About Mrs. Pelligra
" A day without laughter is a day wasted!"
Q and A with Mrs. Pelligra
F.Y.I. - I am a HUGE Star Wars fan and I LOVE the Mandalorian!
Q: What's your first name?
A: Joanne ( We have many wonderful ladies with this same first name in our building!)
Q: How long have you been teaching?
A: Short answer : Over 20 years. The rest is a long story. I graduated from Rutgers with a degree in psychology. After I graduated, I pursued my elementary education certification in 3 states: New Jersey, Arizona, and New York. During that time I worked with children in various settings such as daycare, preschool, Montessori School, Early Head Start, summer camps, and public education. I have had wonderful opportunities working and learning with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and public school experience including kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, and 4th Grade.
"Yes, every year IS different as the dynamics of each class remain UNIQUE!"
Q: How long have you been teaching in Marlboro?
A: This will be my 19th year in the district. ( I taught 1st grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, and 4th Grade in the district).
Q: What's your favorite grade to teach?
A: Teacher's can't say! That's like asking someone which one of your own children is your favorite. Every grade has it's pros and cons.
Q: What's your favorite subject to teach?
A: To be honest I LOVE teaching Literacy, Writing, Math, and Science. ( Not in any particular order). Take notice to which subject is missing! I like Social Studies... I just find the other subjects more exciting. This has been true for me as a teacher and a student.
Q: Do you have any children?
A: Yes, a very sweet daughter named , Bella ,and 3 furry children.
(FYI...The dog's names are Daisy, Dunkin, and Snoopy.) We also have fish.
My house is crazy, funny, loving, and we stay up late. 
Note: If you haven't heard I am a HUGE animal advocate. With 3 dogs, I obviously have a sweet spot in my heart for these amazing, loving creatures but I also LOVE sea turtles, dolphins, elephants, ....well just about any creature!
Q: What career would you like to have if you weren't a teacher?
A: Definitely a marine biologist. My second choice would be some sort of animal behaviorist or animal therapist. Last choice forensic psychologist. ( I LOVE
games and puzzles!)
Q: What do you like best about teaching?
A: Everyday is different. "Life is like a box of chocolates...you never know what you gonna get" That makes it interesting.
Q: What do you like least about teaching?
A: I can't publicly say...just kidding. My answer is that there is not enough time. I can go on and on with teachable moments based on student interest. I enjoy listening to others perspectives, researching topics, and connecting ideas across subjects. There really isn't enough time in the day.
Q: This is a popular teacher question. What is you favorite book or movie?
A: I am into non fiction. I devour science, biographies, latest research etc... I am not into drama or fiction.
Q: How would you describe yourself?
A: Like a bull in a china shop. Bold, honest, responsible, very clumsy, and humorous with lots of integrity. Definitely hard working!
Q: What are your interests outside of school when you are not teaching?
A: Well I don't sleep a lot so I stay up late researching various topics. I don't watch alot of TV. I also have a daughter and 3 dogs. They have a busier social life than I do! We love being outside. We are frequent visitors of the Six Flags Safari, Jenkinsons Boardwalk and Aquarium, and all of the beaches in NJ. We have a boat so we enjoy being out on the water.
I play Sudoku, Woody Puzzle (It's kind of like Tetris), Wordscapes, or read to help me relax! I usually play right before I go to bed.
"We have so much time and so little to do.
Strike that, reverse it."
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
by Roald Dahl
( My favorite author as a teacher!)
Fun Facts!
- My favorite food is eggplant!
- My favorite dessert is cookies, especially chocolate chip.
- My favorite candy is Reese's Peanut Butter Cups or anything chocolate.
- I'm not a fan of roller coasters. ( I'm afraid of heights).