Dr. Barb Hoekstra serves as a professor of education at Dordt University, where she focuses on training future Christian educators.
Dr. Hoekstra says it is an honor to train Christian teachers to teach Christianly wherever the Lord calls them. “I enjoy working with students in the first education course they take at Dordt,” she says. “During this course, they have the opportunity to develop their teacher imagination and determine if God is calling them into the teaching profession.”
She also assists education students on the cusp of entering the teaching profession, by supervising their student teaching.
“Working at Dordt has been a major joy of my life, as it encourages me to work with students for God’s purposes and His glory,” adds Dr. Hoekstra.
Before joining Dordt, Dr. Hoekstra taught middle school science, coached, served as an athletic director, and worked as an assistant principal. She also supervised student teachers from Calvin University.
Outside of the classroom, Dr. Hoekstra contributes to the Dordt community alongside her husband, Dordt President Erik Hoekstra, in cultivating relationships with students, families, and alumni. Together they enjoy engaging with the campus community through activities such as athletic events and art programs.
She enjoys playing golf, reading fiction with friends, and serving under-resourced kids and families through the ministry All Kids Can.
Education
- Ed.D. in Adult and Higher Education, University of South Dakota.
- M.A. in Educational Leadership, Western Michigan University.
- B.A. in Biology (minors: Chemistry, Theology), Trinity Christian College.