SMSU School of Education

SMSU School of Education The SMSU School of Education...Inclusive communities of practice investigating learning and teaching

Majors:
Elementary Education
Early Childhood Education
Early Childhood Special Education
Special Education: ABS
Secondary Education

Graduate Education
- Online and Learning Communities format

Professors in the School of Education:
Dr. Frankie Albitz
Dr. Michelle Beach
Dr. Rhonda Bonnstetter
Dr. Sarah Huseby
Dr. Kristin Kovar
Ms. Christine Quisley
Dr. Lori Reese
Dr. Mary Risacher
Dr. Wendy Schoolmeester
Dr. Kandy Noles Stevens
Dr. LeAnne Syring
Dr. Debbie VanOverbeke
Dr. Sonya Vierstraete

Graduate Education Learning Community professors are:
Dr. John Engstrom
Dr. Dennis Lamb
Dr. Bruce Locklear
Dr. Lon Richardson
Dr. Tanya McCoss-Yerigan

Jennifer Swanson, Office & Administrative Specialist, Sr. Placement & Licensure Office:
Christine Quisley, Interim Director of Placement & Licensure
Faye Johnson, Placement Coordinator
Stephanie Fladhammer, Office Specialist

10/04/2026
“Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.”  - Martin Luther King Jr. SMSU Mustangs Give 2026 was a great way ...
10/01/2026

“Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.”
- Martin Luther King Jr.

SMSU Mustangs Give 2026 was a great way for the school of education to serve! It was a beautiful day to be outside and to put our hands to use!

On this National Coffee Day we celebrate a fuel to our teacher powers! Share with us your cup of ambition (coffee, tea, ...
09/29/2026

On this National Coffee Day we celebrate a fuel to our teacher powers!

Share with us your cup of ambition (coffee, tea, soda, water, etc.) in the comments below.

For our first Faculty Friday post we have Dr. Kally Roberts, a first year Assistant Professor in the Education Departmen...
09/25/2026

For our first Faculty Friday post we have Dr. Kally Roberts, a first year Assistant Professor in the Education Department at SMSU! Here is a couple things about her!

Favorite School Supply
Colored Pen

One thing students should know about you:
One thing students should know about me is that I genuinely want them to succeed. I will challenge them to do their best work, but I will also provide the support, encouragement, and guidance they need to get there.

What led you to become a faculty member at SMSU?
I became a faculty member at SMSU because of its mission, its commitment to student success, and the opportunity to work closely with aspiring teachers. I value helping students grow professionally and personally while sharing my passion for teaching, leadership, and educator well-being.

What accomplishment are you most proud of in your career?
While I am proud of many accomplishments, what stands out most is the ability to positively impact others throughout every stage of my career. Whether mentoring faculty, preparing future teachers, supporting school leaders, or helping students experience their 'lightbulb moments,' I measure success by the growth and success of those I serve.

What is one classroom strategy you believe every teacher should know?
If I had to choose one strategy, it would be culturally responsive teaching. I've learned that students are most successful when they can see themselves reflected in the curriculum and when their experiences are viewed as assets rather than obstacles. When teachers build meaningful relationships and connect learning to students' lives, they create the conditions for those powerful 'lightbulb moments' that inspire growth and achievement.

Teacher Tip Tuesday!Strong relationships create stronger learning.  When students feel seen and valued, engagement and p...
09/22/2026

Teacher Tip Tuesday!

Strong relationships create stronger learning. When students feel seen and valued, engagement and participation naturally grow.

Comment below with a quick check-in question that helps you make student connections.

09/21/2026

Check out this singing duo tonight!
When: September 21st, 2026
Where: SMSU IL 208
Time 5:30PM

Reminder that there is an SMSU Education Minnesota Aspiring Educators- EMAE meeting tomorrow outside the Whipple Gallery...
09/21/2026

Reminder that there is an SMSU Education Minnesota Aspiring Educators- EMAE meeting tomorrow outside the Whipple Gallery at noon with some great opportunities to get out and meet other aspiring educators! See you there Mustangs!

Want to study abroad Mustangs? Well good news, we now have a great educational opportunity for you! Come to the meeting ...
09/18/2026

Want to study abroad Mustangs? Well good news, we now have a great educational opportunity for you! Come to the meeting Monday, September 21 in IL 208 at 5 p.m. to learn more about the trip or to get answers to any questions you may have! See you there!

💛 Throwback Thursday: Once a Mustang, Always a Mustang! 💛At Southwest Minnesota State University, students find more tha...
09/17/2026

💛 Throwback Thursday: Once a Mustang, Always a Mustang! 💛

At Southwest Minnesota State University, students find more than a place to earn a degree. They find a community, lifelong friendships, unforgettable experiences, and a place to call home.

From first days on campus to graduation and beyond, Mustangs continue to learn, lead, and make a difference in their communities. That's what it means to be .

Today we're looking back with Bennett Appel, a 2019 graduate of the SMSU School of Education. Thank you for sharing your Mustang memories and helping inspire the next generation of educators!

We love celebrating the memories, experiences, and milestones that have shaped our students, alumni, faculty, and staff. Whether it's a favorite class, student teaching experience, campus event, professor, organization, or classroom memory, we want to hear your story! Comment below or reach out to [email protected] for more information.

09/15/2026

Address

IL 229, 1501 State Street
Marshall, MN
56258

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+15075377115

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