Laura Dykstra

Dr. Laura Dykstra is a life-long learner and educator, having spent almost twenty years in academia. Working primarily in Christian education in face-to-face and online settings, her experience in both administrative and instructional roles has given her a broad range of knowledge and skills in understanding the unique needs of learners, teachers, and faculty in a variety of educational settings. Laura is a passionate educator who spent most of her career working with adult students before transitioning to K-12 and understands the importance and impact of every educational opportunity. She has received several recognitions in her work for exemplary leadership. She has also taught classes in a variety of topics in both high school and at the collegiate level, including History, Bible, Worldviews, and Student Success. She currently holds degrees in History (B.A.), Educational Leadership (Ed.S.), and Curriculum and Instruction (M.A. and Ed.D.).

Laura’s areas of research and focus include job satisfaction, motivation, and innovation in online education, which was the focus of her doctoral work, and in her current role at Valor Christian High School in Highlands Ranch, CO, she works closely with students and academic teams on program alignment, biblical integration, assessment and evaluation and instructional effectiveness. Part of her work also included being on a team developing custom software solutions for private schools.

An avid outdoors-person, Laura understands the importance of wise land management, conservation, and stewardship of natural resources. In her free time, she can be found enjoying the great Colorado outdoors hiking, fishing, and hunting, spending time with her family, reading a good book, dabbling in the garden, or traveling.