Meet Cardinal John Foley Teacher Diane Giordano

Haverford-Havertown Patch is featuring great teachers in the Haverford-Havertown area who deserve some spotlight. Teachers give a lot to their students, schools and studies and we'd like to recognize them and say a simple, thank you, for all that they do. From working in research to cardiac rehab, this math teacher followed her heart and has been teaching for 16 years.

Name: Diane Giordano

School: Cardinal John Foley Regional Catholic School

Grade/Subject: Grades 4-8/Honors Math

Years in the Industry: 16

Teaching Background: I started teaching honors math to fourth through eighth graders at St. Gabriel’s School in Norwood in 1997. After teaching there for a few years, I took the honors math position at Annunciation BVM School in Havertown, where I taught for 11 years. This year, I am excited to be teaching in the newly opened Cardinal John Foley Regional Catholic School.

What do you like most about your job? 

It is all about the students. I love their positive energy and enthusiasm to learn each day. I love being ableto share my passion for math, and more importantly, my passion to continually learn. But the best part isthat the learning is reciprocated: we learn from each other!

Why did you become a teacher? 

After working in research, geriatric fitness, and cardiac rehab, I took some time off and started a family. I loved sharing my passion for math and learning with my own children, so I decided to switch directions and go into teaching. I have loved every moment of it.

What do you like best about your current school (projects, programs or activities that your school is a part of):

Cardinal John Foley Regional Catholic Elementary School is a close community of people committed to the mission of educating the whole child academically and spiritually. The school is made up of a community of learners coming together in faith and mercy. As one community, the pastors Father Haynes and Monsignor Graham, our principal Sheree Montgomery, faculty and staff, parents, and students all come together to celebrate school liturgies and prayer services. During these religious celebrations, the church fills with beautiful music from our student body led by our wonderful children’s choir. The talent, reverence, and dedication of our young people amaze me.

At a young age, the children of Cardinal Foley are learning the importance of service and the impact thesmallest tasks can have on another’s person’s life. I am amazed to see the generosity of our students whenthey prepare breakfast bags and personal cards for soup kitchens or when they raise money to make carepackages for cancer patients.

One of the best parts of our school is definitely the empathy our children begin to develop from the beginning. Another great aspect of the school is the energy and expertise that our dedicated faculty members sharewith the children. They get the students involved and excited about extracurricular activities such as artcontests, Reading Olympics, and MATHCOUNTS.

With the help of dedicated parents, our students areable to participate in even more activities including forensics. Additionally, the vital Home and School Board sponsors many community building events such as Doughnuts with Dad and Trick or Trunk Night. The best part of Cardinal John Foley is the community built around and centered in faith and mercy, and I am blessed to be part of it.