"There's nothing like teaching."

Professor Wagoner Shares Her Endeavors in Wright

By: Kathlyn Talapian

Posted: 2/1/10

Jane Wagoner has seen it all. From volunteering in the PeaceCorps in the Philippines, to being advisor for Student Government and Phi Theta Kappa, she's worked with a compassion for students and teaching. "My motto is to be fair and to be kind to others," Wagoner said.

Wright Times: How long have you been teaching at Wright?
Jane Wagoner: In 1973, I was hired by the Chicago City-wide College to work in the College Acceleration Program wherein I went around to different high schools and taught senior students. I worked there until 1992 when they closed and I was transferred here at Wright. I have been here since then.

WT: What do you like most about community colleges?
JW: I teach at a community college because it's the gateway. We call Wright College this, and truly, it's not just a name because it really means something. Here, we service all students. We can take students who couldn't have opportunities to succeed on other schools or who are academically very strong. At wright, everyone has a seat at the table.

WT: What challenges have you experienced as a teacher?
JW: the most challenging expereience is to get the students to believe in themselves. Particularly with the research paper course, many students come with a feeling that it is going to be hard and so much work. I teach them a step-by-step process, wherein we do a little bit at a time so they don't have to do it all at the last minute.

WT: on the contrary, what is your best experience in teaching?
JW: It would have to be when I teach a class wherein students enjoy being there, and I sense camaraderie. I like it when they start to get to know each other. I love using Blackboard because it builds a ense of community to students.

WT: Who serves as your inspiration in teaching?
JW: It is my mother who taught Social Science in fifth grade. I used to help her, decorating her bulletin boards and checking quizzes with answer sheets.

WT: What is your favorite novel and why?
JW: My favorite book is probably Emma by Jane Austin. Emma is my favorite because of her strong character. She's someone who has been able to draw characters that speak to us even today in terms of love and family struggles. Austin's characters also have flaws they had to accept to form a relationship with someone else.

WT: Did you achieve your dream when you were young?
JW: Actually, my plan was to teach and it happened. I realized that there's nothing like it. I have had a fantastic career and I am retiring soon. I have achieved my dream to teach at the city colleges of Chicago.

WT: What do you do in your spare time?
JW: I read. My husband and I belong to a book club. We also take cooking classes or walk Dr. Watson, our dog that we love.

WT: if you were given the opportunity to visit another country, where would you go and why?
JW: I would probably go back to the Philippines. I was part of the PeaceCorps in the Philippines from 1968-1970. I was stationed in Boac, Marinduque where I taught various classes in Immaculate Concepcion College. I also taught summer classes in University of St. Thomas and Ateneo de Manila University.

WT: What are your best memories of the Philippines?
JW: In Boac, we only had electricity at night, but when America landed on the moon, they flipped the schedule so we could watch the historic event. There is also nothing like the fruits and fish in the Philippines. The mangos are marvelous, and we didn't have meat on the island. I followed the Filipino customs and attended their festivals and parties. It was a wonderful time. If you sit in Manila Bay and watch the sun come down, there's nothing as beautiful as that.

WT: What are other things you learned throughout your stay?
JW: The Filipino people are so gracious and friendly. If they offer you a glass of water, they do it with grace and politeness. We can learn from the fact that they don't have a lot of material goods but have a sense of respect especially for the elders and family. You'll never see an old person neglected in the Philippines. The families take care of each other.