On October 15, 2019, the White House announced the recipients of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, and among the awardees was Timber Lake High School teacher Louise “LuAnn” Lindskov.

According to the PAEMST website, Lindskov was among four teachers from South Dakota honored with the award, which “is the highest award given by the U.S. Government to kindergarten through 12th grade teachers of mathematics and science, including computer science. Presidential Awardees receive a certificate signed by the President of the United States, a trip to Washington D.C. to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities, and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.”

This is not the first time Lindskov has been recognized for her excellence in education — in 2014, she was selected as the South Dakota Teacher of the Year.

She has taught at Timber Lake for 17 years and has more than 34 years under her belt as a science and mathematics teacher. Her classes at THS include Pre-Calculus/Trigonometry, Physics, Chemistry, and Honors Physical Science and Geometry.

Lindskov holds a Bachelor of Science in mathematics and natural sciences and secondary education from the University of Mary and a Master of Science in education from Walden University.

According to her official biography on the PAEMST website, she “creates a classroom that promotes active learning. She engages students in opportunities to discover science, often in small collaborative groups, and to practice skills and apply mathematics in authentic situations. LuAnn guides her students toward areas of scientific research about which they are passionate. She uses grant awards to equip her school’s science laboratory with modern digital tools and to promote robotics.”

On October 19, the South Dakota Department of Education recognized Lindskov and three other teachers from South Dakota who received the award: Leah Oxner, West Middle School; Kelly Preheim, Armour Elementary; Kimberly Webber, Rapid City Area School District.

“The Presidential Award is an incredible and humbling honor. This distinction is a testament to the inspiring patrons, educators, parents, and students from my community who have blessed me with their support on my journey. As their teacher, I know that the decisions I make each day about teaching and learning greatly affect my students. Receiving this prestigious award challenges me to continue my work and fuels my passion for young people as well as science and mathematics education,” said Lindskov.