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Teacher Profile

Shanna Phillips

email: shanna.phillips@prepclasses.org

Shanna has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree from Texas A&M University.  However, she found her real passion, in teaching, after retiring from Corporate America in 2001.  Shanna has been involved in the homeschooling community since 2001 including teaching in co-ops both large and small, support group leadership, speaking engagements, monitoring PREP study hall, and teaching history/geography classes at PREP.  She homeschooled her daughters, Madison and McKinley, from birth thru high school.

"Experiential learning" is the term Shanna uses to describe her teaching method.  This means that she believes in getting as close as possible to actually experiencing whatever subject is being studied.  Over the years that has translated to countless hands-on activities, schoolroom transformations, and incredible journeys to most of the U.S. and sixteen foreign countries.

Faith, family, teaching, history, and travel are a few of Shanna's favorite things.  Shanna and her husband, Kent, are active members of the Church of Christ in Champions.  She is thrilled to be a part of the tradition of excellence in education that PREP has provided for her own family and so many others.

Teacher's Classes

I have loved Texas History since I first studied it in 4th grade.  Little did I know that my family would later trace our ancestry back to the settlement of Texas.  The stories I had learned suddenly became very personal!  To this day Texas History continues to be one of my passions and I cherish the opportunity to bring it alive for my students.

This course will help students discover and appreciate the rich heritage of Texas. Utilizing a wide variety of assignments and activities, students will explore major eras of Texas History from ancient Texan cultures to modern Texas. Class time will focus on interactive opportunities for students to become engaged in and inspired by the stories of Texas and the geography of our great state!

Textbook – TBD – Textbook will be announced by August 1st

Tuition:  $550 / Year ($566.50 if PayPal) or $55 / Month for 10 Months ($57 if PayPal)
Supply Fee:  $80 ($84 if PayPal) / Year Due Upon Registration (Non-Refundable after August 1)


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Using a hands-on approach to make history come alive, my desire in this course is to help your child become passionate about God’s faithful interaction through all the details in World history. We will follow a systematic approach to the class as students read the text and writings, review the lessons, complete maps, and follow a timeline. In our class time together, we will be doing performance-based activities that will include the following:  quizzes, mini- speeches, reports, plays, games, lap books, and other group-oriented history activities.

Textbook:

Notgrass – From Adam to Us.  You will need the textbooks (book 1 and 2), map book, timeline book, Lesson Review book (purchased separately), and the supplemental book Our Creative World. This set is available online as well as at the Homeschool Store.


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Using a hands-on approach to make history come alive, my desire in this course is to help your child become passionate about God’s faithful interaction through all the details in World history. We will follow a systematic approach to the class as students read the text and writings, review the lessons, complete maps, and follow a timeline. In our class time together, we will be doing performance-based activities that will include the following:  quizzes, mini- speeches, reports, plays, games, lap books, and other group-oriented history activities.

Textbook:

Notgrass – From Adam to Us.  You will need the textbooks (book 1 and 2), map book, timeline book, Lesson Review book (purchased separately), and the supplemental book Our Creative World. This set is available online as well as at the Homeschool Store.


Read more

Using a hands-on approach to make history come alive, my desire in this course is to help your child become passionate about God’s faithful interaction through all the details in World history. We will follow a systematic approach to the class as students read the text and writings, review the lessons, complete maps, and follow a timeline. In our class time together, we will be doing performance-based activities that will include the following:  quizzes, mini- speeches, reports, plays, games, lap books, and other group-oriented history activities.

Textbook:

Notgrass – From Adam to Us.  You will need the textbooks (book 1 and 2), map book, timeline book, Lesson Review book (purchased separately), and the supplemental book Our Creative World. This set is available online as well as at the Homeschool Store.


Read more

The study of World Geography is about so much more than just memorizing places on a map!  We will spend our year getting to know the people, places, and environments of our amazing planet.  This class will utilize a variety of hands-on activities, cooperative challenges, technology, cartography, current events, student presentations, videos, and guest speakers to examine the physical and cultural systems of the world.

Yes, we will memorize the countries and capitals of the world and demonstrate that impressive knowledge on cumulative tests!  We will also dig deeper and use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to ask and answer geographic questions.

We will begin our year with the introduction of the fundamentals of geographic thinking.  Once the foundation of geography is solid, we will progress to studies of individual countries, continent by continent.  Our study of the United States will include all 50 states and capitals.

