her course introduced a variety of educational technology strategies that I can easily incorporate into my classroom.’ Another relayed that Dr. Ent, ‘was helpful and patient with those of us who are not as technologically advanced.’ One alumnae reflecting on her experience shared, ’as my adviser, Dr. Ent pushed me to seek professional experiences where I gained the knowledge and skills that enabled me to have the job I enjoy today.’”
“Dr. Ent, the college and especially your students, appreciate your drive for curricular innovation, your care and coaching in the classroom, online and on the equestrian field, and your commitment to advancing the profession of education. It is with sincere gratitude for your continuous dedication, generosity of time and talent and outstanding service in so many different ways that we recognize you with the 2016 Boniface Wimmer Faculty Award.”
“This moment is not just for me, but one to share with everyone who has believed and continued to support me throughout the years,” Ent commented upon accepting the award. “I must thank my students for what they give to me. They make each day an inspiration. It is an honor to be part of their lives. I also thank and recognize my hardworking education faculty for their steadfast support because without them none of my contributions would have been possible.”
Ent lives in Saltsburg, with her husband, Len, and near to her mother’s farm where the Saint Vincent College equestrian team and club practice.
SAINT VINCENT COLLEGE HONORS DR. VERONICA ENT WITH BONIFACE WIMMER FACULTY AWARD
LATROBE, PA – Dr. Veronica I. Ent, associate professor and chairperson of education and graduate program director in the Saint Vincent College School of Social Sciences, Communication and Education, was honored with the presentation of the Boniface Wimmer Faculty Award at the Saint Vincent College spring Honors Convocation on April 20 in Saint Vincent Basilica.
Named for the founder of Saint Vincent and the pioneer of Benedictine monasticism in the United States, the Boniface Wimmer award recognizes a senior faculty member for sustained excellence.
Ent earned a bachelor of arts degree in elementary education from the University of Findlay, master’s degrees in art education and curriculum and instruction from Ohio University, and a doctorate in instruction and learning from the University of Pittsburgh.
“Dr. Ent’s educational research spans the pedagogical spectrum from work on web-based and computer learning to examining the one-room school house,” commented Dr. John Smetanka, vice president for academic affairs and academic dean in making the presentation. “She has pioneered hybrid learning in both her own courses and the curriculum of the education programs. Never shying away from innovation, Dr. Ent was one of the first faculty members at the college to use the resources of the Fred Rogers Archive for the development of teaching modules and a template Fred Rogers lesson plan. She is a frequent presenter and reviewer for the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Besides her work preparing the next generation of teachers she was the founder and serves as the coach of the Saint Vincent equestrian team. She shares her love for horses with students, some who have never ridden, each Friday afternoon.”
“Primarily teaching in the graduate programs, most of Dr. Ent’s students are working as teachers while furthering their education pursuing a master’s degree or certification,” Smetanka continued. “Her students describe her as very knowledgeable, helpful outside regular class times and generous with her support. One student wrote, ‘her course introduced a variety of educational technology strategies that I can easily incorporate into my classroom.’ Another relayed that Dr. Ent, ‘was helpful and patient with those of us who are not as technologically advanced.’ One alumnae reflecting on her experience shared, ’as my adviser, Dr. Ent pushed me to seek professional experiences where I gained the knowledge and skills that enabled me to have the job I enjoy today.’”
“Dr. Ent, the college and especially your students, appreciate your drive for curricular innovation, your care and coaching in the classroom, online and on the equestrian field, and your commitment to advancing the profession of education. It is with sincere gratitude for your continuous dedication, generosity of time and talent and outstanding service in so many different ways that we recognize you with the 2016 Boniface Wimmer Faculty Award.”
“This moment is not just for me, but one to share with everyone who has believed and continued to support me throughout the years,” Ent commented upon accepting the award. “I must thank my students for what they give to me. They make each day an inspiration. It is an honor to be part of their lives. I also thank and recognize my hardworking education faculty for their steadfast support because without them none of my contributions would have been possible.”
Ent lives in Saltsburg, with her husband, Len, and near to her mother’s farm where the Saint Vincent College equestrian team and club practice.
March 23, 2016
SVC EDUCATION PROFESSOR AUTHORS ARTICLE FOR COLLEGE TEACHING JOURNAL ON STUDENT SELF-ASSESSMENT
LATROBE, PA – Dr. Tracy A. McNelly, assistant professor of education in the Saint Vincent College School of Social Sciences, Communication and Education, authored an article, Using a Student Self-Assessment Template to Gauge Student Learning, in the educational journal College Teaching.
