28-06-2025
Richland elementary teacher reflects on long career in education
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Throughout her nearly 40 years in education, Richland Elementary School teacher Rose Rifilato has witnessed a lot of changes, she said, from educational approaches to technology to curriculum and more.
Overall, she said, the children have never changed. They've always needed someone to care for, listen to and teach them.
Despite feeling like she still had more to contribute and could stay in the classroom longer, Rifilato, 61, said she decided this past school year would be her last year for several reasons, but mostly to spend more time with her grandchildren.
'It has been a good run,' she said.
Rifilato began her career in education in 1986 at St. Peter's Catholic School in Somerset, where she worked until 1997.
The Windber native earned a teaching degree from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown in 1985, and was certified to teach kindergarten through eighth grade.
After leaving St. Peter's, she went to Richland School District in 1997, where she taught first grade for 13 years and second grade for 15 years.
'I guess it's what I was meant to do,' Rifilato said. 'After I was hired, I never wanted to do anything else.'
Educating the next generations is her passion.
Rifilato said the 'kids are the best part' and always have been.
Each year, new students would file into her classroom, and soon after, they would all become a family, she said.
Those connections have lasted throughout the years. Rifilato said she has graduation party invitations from students she taught 10 years ago.
Additionally, a man who she taught in Somerset is the parent of a Richland student, and has always made a point to visit her.
'Her students adore her,' Rifilato's daughter Annie Burgh said. 'You can see it on their faces. She is known all over town. 'We know Rose' is a phrase I hear everywhere in Johnstown when I visit.'
She added that her mother 'touches everyone with her kindness,' and always did holiday projects and arts and crafts that were hands-on activities that parents want their children taking part in.
'It's the things they remember,' Burgh said. 'People my age still say she's the best teacher they had, and remember her.'
Burgh, a Virginia resident, was inspired by her mother to become a teacher. The pair have partnered on pen-pal projects, and even had their classes video-call each other at the end of the school year.
The thought of Rifilato retiring is 'crazy,' Burgh said.
'I don't know a time she hasn't been teaching,' she said. 'This was year 39 with almost 20 student teachers. She loved to help others learn to be teachers and find their passion.'
Kelly Lashinsky, Richland Elementary School principal, said Rifilato is leaving behind a legacy in education after decades of service in the classroom.
'Her commitment to students and her wealth of knowledge have left an indelible mark on those fortunate to work with or learn from her,' Lashinsky said. 'She has poured her expertise into thousands of students, hundreds of colleagues and numerous student teachers.'
The principal said that Rifilato's 'impact will be felt for years to come.'
Although it has only been a few weeks since the end of the 2024-25 school year, the feeling of retirement hasn't sunk in, Rifilato said.
At this time, 'it just feels like summer vacation,' she joked.
For the foreseeable future, Rifilato said, she plans to enjoy the summer and not do anything but spend time with family, which her daughter is excited about.
'She's the best grandma to her four grandchildren because she's fun, and the fact that she's not big into technology or electronics means she always has a creative idea of what to play with the kids,' Burgh said.
When the fall comes around, Rifilato hasn't ruled out the idea of being a substitute teacher, but that is a decision she'll make at a later date.
