SAINT VINCENT COLLEGE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
  • Home
    • Upcoming Events >
      • Teach the Future 2021: Engaging Our Future Teachers
    • Directory
    • Learn More About Our Programs
    • Contact Us
  • Testing Info.
    • Test Preparation
  • Forms
    • Clearance Requirements
    • Observation Forms
    • Lesson & Unit Plans
    • Act 48
    • Graduate Forms
    • PECT Retake Voucher
    • PECT & Praxis Fee Waiver Request Form
    • Education Student Handbook
    • Writing Resources
  • Field Experiences
    • Undergraduate Field Experiences
    • Pre-Student Teaching >
      • Application
    • Student Teaching
    • PA Code of Professional Practice
    • Special Programs for Field Experience >
      • STEP-UP
      • Challenge
      • Professional Development Opportunities
  • Service Award
  • Teaching with Technology
    • Makerspace >
      • Makerspace Gallery
    • Online Teaching Strategies Archive
    • Technology Resources
    • Theoretical Foundation: Integrated Technology
  • Teacher Certification
    • Teacher License Reciprocity
    • Program Exit Criteria
    • Applying for Certification (TIMS)
    • Request for Certification Placeholder Letter
    • ED411 Exit Interview
  • Stay Connected
    • Alumni >
      • Alumni Contact Update
    • News Archive
    • JOB POSTINGS
    • Career Connections
    • ED Blogs >
      • Dr. Tracy McNelly: Teach Inspire Lead
    • Photos / Videos
    • Clubs >
      • Education Club
      • Early Childhood Club
      • Kappa Delta Pi
      • Equestrian Club
  • MEET US
    • Staff >
      • Ms. Joan Roach
      • Ms. Makayla McMullen
    • Faculty >
      • Dr. Veronica Ent, Chair
      • Dr. Kathleen Beining
      • Dr. Jennifer Buxton
      • Fr. Philip Kanfush
      • Dr. Tracy McNelly
      • Dr. Stacie Nowikowski
      • Dr. William Rullo
      • Dr. Aaron Sams
      • Dr. Dawn Turkovich
    • Adjunct Faculty >
      • Ms. Allison Arendas
      • Mr. Eric Bartels
      • Mrs. Carol Borland
      • Ms. Deborah Fischer
      • Ms. Tammy Lyons
      • Dr. Joseph Sciullo
      • Mr. James Simpson
  • Graduate Degrees & Endorsements
    • How to Apply
    • Graduate Certifications and Endorsements >
      • PK-12 Special Education
      • PK-12 Online Instruction
      • PK-12 Reading Specialist
      • PK-12 Integrated STEM Education
      • Early Learning Leadership - Director
    • Masters in Education >
      • Counselor Education >
        • Counselor Internship Documents
      • Curriculum and Instruction
      • Instructional Design and Technology >
        • Online Endorsement K-12
      • Educational Leadership
      • Special Education
    • Graduate Fellowships & Assistants
    • Exit Criteria for Graduate and Endorsement Programs
  • Telepresence Robots & Remote Access
    • More Information & Reserving a Robot

Dr. Tracy McNelly
Picture
Education Department
Title(s): 
Associate Professor/Certification Officer
Office: Carey 20
Phone: 724-805-2447
Email: tracy.mcnelly@stvincent.edu

Biography: Dr. Tracy McNelly is an Associate Professor in the Education Department at Saint Vincent College where she teaches courses in both the undergraduate and graduate programs and advises Kappa Delta Pi, the Education Honor Society. Prior to entering her career in higher education, Dr. Tracy McNelly taught secondary English and journalism for several years and served as a reading specialist in a high school setting. Following her teaching career, she began a career in school administration where she held the position of junior and senior high assistant principal, Director of Pupil Personnel Services, Director of Secondary Education and Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education, all in public school systems. Her areas of research include media literacy, PK-12 literacy, and the impact of technology on literacy skills. Dr. McNelly has numerous scholarly publications related to her research interests and she has presented at both the national, state and local levels. She received her D.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in Indiana, PA. 

