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Never do I miss KAMSC more than when I tell my own students to "enjoy the mathematics" or use the word "twizzle" and they have no clue what I'm talking about.
Ross Jensen (2002)
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Mr. Shannon Houtrouw


Computer Science Instructor 

shoutrouw@kamsc.k12.mi.us

Classes:
Computer Studies (Pre-APCS, w/C++)
AP Computer Science-A (APCS-A, w/Java)
Discrete Mathematics (Fall Semester)
Advanced Computer Science (APCS Principles, w/Python, Spring Semester)

Mr. Houtrouw came to KAMSC in 1997 after teaching university math and computer science for nearly a decade. Houtrouw also worked as a software systems engineer for General Motors / Electronic Data Systems. He taught three summer terms in Zimbabwe, Africa. Houtrouw earned a BS in computer science from Oklahoma Christian University, and a MSE in mathematics education from Harding University. His certifications are in computer science and mathematics.

Houtrouw developed the KAMSC AP Computer Science program and has volunteered as KAMSC's programming teams coach-advisor since 1998. KAMSC CS Teams began enjoying success in its rookie season by taking first overall in the American Computer Science League Classroom Division and finishing 4th in the ACSL All-Star International Invitational in the Interrmediate-5 Division. CS Team victories include wins at the ACSL All-Star Invitational (2003, 2004, 2014), the University of Michigan ArborHacks programming contest (2018). the MACUL programming contests at Eastern Michigan University (2009, 2010, 2015, 2017), the Engineering and CS Experience contests at the University of Michigan-Dearborn (2008, 2011, 2014, 2016, 2017) and the ACM High School Programming Contests at Saginaw Valley State University (2003, 2005, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018), the University of Michigan-Flint (2005), Evansville University (2010, 2011), Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis (2014), Miami University (2012, 2013, 2014), Michigan State University (2013, 2014, 2018), and Purdue University (2014). KAMSC female computer science students have been receiving Aspirations in Computing Awards from the National Center for Women & Information Technology regularly since 2013, including 6 national finalist awards, 40 national runners up / honorable mention awards, 58 state finalist awards, and 49 state runners up / honorable mentions since 2013, and 34 national certificates of distinction since 2016.

In 2015 and 2017 Houtrouw was selected as a Michigan finalist for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). Houtrouw received a 2017 Michigan Lottery Excellence in Education Award. He has also received the 2016 Gender Equity Award from the Michigan Education Association, the 2016 Partners in Education Award from the Kalamazoo County Education Association, the 2014 Air Zoo Science Innovation Hall of Fame Educator Excellence Award, the 2013 Aspirations in Computing Educator Award for Michigan from the National Center for Women & Information Technology, and a 2013 Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation Joseph B. Whitehead Educator of Distinction Award.

Houtrouw has served on the steering committee of the MACUL Special Interest Group in Computer Science for several years, including serving as the MACUL SIGCS Operations Officer (2016-2018). He has been a presenter of technology workshops for MACUL, for the Google sponsored CS4HS  and CS4ALL workshops, and for the NSF sponsored Tapestry Workshops in Computer Science. He has worked as an AP consultant in Computer Science for the College Board Midwest Region and has worked as an AP Reader for the AP Computer Science-A Exam (2003-2006).
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600 West Vine Street Suite 400, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Phone: (269) 337-0004; Fax: (269) 337-0049
Office Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am - 4:00pm