For Dr. Deirdre Rood, joining the community of Saint Rose of Lima Elementary School, Haddon Heights, feels a lot like returning to her own upbringing attending a Catholic school in New York.
“I am a product of 13 years of Catholic school and remained very active in my parish well into adulthood as a church lector and CCD teacher and coordinator,” Rood said. “The sense of community and the generations of families that are still here and active in the Saint Rose community reminded me of my home, and the values and beliefs I was raised with and still carry with me today.”
Rood, who will kick off her first school year as principal in September, brings 23 years of classroom and leadership experience, having most recently served as partnership-wide assistance principal for Catholic Partnership Schools. In that role, Rood supported four schools across Camden and helped to implement classroom innovation, student-centered learning and stronger curricula.
Rood previously taught middle school and high school English and language arts at various schools. In addition to teaching, she was active in student organizations as a yearbook advisor, student government mentor, and coordinator for Model Congress and forensics teams.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in communication and education from Monmouth University, West Long Branch; and both a master of education degree with a specialization in leadership and her educational doctorate with a specialization in organizational leadership and social justice from William Patterson University, Wayne.
“As a lifelong Catholic educator and product of Catholic schooling, I bring a deep understanding of the spiritual and moral formation that underpins Catholic education,” she said. “I also have a deep commitment to fostering students’ Catholic identity, and providing personalized learning, allowing for student voice, and creating safe, nurturing environments where all students can thrive – academically, emotionally and spiritually.”
Rood said that her Catholic faith has guided her through both professional and personal challenges throughout her life, and she tries to follow the advice of a mentor – a Sister of Saint Joseph – who encouraged her to “let go, let God” in tough times.
“Catholic schools provide a learning environment where faith is woven into daily life,” she said. “It plays a vital role in shaping not only strong students but also compassionate, ethical and spiritually grounded individuals. Catholic school offers more than academic instruction – it forms the whole person: mind, body and soul.”
Rood has a son who is beginning his freshman year at Chestnut Hill College, Philadelphia, in the fall. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, spending time at the beach and following sports.
As she embarks upon her latest chapter, she is looking forward to nurturing student development and fostering professional growth among staff.
“Saint Rose of Lima’s existing strengths offer a foundation I am eager to enhance – with innovative programs, enhanced instructional practices and even stronger community partnerships,” she said. “I am thrilled with the opportunity to shape and guide a school where faith, service and academic excellence are integral. Being a spiritual and academic leader in a Catholic community would be the culmination of my professional and personal aspirations.”
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