Shannon McNerney

Professional Biography

I was extremely fortunate to be a part of the first graduating class of Calvin University (formerly College). I graduated from Calvin in May of 2020 with a double major in elementary education and language arts. During my time in college, I had the wonderful opportunity to work alongside different students near and far. My junior year, I taught English (language) to elementary students in several different schools in the countries of Thailand and Cambodia for the entire month of January 2019. This opportunity was offered through the course titled “Engaging Development in Cambodia,” a course that was a part of Calvin’s “J-Term” program for the school year of 2018-2019. I also taught and mentored students in various schools in the greater Grand Rapids area. The students ranged from elementary age to young adults living with different abilities that were a part of the “Ready for Life” program at Calvin University. I was blessed by each and every one of these experiences.

Personal Biography

I grew up in a suburb of Chicago called Winnetka, IL, where I lived all my life until moving to Michigan to attend Calvin. My father also grew up in Winnetka, and my mother grew up not too far away in another suburb of Chicago called Hinsdale, IL, so I was constantly surrounded by the majority of my loving extended family. I love spending quality time with friends and family. One of my favorite activities is reading a good book on the beach, so I’m very excited to do much more of that now that I have moved to San Jose, CA!

Christian Philosophy of Education

I believe that each child deserves to have their academic, socio-emotional, and spiritual needs met while they are in a school setting. Part of these needs can be met when students feel welcomed and listened to by others they are interacting with. Christ is a perfect example of someone who is always there to welcome and care for us when we need it most. As a Christ-follower, I pray that I will lead by that same example and encourage these students that they were all made in the image of God.