LATROBE, PA – Education majors at Saint Vincent College’s School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences had the opportunity to experience the excitement and challenge of professional interviews during a mock interview event held from 4-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 30, in the Fred M. Rogers Center.
The event brought together local school district administrators who conducted Round 1-style interviews with Saint Vincent’s preservice teachers. Administrators provided personalized, constructive feedback to each student, helping them refine their professional presentation skills, strengthen their interview responses and prepare for future teaching positions.
“This experience is invaluable for our students,” said Dr. Tracy McNelly, associate professor and chair of the Education Department. “It bridges the gap between coursework and real-world application.”
“Having local administrators take time to mentor our students speaks volumes about the strength of our partnerships and our shared commitment to preparing the next generation of teachers,” Dr. William Rullo, assistant professor in the Education Department, added.
Participants represented a range of school districts across the region, including Greater Latrobe, Greensburg Salem, Penn-Trafford, Derry Area, Norwin, Ligonier Valley, Hempfield Area and Christ the Divine Teacher, among others. Administrators also offered insights into hiring expectations, resume design and the qualities that make a candidate stand out in today’s competitive educational job market.
The mock interview event is part of Saint Vincent College’s professional preparation series, designed to give education students authentic experiences that enhance their confidence and readiness for the teaching profession.
For more information about teacher preparation programs at Saint Vincent College, visit the Education Department’s page online.
