A lifetime of dedication
by St. Martin teacher

By Tom Waring
Times Staff Writer

Like most Catholic elementary-school teachers, Joanne (Royal) Kerrigan goes to work every day for the love of education, not the modest paycheck.
"It doesn’t make you rich monetarily, but it makes for a happy environment," she said of the job. "You don’t have a discipline problem, and the parents and children are appreciative."
On Friday, Kerrigan was honored by St. Martin of Tours for 50 years in the classroom. The educator spent 19 years at St. Carthage in West Philadelphia and Epiphany of Our Lord in Plymouth Meeting and has been at St. Martin’s for 31 years.
At a morning Mass, she was recognized by the Rev. John Kelly, the pastor, during his homily. She received flowers, a plaque, a hanging plant from the music department and a card and generous gift from the parish.
Kelly sang a hymn in honor of her and colleagues Eileen Poole and Lucille Bell, who are both celebrating 25 years of teaching at the Oxford Circle school.
The teachers were given a standing ovation, walked the gifts to the altar, took part in the procession down the aisle after Mass and were treated to an afternoon cookout.
Kerrigan, who was joined by her sister, Sister Joan Clare, was grateful for the recognition and thankful that she’s worked for many nice school administrations and pastors, especially Kelly.
"I love St. Martin of Tours," she said.
Joanne Royal grew up in West Philadelphia and attended Our Lady of the Rosary and West Catholic High School.
At 18, she took a job teaching at St. Carthage. She began taking college credits, learning to teach while she was in the classroom, and eventually graduated from Gwynedd-Mercy in 1970. She earned a master’s degree from Villanova in 1973.
In the 1970s, Kerrigan was teaching at Epiphany, not too far from her Blue Bell home. But when Monsignor Michael Marley, then the pastor at St. Martin’s, offered her a job teaching eighth grade, the West Philly native jumped at the chance.
"I love the city, and I love city kids," she said.
When Kerrigan first entered a classroom as a teacher in the late 1950s, the television character June Cleaver set the fashion trends, getting dressed up to do housework on Leave It to Beaver.
"When I began to teach in 1958, we got directions from the diocesan office to be professional," she said.
Over the years, Kerrigan has maintained that stylish look, always wearing a dress suit with a pin, high heels and pearl earrings. She does take off the heels and wears flat shoes when walking students across the Roosevelt Boulevard overpass at dismissal.
For 20 years, Kerrigan — whose beloved husband John died in 2005 — taught eighth-graders in Room 402. For the last 11 years, she has taught fifth-graders in Room 105.
And she has taught all the subjects.
The students describe her as a nice woman who can be both funny and serious. They know of her love for cookies, sweets and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. A softy, she’ll usually give students a second chance before writing them up in the log book for an infraction. And she helps students understand their wrong answers on tests.
"She’s the greatest teacher I’ve been taught by," said fifth-grader Joe Vallette.
Declaring that "Science can be lots of fun," Kerrigan is well known for hosting the annual Science Bowl, asking questions in a Jeopardy format. She also tries to make science experiments fun.
Fifth-grader Ruth Caetano appreciates her teacher’s efforts. The 11-year-old handed flowers to Kerrigan.
"She’s very nice and a good science teacher," the girl said.
Kerrigan, 68 years young, has taught thousands of students over the years. She notes that the youngsters she taught in her first year at St. Carthage are 58 years old.
All these years later, teaching remains fun for Kerrigan. She doesn’t mind the 20-mile trip from Blue Bell and isn’t especially looking forward to the summer break.
"It’s great for a couple of days, but then it’s boring," she said.
By early September, she’ll be raring to go for her 51st year of teaching. She plans to stay in the classroom for the foreseeable future.
"I’m not leaving," she said. "I have no plans to retire. I love every minute of it." ••
Reporter Tom Waring can be reached at 215-354-3034 or twaring@phillynews.com