LATROBE, PA – The Saint Vincent College Education Department welcomed approximately 120 future educators to its second annual Education Convention on Wednesday, Sept. 23, bringing together Saint Vincent students, faculty, classroom teachers and school administrators for an afternoon focused on belonging, school safety, positive school culture and the important role educators play in their students’ lives.
The event featured keynote speaker Jennifer Nesser, a second-grade teacher in the Laurel Highlands School District and a Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year finalist. Nesser opened the convention with an inspirational message centered on the theme, “Belonging Builds Belief, and Belief Builds Achievement.”
Throughout her keynote address, Nesser emphasized the importance of creating classrooms in which every child feels seen, valued and supported. She encouraged Saint Vincent’s future educators to recognize that students’ sense of belonging can have a powerful influence on their confidence, engagement and academic success.
Following Nesser’s presentation, students participated in breakout sessions designed to address topics they will encounter as they enter classrooms and schools.
James “Pete” Klugh, middle school principal in the Southmoreland School District, led a session focused on school safety, providing future educators with practical information about their responsibilities in creating and maintaining safe learning environments.
Dr. Eric Knorr, assistant superintendent, and Zach Just, high school principal, both of the Belle Vernon Area School District, presented a session on building a positive school culture. Their discussion emphasized relationships, communication, leadership and the ways teachers contribute to creating a school environment in which students and educators can thrive.
“The Education Convention gives our students an opportunity to learn from outstanding educators who are doing this work every day,” said Dr. Tracy McNelly, professor of education and chair of the College’s Education Department, housed in the School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. “Our students learn a great deal in their coursework and field experiences, but there is tremendous value in bringing practicing teachers and school leaders to campus to share their experiences, challenges and advice. Jennifer’s message about belonging, along with the conversations surrounding school safety and positive school culture, reinforced something we want all our future educators to understand: teaching is ultimately about relationships and creating environments where students know they matter and believe they can succeed.”
The Education Convention was created to provide Saint Vincent’s preservice educators with additional opportunities to engage with practicing professionals and explore timely issues affecting today’s schools. The event also allows students at different stages of their teacher-preparation programs to come together as a professional learning community.
“Our goal is for students to leave an event like this not only with new knowledge but also thinking more deeply about the kind of educator they want to become,” McNelly said. “We are grateful to our speakers for investing their time in our students and helping prepare the next generation of teachers.”
The Saint Vincent College Education Department prepares students for careers in education through coursework, extensive field experiences, partnerships with area schools and community organizations, and opportunities to learn directly from practicing educators and educational leaders.
