Shannon Houtrouw

Kalamazoo, MI | 7-12, Mathematics, 2021

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

For the past 28 years, I have been blessed to work with highly motivated students. They love to learn. I love the challenge of finding ways to take a sometimes difficult subject like computer science, and make it fun to learn. The students themselves are the reward. They are what motivates me to keep working hard in pursuing STEM teaching excellence.

What has been the most transformative moment that affirmed your impact on STEM education?

All three of my own kids became my students in high school. Each of them took their education, especially their STEM education, quite seriously. Each went on to pursue STEM degrees and graduate degrees. Each is working as a health professional today. This may not be a transformative moment per se. But collectively, as I reflect on the impact I have had on so many students, it really hits home to realize the impact it has had on my own kids.

Using your platform as a Presidential Awardee, how do you hope to advance our nation in STEM?

As I type this at 11:15 PM on June 30, 2025, I am less than an hour away from being officially retired from a STEM teaching career spanning nearly four decades. It looks like it is now up to my former students to take up the baton to keep advancing our nation in STEM. Let me assure you that they are well on their way to doing so.

Biography

Shannon Houtrouw has been teaching computer science (CS) and mathematics at the Kalamazoo Area Mathematics and Science Center (KAMSC) for 28 years. He came to KAMSC after teaching university mathematics and CS for eight years at Western Michigan University, Rochester Christian University, and Harding University. Prior to teaching, he worked as a software systems engineer for General Motors and Electronic Data Systems. Shannon also taught multiple summer terms in Zimbabwe at Nhowe Mission Secondary School. KAMSC is a county pullout STEM magnet for grades 9-12. Shannon developed KAMSC’s Advanced Placement (AP) CS program. He built KAMSC’s CS Teams from the ground up and has volunteered as the coach advisor for nearly three decades. Each year, he introduces all KAMSC’s sophomores to CS and programming fundamentals using C++. His junior-senior electives include AP CS-A (Java), AP CS Principles (Python), Advanced CS, and Discrete Mathematics. Shannon’s classes are characterized by infusing fun and enthusiasm with hard work. Co-ed team building activities are woven into every CS course so that each student has the opportunity to collaboratively achieve more than they thought they could, and receive affirmation and accolades they might not get otherwise. Monthly activities include American Computer Science League and USA Computer Olympiad coding. Excitement soars during field trips to programming contests hosted at Midwest universities. Shannon earned a B.S. in computer science, magna cum laude, from Oklahoma Christian University and an M.S.E. in mathematics education from Harding University. Shannon also has an M.A. in theological studies and an M.Div. in biblical studies, both from Liberty University. His certifications are in computer science and mathematics.

High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph

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