Rood honored with the red folder

Plano teacher Linda Rood was one of 14 Dallas-area Catholic school educators to receive the Work of Heart Award.

Recipients of the award also receive a $500 grant for personal use. The awards are given for their commitment to students, colleagues and their communities. Rood is a first grade teacher at St. Mark Catholic School in Plano.

“As the school year comes to a close, we are honored to recognize those who have given above and beyond of themselves this past year in their schools and communities,” said Edwin M. Schaffler, president of The Catholic Foundation. “Throughout this past year we have honored nearly 100 teachers, administrators and staff, thanks to the support we receive from the anonymous family and donors who share our desire to give special distinction to those who are an important, invaluable part of our children's lives.”

Recipients are nominated by students, teachers, parents, administrators and community members. The Foundation has formed a committee, with members of its advisory council, to read the nomination letters received each month and decide which teachers and staff members will receive a Work of Heart Award. The criteria is based on traditional merit including tenure and leadership, acts of kindness or charity, Christian example, mentoring and simply going the extra mile for an individual student, family or the community.

“I was very surprised when I found out that I won. I knew about the award, but I was just very surprised,” Rood said. “Some of my boys were high fiving each other so I knew I had really won. St. Mark’s has had several winners of the award. This is just a really great school to work for.”

Every Friday, St. Mark’s holds mass. Rood said it was during one of those Fridays that she learned of the award. She said the award comes in a red folder and everyone knows what’s in it.

“Even though I saw the award, I didn’t know it was for me,” Rood said. “It was a total surprise, but it was kind of fun to be recognized in front of the whole school.”

Rood said she learned she was nominated by a parent. She said it meant everything to her to have a parent want to recognize her. The parent gave Rood the letter she wrote for the nomination.

“After helping with an activity in class, I was in awe of the respect and love the children have for Mrs. Rood. Not once did she raise her voice to get the class under control. There is no question that Mrs. Rood sincerely loves her children and sure that they are all growing both spiritually and academically,” the letter stated.

There isn’t a time that Rood doesn’t recall wanting to be a teacher. Her great grandfather, mother and grandmother were all teachers. She said when she was a little girl she was the one teaching her toys.

“Teaching has turned out to be everything I wanted,” Rood said. “The best part about teaching first grade is absolutely the children. They keep me entertained. Children at this age are absolute sponges, they are so eager to learn and they are enthusiastic. It’s a very cute age, because everything is fun for them.”

Rood began her teaching career in Missouri 11 years ago. She taught in a public school for special education students. Before beginning her stint in Plano, she briefly taught in Austin. Rood’s first teaching position in Plano was starting the Prince of Peace school.

“The reason I got into Catholic school teaching was because I received a request from the Diocese to start Prince of Peace,” Rood said. “I thought it would be a great way to give back.”

Rood has continued the spirit of giving back to the community with the award money she received. She said she has given a portion to the church. In addition, Rood and three other women help support a woman living in Romania. Rood said several years ago she went there with a group to work in an orphanage for children 12-16 year olds. The woman she helps support had a baby at a young age.

“She is struggling and working hard to raise the baby. She works as an aide and we pay her rent every month,” Rood said. “We’re trying to enable her to be independent.”

To nominate a candidate for the Work of Heart Award visit the Foundation's Web site at www.catholicfoundation.com.Anyone serving as a full- or part-time employee in a Catholic school located in the Diocese of Dallas may be nominated. In addition to the $500 awards, The Catholic Foundation will present Grand Awards of $5,000 throughout the school year.

Contact Heather Smith at HSmith@acnpapers.com.

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