  • Degrees
  • Certifications
  • Courses
  • Professional Activity
<
>
Post Doctoral Studies, Superintendent's Letter of Eligibility
University of Pittsburgh
August 2006

D.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction 
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
December 2004

M.Ed. in Reading
University of Pittsburgh
April 1994

B.S. in Secondary English Education
Duquesne University
​May 1990

Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility
Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction K-12
Secondary Principal
Reading Specialist K-12
English 7-12
Graduate:
GCED 620 Assessment and Diagnostics
GCED 680 Supervision of Instruction
GCRS 603 Foundations of Literacy
GCRS Complex Text and Disciplinary Literacy


Undergraduate:
CL129 Young Adult Fiction 
ED100 Foundations of Education
ED101 Field Experience: PreK-4
ED115 Educational Psychology
ED237 Teaching of Humanities for Middle and Special Learners
ED220 Reading, Writing and Differentiation in the Content Areas
ED 301 Teaching of English, 7-12
ED381 Educational Testing
ED410 Student Teaching, Field V
ED411 Professional Seminar

CORE:
CORE1502: Adolescent Literature
Publications
Harvey, J., McNelly, T. A., & Buxton, J. A. (2022). Toward a media literate world: Exploring secondary educators’ challenges incorporating media literacy education in the United States​. Media Education Research Journal, 11(2), 1-21. 

McNelly, T. A. (2022). Fighting fake news: Media literacy resources for middle level educators. Betwixt and Between, 6(1), 8-17. 

McNelly, T. A., and Harvey, J. (2022). Using digital game apps and multimodal electronic books to promote intergenerational relationships among early childhood children and older adults. In Renck Jalongo, M., & Crawford, P. (Eds.). Intergenerational Bonds: The Contributions of Older Adults to Young Children’s Lives. Springer Nature.

McNelly, T. A., & Harvey, J. (2021). Media Literacy Instruction in Today’s Classrooms: A Study of Teachers’ Knowledge, Confidence, and Integration. Journal of Media Literacy Education, 13(1), 108-130.

McNelly, T. A. (2021). The effects of student created videos on vocabulary knowledge. Academic Exchange Quarterly, 25 (3), http://www.rapidintellect.com/AEQweb/ed-6047.pdf.

McNelly, T. A. (2019). Preservice Teacher Perceptions of a Field Experience Within a SixthGrade English Language Arts Classroom. Pennsylvania Teacher Educator, 18, 1-13.

​
McNelly, T. A. (2018). Selecting ‘just right’ electronic books for the early childhood classroom. Kappa Delta Pi Record, 54(1), 23-29.

McNelly, T. A. (2018). Student teachers' views on using digital storytelling. Academic Exchange Quarterly, 22(3), 17-23.

Conrad Barnyak, N., & McNelly, T. (2016). The literacy skills and motivation to read of children enrolled in Title I: A comparison of electronic and print nonfiction books. Early Childhood Education Journal, 45(5), 527-536.

McNelly, T. A. (2016). Using a student self-assessment template to gauge student learning. College Teaching Journal, 64(4), 204-205.


Conrad Barnyak, N., & McNelly, T. (2015). The literacy skills and motivation to read of children enrolled in Title I: A comparison of electronic and print nonfiction books. Early Childhood Education Journal. 43, 1-10
 
McNelly, T. A., & DeMore, C. (Spring, 2015). Using a professional learning community framework for sustained professional development. Pennsylvania Education Leadership, 34(2).
 
Conrad Barnyak, N., & McNelly, T. A. (2015). Supporting young children’s visual literacy through the use of e-books. In Heider, L. L & Jalongo, M. R. (Eds.), Young children and families in the information age: Applications of technology in early childhood (pp. 15-41). Dordrecht, Netherlands: Springer Science + Business Media.
 
McNelly, T. (2014). Creating a culture of STEM-mindedness in the Norwin School District. Math and Science Collaborative Journal, 20, 40-41.
​
Conrad Barnyak, N. & McNelly, T. A. (2009). An urban school district’s parent involvement: A study of teachers’ and administrators’ beliefs and practices. The School Community Journal, 19(1), 33-58.
 
McNelly, T. (2005). Every teacher is a teacher of reading: Training content area teachers   to teach reading. The Pennsylvania Administrator, 8(1), 19-21.

McNelly, T. (2002). Teacher Evaluation: Using Teacher Portfolios to Document Professional Growth and Evaluate Performance.  Principal Leadership, 3(4), 55-59.

