Meet Shannon
About me
Spanish instruction built for confidence and mastery
I’m Shannon Strange, or la Señora Extraña, as my students call me. I’ve been teaching and tutoring Spanish for over 30+ years to all ages from Pre-K through college. I teach Spanish for mastery, using a fun, high-energy systematic form of repetition, assessment, and application. If you don’t know me well, get ready for a very high-energy and enthusiastic instructor! I use tricks, stories, and humor combined with proven instructional techniques to get the material stored in your long-term memory. Most of my advanced students have gone on to major or minor in Spanish in college, and — barring three students during COVID —I have a 100% pass rate on the AP® Spanish Language & Culture Exam. When not enseñando el español, Shannon enjoys sipping hot tea, solving mysteries, deep conversations, church, and spending time with her family.
Professional background
Education
Desert Christian High School · Bermuda Dunes, CA · 1988. Honors: Salutatorian.
BIOLA University · La Mirada, CA · 1992. B.A. in Psychology; minors in Bible and Secondary Education (Spanish). Honors: Cum Laude.
Houston Christian University · 2024. M. Ed. Curriculum & Instruction.
Teaching, leadership, & entrepreneurship
Rosehill Christian School · Tomball, TX · 2012–2026. Department Head, Fine Arts Director, Competitive Speech Director, and AP Spanish Teacher; a 100% AP Spanish pass rate except during COVID.
Spanish With Shannon Online School · 2025–present. Founder & Instructor.
Private Tutor · 2008–present. Elementary subjects, Spanish from PK through college, and Spanish immersion.
Professional Development Keynote Speaker. SouthLake Christian Academy, North Carolina (LOTE), 2022; TAPPSCON (Speech), 2022 and 2024; Ovilla Christian School, Red Oak, TX (Fine Arts), 2026.
Camp Eagle Day Camp · Tomball, TX · 2013–present. Founder & Director.
Cypress Christian School · Houston, TX · 2008–2012. Academic Advisor, Spanish Teacher, and Dual Credit Instructor.
Desert Christian Academy · Bermuda Dunes, CA · 2006–2007. Spanish Teacher and Department Head.
Keystone Mortgage Group · Palm Desert, CA · 1998–2008. Mortgage & Real Estate Broker / Branch Manager.
Harvest Christian Academy · Pasadena, TX · 1997–1998. Spanish Teacher, Department Head, and Bible Teacher.
Northwest Academy (now Houston Christian High School) · 1996–1997. Spanish Teacher and Department Head.
Capistrano Valley Christian Schools · San Juan Capistrano, CA · 1992–1996. Spanish Teacher, Department Head, and AP Teacher.
La Serna High School · Whittier, CA · 1991–1992. AVID Spanish Instructor.
Student teaching and practicum placements · Whittier Christian High School, La Serna High School, La Mirada High School, and Whitney High School in Whittier, La Mirada, and Cerritos, CA · 1990–1992. Secondary Spanish education practicum.
BIOLA University · La Mirada, CA · 1988–1992. University Spanish Tutor.
Academic & professional accomplishments
TAPPS State Teacher of the Year · 2014 and 2021.
Rosehill Christian School Educator of the Year · 2012–2013.
Capo Valley Christian School Teacher of the Year · 1994–1995.
TAPPS Speech & Academic State Champions (Coach) · 2021, 2024, and 2025.
TAPPS State Speech Director · 2015–present.
Licensed Texas Real Estate Broker · 2000–present.
RCS Fine Arts Booster Club Founder · 2024.
ACSI Teaching Credential (lifetime pending) · 2022–2027.
TAPPS District President · 2010–present.
DCA Curriculum Review Board (K–12) · 2004–2007.
High School Class Advisor / Student Council Advisor · 1993–2023.
Certified ACSI Accreditation Team Member · 2010–2012.
John Brown University Dual Credit Spanish Instructor · 2011–2012.
California State Champion, Spanish Pronunciation Contest · 1987 and 1988.
Community & personal accomplishments
Short-term Missionary & Interpreter to Mexico and Spain · 1986–1993.
Camp Counselor, Sunday School Teacher, Awana, and VBS · 1986–2006.
Church Choir, Vocal Ensembles, and Community Theater · 1984–2002.
FBC Palm Desert Children’s Musical & Drama Director · 2005–2007.
TAPPS, ACSI, and PSIA Coach, Judge, and Director · 2008–present.
Pinnacle Retreat Games Director · 2018–2022.
Special skills
Public speaking · Recruitment · Sales · Organization · Budgeting · Scheduling · Mentoring · Academic standards · Leadership · Event planning · Pioneering · Troubleshooting · Missions · Evangelism
Additional teaching & coaching services
Across private tutoring and academic support, Shannon works with learners from Pre-K through college: foundational Spanish, high-school Spanish I–V, AP/Honors Spanish Language & Culture, college Spanish, and Spanish for native speakers.
She also provides individualized immersion support and LOTE professional development.
What learners and families share
“Shannon’s passion for her students and their desire to learn Spanish is UNMATCHED!”
— Misty
“Spanish with Shannon is a fast-paced, interactive class focused on getting you conversational as soon as possible.”
— Jennifer
Tell Shannon a little about what you need. Choose a program to see its details before sending your request.