Dr. Robert Lockwood joined the Diocese of Camden Office of Catholic Schools as Director of Curriculum and Assessment on Aug. 10.
Most recently, Lockwood was Superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Metuchen. He said that while he remained connected to schools in that role, he missed the hands-on experience of working with teachers and delving into curriculum. His position with South Jersey Catholic Schools will enable him to do just that.
“Bobby brings so much to our schools,” said Dr. Bill Watson, Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Camden. “He has extensive experience with curriculum and assessment as well as professional development. Before moving into school administration as an assistant principal, he taught, was a guidance counselor and served as a campus minister. He really understands every aspect of Catholic school education and brings a pastoral approach to his work.”
With a strong education background that includes a doctorate in education from Wilmington University as well as teaching and leadership roles in Catholic high schools, Lockwood also has pastoral training. He earned undergraduate degrees in psychology and theology at DeSales University and a Master of Science degree in Counseling and Human Relations from Villanova University. He also spent three years as a seminarian with the Oblates of Saint Francis de Sales.
Since the coronavirus pandemic forced school buildings to close in March, Lockwood and Watson have met weekly with other New Jersey Catholic school superintendents. Lockwood said he knew the curriculum and assessment position in the Diocese of Camden was open and realized it was the perfect fit for him.
“I had a lot of time to reflect on what was important in my life,” said Lockwood. “It’s something I’m truly passionate about.”
In addition to curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional development, Lockwood will work with existing vendors and help elementary and secondary schools develop and implement strategies and programs to enhance programmatic excellence in South Jersey Catholic Schools.
“We uncovered unlimited opportunities with technology when we moved to remote learning in March,” said Watson. “Bobby is coming in at the perfect time to continue leading us down that path.”
Since 1996, Lockwood has worked with the Delaware AeroSpace Education Foundation (DASEF) where he designed curriculum and taught aerospace technology, math, science, engineering and aviation courses for students in Pre-K through grade 12.
“It was STEM before there was STEM,” he said, referring to the acronym for the integrated study of science, technology, engineering and math. Lockwood continues to volunteer for DASEF, which provides science and technology based enrichment programs to community and school groups of all ages. He is also an adjunct professor at Seton Hall and Wilmington universities.
Lockwood lives in Bucks County, Pennsylvania with his wife, Maria, and their 1-year old son, Sebastian. Avid travelers, the Lockwoods are eager to work toward their goal of visiting every U.S. state together and spending time in Paris, where Maria lived for several years. In the meantime, coronavirus has meant more time at home with their son. And it will give Lockwood more time to settle into his new professional home in the Diocese of Camden.
at the bottom and then tap “Add to Home Screen”