Presentations
McNelly, T. A., & Harvey, J. (January 2023). Building a Media Literate World Through Preservice Teacher Training in Media Literacy Education. Presented at the Ora et Labora conference, Saint Vincent College.

Harvey, J., & McNelly, T. A. (November 2022). 
Navigating the Media Saturated World: Finding Child Friendly Learning Resources and Apps. Presented at the Schooling Your Way Conference. Saint Vincent College, Latrobe, PA. 

Harvey, J. & McNelly, T. A. (July 2022). Building a Media Literacy World Through Pre-Service Teacher Training in Media Literacy Education. Presented at the National Association for Media Literacy Education (NAMLE) conference, virtual event. 


McNelly, T. A. (November 2021). Fighting Fake News: Resources and Tools for Teaching Students About Media Literacy. Small Group Session. Presented at Kappa Delta Pi Convocation, Virtual Event.

McNelly, T. A. (October 2021). Fighting Fake News: Building Pre-Service Teacher Understanding About Media Literacy Education. Small Group Session. Presented at PAC-TE, Harrisburg, PA.

Harvey, J. & McNelly, T. A. (2019). Media Literacy in the Secondary Classroom: Teachers’ Perspectives. Research Symposium. Presented at the National Association for Media Literacy Education (NAMLE) conference, Washington, D.C.

McNelly, T. A. (2019). Preservice Teacher Perceptions of a Field Experience Within a SixthGrade English Language Arts Classroom. Journal Session. Presented at PAC-TE, Harrisburg, PA.

McNelly, T. A., & Ent, V. (2019). Teach the Future: An Event Focused on Recruiting and Engaging Our Future Teachers. Small Group Session. Presented at PAC-TE, Harrisburg, PA.

McNelly, T. A., & Harvey, J. (2019). Discover Media Literacy Tools and Resources for Your Classroom. Small Group Session. Presented at the Technology, Media, and Information Literacy Conference, Saint Vincent College, PA.

McNelly, T. A., & Conrad Barnyak, N. (2019). How to Select Just Right Electronic Books for the Early Childhood Classroom. Presented at the Technology, Media, and Information Literacy Conference, Saint Vincent College, PA.

McNelly, T. A., & Nowikowski, S. (2018). Painting a Portrait of Professionalism: Revolutionizing Teacher Portfolios through Danielson & Digital Storytelling. Small Group Session. Presented at PAC-TE, Harrisburg, PA.

McNelly, T. A. (2018). Bringing Text to Life with Digital Storytelling. Presented at the Association for Middle Level Education Annual Conference, Orlando, FL (October 2018).

McNelly, T. A. (2017). STEAM Forward Learning: Connecting Pre-service and In-service Educators in Learning About Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics. Small Group Session. Presented at PAC-TE, Harrisburg, PA. Ent, V.,

McNelly, T. A., & Franicola, J. (2017). Orbiting Third Spaces: Using Disparate School Settings to Create Unique Learning Opportunities for In-Service, Pre-Service, and Teacher Educators. Small Group Session. Presented at PAC-TE, Harrisburg, PA.

McNelly, T. A. (2016). Blogging as Reflective Dialogue: Communication Between Pre-service and Practicing English Teachers. Poster Session Presented at PAC-TE, Harrisburg, PA.

Conrad Barnyak, N., & McNelly, T. A. (2015). Scaffolding Instruction for Struggling Writers in the Early Childhood Classroom. Small Group Session. Presented at PAC-TE, Harrisburg, PA.

Conrad Barnyak, N., & McNelly, T. A. (2014). Selecting and Using E-books to Support Young Children's Literacy Acquisition, Pennsylvania Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development Conference, Hershey, PA.


Scaffolding Instruction for Struggling Writers in the Early Childhood Classroom. Presented at the PAC-TE, Harrisburg, Pa, October 28-30, 2015.
 
Conrad Barnyak, N., & McNelly, T. A. (2014). Integrating E-books in the Early Childhood Classroom: Advancing Young Children’s Vocabulary and Comprehension Development. Small Group Session Presented at the PAC-TE, Harrisburg, PA.

Conrad Barnyak, N. & McNelly, T. (2014). Using E-Books or Trade Books with Children at Risk: A Comparison of Literacy Skills. Poster presented at the American Education Research Association (AERA) Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, PA.

