Alumnus Honored with Nation’s Top Teaching Award

by Hannah Diles

Shannon Houtrouw (MSE ’90) received the 2025 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching from Michigan in the mathematics award category. The honor includes a $10,000 prize for significant contributions to the world of teaching.

The PAEMST is the nation's highest honor for teachers of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Recipients received a certificate signed by the president of the United States along with a trip to Washington, D.C. for recognition at a series of events. These excellent educators also join a remarkable network of fellow teachers from around the country.

When asked what this honor means to him, Houtrouw said, “I can answer in one word: affirmation. I am blown away by the phenomenal teachers who are Presidential Award winners. What an incredible honor to be counted among them and to stand shoulder to shoulder with them.”

Houtrouw received his bachelor’s degree in computer science in 1984 from Oklahoma Christian University and earned a Master of Science in Education in math education from Harding in 1990. At Harding he taught computer courses for business, arts and science students and worked as a graduate assistant for three semesters. 

After receiving his graduate degree, Houtrouw taught full time for the University’s School of Business under George Oliver for two and a half years before moving to teach at Michigan Christian College (now Rochester Christian University). He also taught in Zimbabwe for three summers. Currently, he teaches at Kalamazoo Area Math and Science Center where he helped develop the AP Computer Science program and has coached for more than two decades. Perhaps his greatest achievement is bringing home the Presidential Award to KAMSC.

“Nothing compares to having the NSF and the Presidential Award leadership give a favorable nod at the national level. The measure of success is in what we are able to accomplish with our students, but this has to be the Academy Award for teacher affirmation.” Houtrouw said.