You can expect your student to leave this class with a deeper understanding of:

  • the physical and political boundaries of the world's countries
  • the events happening in the world around us
  • human culture
  • globalization

and, most likely, a desire to travel and experience first-hand the incredible places we will visit virtually in class.  (My apologies in advance for the travel bug - it's quite contagious.)

Textbook:

BJU Press

Cultural Geography Student Edition, 5th ed

ISBN 978-1-62856-647-5

Copyright 2021

Successful completion of this course earns 1 High School World Geography Honors credit.

Note:  Internet access outside of class will be critical.  Please consult with Ms. Phillips if you do not have internet access.


Read more

The study of World Geography is about so much more than just memorizing places on a map!  We will spend our year getting to know the people, places, and environments of our amazing planet.  This class will utilize a variety of hands-on activities, cooperative challenges, technology, cartography, current events, student presentations, videos, and guest speakers to examine the physical and cultural systems of the world.

Yes, we will memorize the countries and capitals of the world and demonstrate that impressive knowledge on cumulative tests!  We will also dig deeper and use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to ask and answer geographic questions.

We will begin our year with the introduction of the fundamentals of geographic thinking.  Once the foundation of geography is solid, we will progress to studies of individual countries, continent by continent.  Our study of the United States will include all 50 states and capitals.

You can expect your student to leave this class with a deeper understanding of:

  • the physical and political boundaries of the world's countries
  • the events happening in the world around us
  • human culture
  • globalization

and, most likely, a desire to travel and experience first-hand the incredible places we will visit virtually in class.  (My apologies in advance for the travel bug - it's quite contagious.)

Textbook:

BJU Press

Cultural Geography Student Edition, 5th ed

ISBN 978-1-62856-647-5

Copyright 2021

Successful completion of this course earns 1 High School World Geography Honors credit.

Note:  Internet access outside of class will be critical.  Please consult with Ms. Phillips if you do not have internet access.


Read more

The study of World Geography is about so much more than just memorizing places on a map!  We will spend our year getting to know the people, places, and environments of our amazing planet.  This class will utilize a variety of hands-on activities, cooperative challenges, technology, cartography, current events, student presentations, videos, and guest speakers to examine the physical and cultural systems of the world.

Yes, we will memorize the countries and capitals of the world and demonstrate that impressive knowledge on cumulative tests!  We will also dig deeper and use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to ask and answer geographic questions.

We will begin our year with the introduction of the fundamentals of geographic thinking.  Once the foundation of geography is solid, we will progress to studies of individual countries, continent by continent.  Our study of the United States will include all 50 states and capitals.

You can expect your student to leave this class with a deeper understanding of:

  • the physical and political boundaries of the world's countries
  • the events happening in the world around us
  • human culture
  • globalization

and, most likely, a desire to travel and experience first-hand the incredible places we will visit virtually in class.  (My apologies in advance for the travel bug - it's quite contagious.)

Textbook:

BJU Press

Cultural Geography Student Edition, 5th ed

ISBN 978-1-62856-647-5

Copyright 2021

Successful completion of this course earns 1 High School World Geography Honors credit.

Note:  Internet access outside of class will be critical.  Please consult with Ms. Phillips if you do not have internet access.


Read more

This is not your typical “memorize names and dates and regurgitate them on a test” US History class!  In this one-year survey of the history of the US from colonization thru present day we will utilize extensive “experiential education” opportunities in class to place the students as “participants” in the history of America. Class discussion, games, projects, and other hands-on activities will help to make history “come alive”.

In addition to the hands-on experiences, students will use the textbook, primary documents, and current events to learn about the various political, social, religious, and economic developments that have shaped and continue to shape the United States.  Students will be thinking critically and learning skills to analyze historical documents. Emphasis will be placed on relating the effects of past events to the present.  

US History is so much more than just a class of facts and people.  It can help our students become more disciplined and rigorous thinkers.  Skills learned through studying history can equip our students to be better analysts and more compassionate human beings.  

Textbook:  BJU Press United States History (5th ed) ISBN - 978-1-62856-207-1

Successful completion of this course earns 1 High School US History Honors credit.

Note:  Internet access outside of class will be critical.  Please consult with Ms. Phillips if you do not have internet access.


