Nancy Shonamon

About Ms. Nancy – Nancy Shonamon has spent over 35 years in the field of education. Earning her BA in Elementary Education from Olivet Nazarene University and a MEd in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Texas at Arlington, Nancy spent the first years of her career in public school as a fourth and sixth-grade teacher in Indiana. There she became a certified National Writing Project teacher consultant and a certified Teacher Mentor through the Indiana State Board of Education.

Following a call from the Lord in 2004, Nancy and her family relocated to Texas where they began serving at Nazarene Christian Academy. Starting as a fourth-grade teacher, Nancy was appointed as Lead Teacher during her first year. A couple of years later, she began her studies in educational leadership. As she completed her master’s degree, Nancy was invited to become a part of the administrative team at the Academy serving as a guidance counselor, an assistant principal, elementary principal, and eventually the head of school. Additionally, Nancy was appointed as a commissioner for the Accreditation Commission of the Texas Association of Baptist Schools where she visited various schools to evaluate and provide feedback for school improvement. 

The Spring of 2020 brought unprecedented challenges to Christian education ministries due to the COVID crisis. Nancy and her team of professionals successfully led their school and creatively developed programs and events that caused their school to thrive and actually experience an increase in enrollment this year. Nancy would credit prayers, hard work, and the Lord’s leading to this success.

In 2021, Nancy felt the Lord calling her to start a school in the Kansas City area near the world headquarters of the Church of the Nazarene. Shawnee Nazarene Academy was birthed to serve families who desired a strong Christian education experience for their children where individuality is celebrated and an integrated platform of Christ-centered education is prioritized. 

Throughout this journey, Nancy often stated “the Lord always uses your today to lead you into your tomorrows”. Possessing this growth mindset has prepared Nancy for all of the various roles the Lord has assigned.