“The article describes the use of self-assessment with students in the college classroom, underpinning the importance of providing students with clear learning targets and evaluative criteria upon which to assess their understanding of the day’s learning,” McNelly explained. “It further elaborates on how college teachers can use self-assessment to become more responsive to the needs of their students and thus improve overall classroom instruction.”
Feb. 2, 2016
SVC EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO PRESENT LECTURE ON INNOVATION AND LEARNING MARCH 15
LATROBE, PA – Saint Vincent College Education Department will present a lecture by Dr. Bart Rocco, superintendent of the Elizabeth Forward School District, at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 15, in the Performing Arts Center of the Robert S. Carey Student Center. His topic is Innovation and Learning. Admission is free and open to the public.
“Dr. Rocco is known for taking on initiatives that build new learning spaces,” commented Dr. Veronica I. Ent, associate professor and chair of the Saint Vincent College Education Department. “He was awarded and commended by many leaders in the STEM fields as well as by several organizations that focus on innovative education.”
Raised in the Monongahela Valley before pursuing his undergraduate degree in education and communication and master’s degree in education at Duquesne University, Rocco continued his education at California University of Pennsylvania, where he received his principal’s letter, and then at the University of Pittsburgh for a doctoral degree in the educational leadership Department.
Rocco started his career in 1983 as an English teacher at South Park High School and later served as vice principal for one year. In 1993 he moved to Thomas Jefferson High School in the West Jefferson School District, where he served as vice principal until 1997. He became principal there, a position he held until 2006, when he moved to the West Mifflin Area School District as assistant superintendent. He has been superintendent at Elizabeth Forward since 2009.
The lecture will be preceded by a reception with hors d’oeuvres and refreshments at 6:30 p.m.
Pre-registration is requested by visiting www.stvincenteducation.org. For further information, contact Ent at 724-805-2586 or veronica.ent@stvincent.edu.
SVC EDUCATION PROFESSOR AUTHORS ARTICLE FOR COLLEGE TEACHING JOURNAL ON STUDENT SELF-ASSESSMENT
LATROBE, PA – Dr. Tracy A. McNelly, assistant professor of education in the Saint Vincent College School of Social Sciences, Communication and Education, authored an article, Using a Student Self-Assessment Template to Gauge Student Learning, in the educational journal College Teaching.
“The article describes the use of self-assessment with students in the college classroom, underpinning the importance of providing students with clear learning targets and evaluative criteria upon which to assess their understanding of the day’s learning,” McNelly explained. “It further elaborates on how college teachers can use self-assessment to become more responsive to the needs of their students and thus improve overall classroom instruction.”
Feb. 2, 2016
SVC EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO PRESENT LECTURE ON INNOVATION AND LEARNING MARCH 15
LATROBE, PA – Saint Vincent College Education Department will present a lecture by Dr. Bart Rocco, superintendent of the Elizabeth Forward School District, at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 15, in the Performing Arts Center of the Robert S. Carey Student Center. His topic is Innovation and Learning. Admission is free and open to the public.
“Dr. Rocco is known for taking on initiatives that build new learning spaces,” commented Dr. Veronica I. Ent, associate professor and chair of the Saint Vincent College Education Department. “He was awarded and commended by many leaders in the STEM fields as well as by several organizations that focus on innovative education.”
Raised in the Monongahela Valley before pursuing his undergraduate degree in education and communication and master’s degree in education at Duquesne University, Rocco continued his education at California University of Pennsylvania, where he received his principal’s letter, and then at the University of Pittsburgh for a doctoral degree in the educational leadership Department.
Rocco started his career in 1983 as an English teacher at South Park High School and later served as vice principal for one year. In 1993 he moved to Thomas Jefferson High School in the West Jefferson School District, where he served as vice principal until 1997. He became principal there, a position he held until 2006, when he moved to the West Mifflin Area School District as assistant superintendent. He has been superintendent at Elizabeth Forward since 2009.
The lecture will be preceded by a reception with hors d’oeuvres and refreshments at 6:30 p.m.
Pre-registration is requested by visiting www.stvincenteducation.org. For further information, contact Ent at 724-805-2586 or veronica.ent@stvincent.edu.
