Dr. Valorie Zonnefeld serves as professor of mathematics at Dordt University. Her research interests focus on effective mathematic instruction, especially through the lens of faith, and implicit theories of knowledge.
In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Dr. Zonnefeld plays an active role in Dordt’s campus life. She serves as an instructional coach, helping other professors enhance their pedagogy and regularly leads or participates in a monthly lunch for the female students in the math and statistics department. Additionally, Dr. Zonnefeld helps facilitate the annual Math Challenge, Pizza and Presentations, STEAMfest, and book studies—all of which are aimed at promoting critical thinking, collaboration, and interdisciplinary learning.
Dedicated to advancing educational opportunities in STEM, Dr. Zonnefeld is also the principal investigator on the National Science Foundation’s Noyce grants at Dordt University and served as co-chair of the Association of Christians in the Mathematical Sciences 24th Biennial Conference in May 2024, hosted at Dordt University.
Dr. Zonnefeld shares additional resources for faith integration in the context of K-12 mathematics education on her website.
Education:
- Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, University of South Dakota.
- M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction, Dordt University.
- B.A. in Math Education, Dordt University.