LV Life

Pilgreen joins faculty ranks

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. / photo by Heather Morales
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. / photo by Heather Morales

by Sandra Archuleta
Staff Writer

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.

Sandra Archuleta
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Heather Morales
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