Pilgreen joins faculty ranks
Campus Times
March 7, 1997
In her second year at the University, Janice Pilgreen became a full-time
professor of reading and literacy this semester. Originally a journalism
major at UCLA, she switched to English because she felt that it gave her
an opportunity to teach.
Dr. Janice Pilgreen, a teacher for 22 years at Glendale High School
and two years (part-time) at the University of La Verne, is the new assistant
professor of reading and literacy at ULV.
She was the top candidate for the position, after Jim Dunne, professor
of education, went on to work for another part of ULV.
Dr. Pilgreen said, "It is nice to be here full-time, I can meet
with my students when they have questions or concerns."
Dr. Tom McGuire, professor of education and Education Department chair,
said, "I've been pleased to hire someone full-time that I've worked
with part-time, to see what she has done."
Dr. McGuire said, "I don't know how we could have done better.
She seems to me like a perfect role model for prospective teachers. She
acts all the way and behaves like the perfect teacher."
Dr. John Gingrich, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, refers
to Dr. Pilgreen as a part of the "La Verne kind of people, who has
high expectations, but at the same time gets to know her students on a personal
level."
Dr. Pilgreen said, "It's important to develop a personal relationship
with students. Students are involved in many challenging programs; a lot
of them have families, work and still trying to go to school."
She uses real-life variables in her teaching, which has been a plus
for students. Students react to Dr. Pilgreen in a very casual manner. Jokes
are said by students and laughter is common in her classroom.
Pleased with her selection, were not only Dr. Pilgreen's colleagues,
but also her students. Her students expressed nothing but praise.
The nice, outgoing personality does not affect what Pilgreen is actually
here for. Graduate student, Rachel Neu said, "She's clear and concise,
and just makes everything look easy."
At the same time she is "very reasonable, but demands high quality
of work," said Alice Ibarra, a graduate student.
Neu said, "She'll bend backwards to help you be successful in any
way."
She recalls an instance when Dr. Pilgreen called her at work to see
if everything was all right. That day Neu was not doing to well but she,
"can't believe she'll take the time to really care."
"She's a wonderful addition to the program. She comes with tremendous
background and skill with support from people that you don't usually see,"
said Dr. Peggy Redman, director of teacher education.
Pilgreen said she feels fortunate to be at La Verne. A married woman,
with one daughter, Dr. Pilgreen is quite busy.
"Teaching at the university level is more than a full-time job.
There is no way leaving it here, it is constantly on my mind at home."
Besides Dr. Pilgreen's full-time job at ULV, she still works two hours
a day at Glendale High School as a consultant.