Marianne Canuso to Retire

If you’re looking for a really good walking partner — like top notch —then you might want to consider longtime Norwood-Fontbonne Academy teacher Marianne Canuso. Canuso recently logged more than 200 miles over 13 days walking the Spanish portion of the hilly terrain of the Camino Frances, capturing the natural beauty of Spain’s countryside every step of  the way.

Canuso, who is retiring from NFA, has brought that same passion and perseverance to her teaching over the years as she passed along her love of poetry, reading, writing, and nature to her students. 

"It has been a great honor to work with Marianne Canuso, an amazing educator and colleague," said Dr. Ryan Killeen, Executive Administrator of Sponsorship for the Sisters of Saint Joseph Philadelphia. "Marianne demonstrates expertise as a teacher, provides a supportive and empowering learning environment and generously partners with colleagues. Marianne always leads from the mission of NFA and the SSJ!"

"Marianne’s twenty-three years at NFA have been a gift to our entire community,” said Principal Kathryn Henry. "Her gentle presence in the classroom and the deep care she showed each child made her a truly exceptional teacher. She had a way of making every student feel seen, known, and loved. Marianne was also a generous mentor to our younger teachers, and her impact will be felt for years to come."

Canuso grew up in Glenside and attended St. Luke’s School before moving on to Cheltenham High School and Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. She started her NFA journey as a parent and eagerly applied to join the faculty when a position opened up on the Fontbonne Campus.

“My own children, Julian '06 and Gabrielle '08, were students at NFA,” said Canuso. “I had already loved NFA as a parent and when a second grade position opened up, I jumped at the chance to apply for the job and called Sister Jean. And the rest, as they say, is history.”

As a dedicated Mentor Teacher and member of the NFA Curriculum Council, Canuso has helped elevate NFA’s academic standards allowing the school to better live out the NFA Student Vision Statement each and every day. For her efforts, she was the recipient of the St. Joseph the Dreamer Award in 2024. 

Overall, Canuso taught second grade for 13 years and fourth grade for 10 years; she spent 23 years at NFA and 30 total in education.

“I stayed because of the NFA community - the people. I love my colleagues, my students, and their family,” said Canuso.

Norwood-Fontbonne Academy is in the final stages of hiring a new fourth grade teacher.

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EXTRA CREDIT

 

MOST PROUD OF:

“I am most proud of developing a love of learning within my students. It was always my goal for my students to get excited about their academics and to look forward  to going to school each day. I am proud that I shared my love of ELA with them.”

FAVORITE NFA TRADITIONS:

“My favorite traditions are 8th Grade graduation and dinner dance. I love it as a celebration of each student’s journey through NFA. As they are honored, I picture them when they were a student in my class. My heart is always filled with so much love and pride. As their teachers, we watch our students grow from children to young adults who are ready to leave their NFA home.”

WHAT MARIANNE IS MOST THANKFUL FOR:

“I am most thankful for my wonderful, talented, and supportive colleagues. They were always there for me in good times and in challenging times with a hug or a smile or an encouraging word. I am thankful for my many amazing grade partners, most especially Joan Longo and Becca Vega, who  generously shared their gifts with me.”

WHAT THEY SAID:

"Mrs. Canuso has made a lasting impression on the person I am today. As my second grade teacher, her kindness, patience, and empathy allowed myself and my classmates to learn in a comfortable and welcoming environment. I remember her teaching us about First Communion, practicing receiving communion with goldfish. She reminded us to always hold our hands at our heart when walking up to the altar, and I still follow this guidance over a decade later. Most of all, Mrs. Canuso made me fall in love with learning. I have always looked up to her devotion to others, and I am so grateful to have had her as a teacher. She will be immensely missed at NFA, but her legacy has truly shaped the school forever." -  Campbell Donovan '18

"Mrs. Canuso is such a kind, caring, compassionate teacher who cares so deeply for her students. I had Mrs. Canuso in second grade, and what I remember most about her as a teacher is her calm and gentle nature. She was always so positive and welcoming to all. Some of my favorite memories from second grade with Mrs. Canuso are preparing for and receiving First Holy Communion and the country diorama project. She embodied the NFA mission by making learning so much fun and encouraging all of us to be the best students we could be. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to be taught by Mrs. Canuso. She truly had a positive impact on all of her students and the NFA community."
- Grace Comerford '13

"Although my time in 4B with Mrs. Canuso was eight years ago, I still look back on it with fondness. The friendships I made in her classroom have lasted to this day, and the atmosphere she created was always fun, supportive, and full of positivity which is something I’ve come to appreciate more as I’ve gone through high school. What stands out most to me, though, is Mrs. Canuso’s genuine and unwavering kindness. Whether you were struggling with grammar or feeling sick, she always responded with warmth and understanding. That year in 4B remains an incredibly memorable and positive parts of my childhood, and I have Mrs. Canuso to thank for that." - Paul Henkels '21

WHAT’S NEXT?

“It is time for some new adventures. I am not exactly sure what’s next, but I just knew it was time. I may be leaving NFA, but NFA will never leave me! It is part of me. Every colleague, student, and family member has shaped my life in a unique way, and I thank you! I also want to thank the Sisters of Saint Joseph. It has been my honor and pleasure to work alongside such strong, dynamic, and loving women as a Partner in Mission.”

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SEND MARIANNE A NOTE!

Marianne would love to hear from alumni, parents, and colleagues. CLICK HERE to share a memory with Marianne.

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HONOR MARIANNE WITH A GIFT TO THE NFA FUND!

Making a gift to the school in honor of Marianne's retirement is a wonderful way to celebrate her tenure at NFA. CLICK HERE to make a gift.