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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 and 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

  • B.S. in education | University of South Dakota | 1991
  • M.S. in family and consumer sciences | South Dakota State University | 1998

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. 

Committees and Professional Memberships

  • 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)