Sister Roseann, A Time for Everything

If you spend any time paging through old NFA photo albums you’ll surely find more than a few shots of Sister Roseann Tribuani sitting patiently with a group of students as she helps them achieve new academic milestones. To say that Sister Roseann is a master teacher is an understatement. Over the past 38 years, she has positively transformed the lives of countless students that passed through JLA (Junior Level Montessori A) and given them a strong foundation for future successes.

“The NFA community will always remain in Sister Roseann’s debt for the incredible impact she has made on our school and the countless lives she has touched,” said Dr. Ryan Killeen, President of NFA, following Sister Roseann’s announcement to retire from her full-time teaching role at NFA in April. “Her expertise, passion for Montessori education and deep commitment to living her faith have shaped the very core of our school. Her 38 years of generous service are remarkable to say the least. Each day. Sister Roseann embodies Maxim 39: ‘Make a wholehearted gift of yourself.’” For Sister Roseann, going into education was something she chose a few years into her career and we are forever grateful that she had the realization to switch professions. “I had a few different part-time job experiences through my high school years,” said Sister Roseann. “After graduation, I worked full-time at a bank in Center City. While I enjoyed all these experiences and learned so much from them, I was seeking something more. I heard about the Cadet Program (part-time student in college and full-time teaching). I decided to try it. Shortly after I started my classes at St. Joseph’s University, I heard of a job opening right in my neighborhood, at Our Lady of the Rosary School. The rest is history. In later years, I realized this was in God’s plan for me. This is where I met the Sisters of St. Joseph up close, and began to fall in love with the ministry of teaching. It was clearly God’s plan for me.” The youngest of five children, Sister Roseann grew up in a Catholic household on North 64th Street in West Philadelphia. She was taught by the Cabrini Sisters at St. Donato Grade School before moving onto West Catholic Girls’ High School. Following her banking career, Sister Roseann earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and a Masters degree in Early Childhood Education from Chestnut Hill College. She later went to went to New York to complete her Montessori training and certification from the Center for Montessori Teacher Education.

Sister began her teaching career in 1969 at Our Lady of the Rosary School in Philadelphia. She went on to teach at St. Athanasius School in West Oak Lane, St. Denis School in Manasquan, New Jersey and Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Roxborough before making NFA her home in 1983.

In her next role, Sister Roseann will remain a vital member of NFA as a mentor in Montessori education, ambassador and liaison in our partnerships. We are so blessed to have Sister Roseann continue in this newly created role. “Over 38 years I have so much to be grateful for from the NFA Community,” said Sister Roseann. “I have worked with so many amazing and caring staff members over the years. I have been enriched and learned so much from them. They have encouraged, embraced, and shared so much of life with me. The relationships I have formed with both students, family and staff have truly enriched my life. Being able to live the SSJ mission at NFA and pass it on, ‘to live and work so all will be united with God and with one another,’ has been the greatest gift.”

What do you want the world to know about Montessori education?

“Montessori education is a very holistic and relational way of educating students. Students grow in independence, learn to manage their time, become experienced in working in groups, and are given the freedom to explore areas of academics that interest them. The multi-aged environment and being part of the same class for three years has many advantages both for teachers and students. It builds community, encourages mentorships, builds relationships and leadership.”

What do you love about teaching and working with young people?

“Teaching in a Montessori environment allows me to get to know the students and their families so well since I am with them for three consecutive years. I really love watching how they grow and change and become confident and self-aware of their many gifts over the years. I also enjoy sharing my gifts, stories, and faith with them. It builds our trust and relationships.

What do you love about teaching?

“I enjoy teaching and working with children, especially 6-9 year olds. They are eager to learn, engaging and fun to be around. I can have many levels of conversation with them.”

EXTRA CREDIT:

“Being part of their lives has been a gift, blessing and a privilege for me. I am so very grateful!”

What is a memorable quote or verse that you live by?

“Do and be your best and God will do the rest.”

What does the next page of life look like for you? Dreams? Goals? Passion projects?

“As I step into a new chapter of my life, I don’t have specific dreams or plans. I pray that I will be open to God’s desire for me. I’ve learned that God directs my heart to the right paths. ‘I know the plans I have for you, plans for a future full of hope.’ (Jeremiah 29) “I know I will continue to keep my passion for Montessori education alive and share it in new and different ways. I hope to spend more time with family and friends and with God and nature. I will miss the everyday encounters with students and staff, because for me relationships are at the heart of my mission and ministry.”