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School of Education, Counseling and Human Development

Lynda Venhuizen

Lynda Venhuizen

Title

Teacher Certification Officer, Field Placement Coordinator

Office Building

Wenona Hall

Office

203

Mailing Address

Wenona Hall 203
School of Educ, Counseling & Human Dev-Box 0507
University Station
Brookings, SD 57007

Biography

As Field Placement Coordinator for the Department of Teaching, Learning and Leadership, my main responsibility is to serve as liaison between SDSU and our school partners. I communicate with teacher candidates, university faculty and local education program administrators and educators to secure and monitor field-based experiences. These experiences vary from first observations and interactions in classrooms to opportunities to practice teaching to the culminating semester-long student teaching and full-year residency models. I have a passion for supporting and mentoring beginning educators in an effort to increase the quality of education for all learners.

As Teacher Certification Officer, I confirm program completion for teacher education, school counselor, curriculum and instruction and education leadership graduates as they apply for teacher certification in states across the nation. I communicate with graduates and state offices of teacher certification/licensure to assist graduates in obtaining the credentials to teach wherever they choose. I also assist teacher candidates in applying for teacher certification and learning the unique requirements for certification in each state.

Education

South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD
Master of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences, 1998
Major: Human Development and Family Sciences
Thesis: Impact of the Family and Medical Leave Act on New Parents

University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD
Bachelor of Science in Education, 1991
Major: Elementary Education

Academic Interests

Young children, families, mentorship, Head Start, elementary and early childhood education, mental health, STEAM, inclusion, problem-based learning, evidence-based instruction, quality of care and education, research-supported practice-based educator preparation, field-based experiences, teacher certification

Academic Responsibilities

Currently serving in a service role without teaching responsibilities. Formerly taught multiple courses in Early Childhood Education program.

Committee Activities

South Dakota Education Discipline Council
Council for Pre-Service Education and Staff Development
South Dakota University Certifying Officers
Brookings Disability Awareness Committee

Awards and Honors

College of Education and Human Sciences Outstanding Professional Staff Award (2022-23)
Master Online Instructor Certification (2016).
College of Education and Human Sciences Outstanding Senior Faculty Teaching Award (2015).
Promoted from Instructor to Lecturer (2013).
College of Education and Human Sciences Faculty Service Award (2011).
College of Family and Consumer Sciences Outstanding Teaching Award (2007).

Work Experience

Taught multiple courses in Early Childhood Education.
Scoring Leader for Praxis Performance-Based Professional Assessment for Teachers (PPAT) (Educational Testing Service).
Former Fishback Center Director.

Head Start and Early Head Start: Assistant Director, Education Coordinator, Family Advocate.
Child Care: Center Director, Provider, Professional Development Facilitator.

Department(s)