Woman of many titles educates ULV
Campus Times
May 17, 2002
Laurel Schroeder is the new assistant professor of education. Schroeder
is a graduate of Pacific Oaks College and holds a degree in nursing and
family therapy. Schroeder, who has taught at ULV as an adjunct professor,
came from the Monrovia Unified School District, where she worked as a consultant
at the Healthy Start Program. The program serves troubled youths who are
involved with gangs and exhibit violent behavior.
The University of La Verne has several new professors this year. Although
Laurie Schroeder is not new to ULV, this is her first year teaching here
full-time. She is now on hand to share even more of her knowledge and service.
As an assistant professor of education, Schroeder teaches classes for
the pupil personnel services credential program for the school of counseling.
She has taught here in the master's program for two years as an adjunct
professor.
Schroeder grew up in South Pasadena and now lives in Claremont.
She earned her master's degree in marriage and family therapy from Pacific
Oaks College in Pasadena.
The program combines bachelor's and master's degrees and is based on
life experience and human expertise.
Schroeder has been a licensed marriage and family therapist for 15 years.
During this time she has also been closely involved with the Angeles
Community Counseling Center in Monrovia.
Through the Center, Schroeder got involved in Monrovia schools as a
consultant. She decided to get her credential so she could work more effectively
in a school environment.
Teaching is something Schroeder said she has always enjoyed and it has
always been part of what she has done.
"I've always been heading toward education and interaction,"
she said.
She has taught at many different levels, including adult classes for
23 years.
She said she enjoys working with adults because of the "interplay
and issues at this level." She added that she often learns as much
as or more than her students.
Schroeder said she has always known about ULV. She earned her pupil
personnel services credential here, and her husband earned his master's
degree in public administration here as well.
The education program at ULV is something Schroeder is "very proud
to be associated with." She added that ULV has a "very inclusive
faculty. They are very supportive."
Schroeder feels that the relationships with students and staff are the
most important part of her job. She said it is rewarding to be able to provide
a stimulating learning environment and watch what comes from it.
Community service is something that Schroeder has been involved in since
she was a child.
Although her causes have changed over the years, Schroeder said it is
in her nature to be an activist and an advocate.
She is currently focused on environmental issues, rights of children
and making sure at-risk students have a voice.
She is also a member of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network,
which is a national organization that works to end anti-gay bias in schools.
In addition to all of this, Schroeder is currently working on her Ph.D.
in educational studies at Claremont Graduate University.
Bob Hansen, associate professor of education and chair of the school
counselor preparatory program, is Schroeder's former teacher and now her
colleague.
"She is one of the sharpest students I have ever had," he
said. "She has wonderful people skills, is a team player and is pleasant
to be around. I can't speak highly enough of her."
Hansen said Schroeder already knew a great deal when she came to ULV.
Since then he has seen her grow and learn more about working in a school
environment.
Not only is Schroeder a teacher, student and therapist; she is also
a wife and mother of three.
She has been married for 30 years and has one daughter and two sons.
Her daughter is also getting a master's degree in education.
Schroeder said it is neat that they both have an interest in education.
In her free time, Schroeder likes to take classes in whatever subjects
interest her at the moment.
She recently moved into a house that was built in the early 1900s and
she enjoys restoring it when she has time.
She said working on her Ph.D. is keeping her busy enough right now.
Schroeder said she loves California and plans to stay here.
"Some of us just can't get away," she joked.