McNelly, T. A. & Palmer, C. (2013). Reaching the Common Core: Engaging Students in Authentic Writing in the Social Studies Classroom, Pennsylvania Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development Conference, Hershey, PA.

Conrad Barnyak, N., & McNelly, T. A. (2013). Incorporating Read-Alouds in the Early Childhood Classroom: Fostering Young Children’s Vocabulary Acquisition and Comprehension. Presented at the PAC-TE, Harrisburg, PA.

Conrad Barnyak, N. & McNelly, T. A. (2013). Supporting Young Children’s Comprehension and Vocabulary Development through the Use of eBooks, Bloomsburg University Literacy and Learning Conference, PA.

Conrad Barnyak, N. & McNelly, T. A. 2012). Using Informational Mentor Texts: Providing a Writing Apprenticeship in Room Early Childhood and Middle Level Classrooms, Presented at the PAC-TE, Harrisburg, PA.

Conrad Barnyak, N. & McNelly, T. A. (2011). Providing Strategic Feedback during Writing Workshops: Nurturing Students’ Writing Through Student/Teacher Conferencing. Presented at the PAC-TE, Harrisburg, PA.

Conrad Barnyak, N. & McNelly, T. A. (2011). Utilizing E-books in the Early Childhood Classroom. Presented at the 2011 International Reading Association 55th Annual Conference, Orlando, FL.

McNelly, T. A. (2010). Using Our New Teacher Induction Program to Lay the Foundation for Professional Learning Communities. Pennsylvania Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development Conference, Hershey, PA.

McNelly, T. A. (2007). An Urban School District’s Parental Involvement: a Study of Teachers’ and Administrators’ Beliefs and Practices. Paper presented at the American Education Research Association (AERA) Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL.

McNelly, T. A. (2006). Special Education and General Education Teachers’ Perceptions and Attitudes of Inclusion for Students with Disabilities. Paper presented at the American Education Research Association (AERA) Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA.


McNelly, T. A. (2005). A Study of Self-Efficacy, Instructional Practices, and Uses of Technology. Paper presented at the American Educational Research Association (AERA) Annual Meeting, Montreal, Canada.

Hooks, J., Pierce, A., Corbett, F., and McNelly, T. 2005. Looping: How it can work in higher education. Research in Progress presented at the New England Educational Research Organization, Northampton, Massachusetts.

Corbett, F., Aikens, P., Conrad, N., McNelly, T., & Shomo, J. (2005). Looking for Role Models: Where have all the minority teachers gone? Research in Progress presented at the New England Educational Research Organization, Northampton, Massachusetts.

McNelly, T. A. (2004). Nurturing Students’ Writing Through Student-Teacher Conferencing. Presented at the Pennsylvania Association of Federal Program Coordinators Annual Conference, Seven Springs Resort, Donegal, PA.

McNelly, T. A. (2003). Unlocking Student Discussion: Using Literature Circles in Elementary and Intermediate School Classrooms. Presented at the XXIX Family Involvement Conference, King of Prussia, PA.

McNelly, T. A. & Conrad, N. (2003). Unlocking Student Discussion: Using Literature Circles in Elementary and Intermediate School Classrooms. Presented at The Pennsylvania Association of Federal Program Coordinators: Title I Improving School Performance Conference, Pittsburgh, PA.

Conrad, N. K. & McNelly, T. A. (2003). Teaching Reading: If Not Me, Then Who? Presented at the Admiral Perry Unified In-Service, Penn Cambria, PA.


​Recent Grants
​
Project Lead the Way, Chevron Grant (2015). Received $45,000 for Project Lead the Way Engineering Program implementation in the Norwin High School.
 
Grable Foundation Grant (2013). Received $59,000 for Robotics on the Hill to finish the robotics continuum and bring robotics and STEM concepts into grades 5 and 6.
 
Grable Foundation (2012). Received $16,000 for The Robotic Knights to bring robotics and STEM concepts into the grade 3 curriculum at all four Norwin elementary schools. 
Picture
Picture
Saint Vincent College | 300 Fraser Purchase Road Latrobe, PA 15650-2690

CONTACT the education department

Main Office: Ground Floor Prep Hall
​(below the Library)

Phone: 724-805-2096
Assistant: joan.roach@stvincent.edu
Hours: 9am-5pm