Read more

This is not your typical “memorize names and dates and regurgitate them on a test” US History class!  In this one-year survey of the history of the US from colonization thru present day we will utilize extensive “experiential education” opportunities in class to place the students as “participants” in the history of America. Class discussion, games, projects, and other hands-on activities will help to make history “come alive”.

In addition to the hands-on experiences, students will use the textbook, primary documents, and current events to learn about the various political, social, religious, and economic developments that have shaped and continue to shape the United States.  Students will be thinking critically and learning skills to analyze historical documents. Emphasis will be placed on relating the effects of past events to the present.  

US History is so much more than just a class of facts and people.  It can help our students become more disciplined and rigorous thinkers.  Skills learned through studying history can equip our students to be better analysts and more compassionate human beings.  

Textbook:  BJU Press United States History (5th ed) ISBN - 978-1-62856-207-1

Successful completion of this course earns 1 High School US History Honors credit.

Note:  Internet access outside of class will be critical.  Please consult with Ms. Phillips if you do not have internet access.


Read more

The American Government semester course is designed to give your high school student a solid foundation of knowledge about our government. Utilizing the text and primary source documents, your child will learn the history of our government.  Throughout the semester we will explore the creation, implementation, and development of the “noble experiment” of government set in place by our Founding Fathers.

From America’s foundations to modern issues, this course is intended to equip students to understand the government of the United States and to be prepared to exercise the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

This class will utilize a variety of experiences to enhance the learning experience including, but not limited to, class discussion, current events, research, critical thinking, tests, projects, and historical document analysis.

Required Texts:

Our text will be the actual founding documents - the Magna Carta, Mayflower Compact, Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, Constitution, Bill of Rights, Federalist Papers, etc.  I am creating a booklet that will compile these documents as well as other sources I've curated to provide direction, inspiration, and challenge to our class.  In lieu of a textbook purchase, and in order to cover the cost of creating the booklet, I am asking for a payment of $20 per student.  That will be due by the first day of class.

Additionally, I would like to ask you to get the book Our Constitution Rocks by Juliette Turner (ISBN 978-0-310-73421-5.  While this book appears a bit juvenile at first glance, it is a valuable tool to help add a little focus and simplicity to an otherwise often overwhelming subject.  One of the government classes I took utilized this book as a quick reference.  It was very helpful!

American Government is available on Both Campuses during the fall 2023 semester only.  

If a student withdraws after September 30th, there will be a $130 withdrawal fee.


Read more

The American Government semester course is designed to give your high school student a solid foundation of knowledge about our government. Utilizing the text and primary source documents, your child will learn the history of our government.  Throughout the semester we will explore the creation, implementation, and development of the “noble experiment” of government set in place by our Founding Fathers.

From America’s foundations to modern issues, this course is intended to equip students to understand the government of the United States and to be prepared to exercise the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

This class will utilize a variety of experiences to enhance the learning experience including, but not limited to, class discussion, current events, research, critical thinking, tests, projects, and historical document analysis.

Required Texts:

Our text will be the actual founding documents - the Magna Carta, Mayflower Compact, Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, Constitution, Bill of Rights, Federalist Papers, etc.  I am creating a booklet that will compile these documents as well as other sources I've curated to provide direction, inspiration, and challenge to our class.  In lieu of a textbook purchase, and in order to cover the cost of creating the booklet, I am asking for a payment of $20 per student.  That will be due by the first day of class.

Additionally, I would like to ask you to get the book Our Constitution Rocks by Juliette Turner (ISBN 978-0-310-73421-5.  While this book appears a bit juvenile at first glance, it is a valuable tool to help add a little focus and simplicity to an otherwise often overwhelming subject.  One of the government classes I took utilized this book as a quick reference.  It was very helpful!

American Government is available on Both Campuses during the fall 2023 semester only.  

If a student withdraws after September 30th, there will be a $130 withdrawal fee.


Read more

The spring semester Economics and Personal Finance course is designed to work in conjunction with the fall semester American Government course, but it can stand alone.

In the fall semester American Government course, the student will be introduced to economic situations as they relate to government. The spring semester Economics and Personal Finance course will explore economics in general and its effects on a personal finance level.

This course will provide students with the opportunity to learn and practice vital personal financial skills such as saving, budgeting, debt, investing, and utilizing insurance. A 10 week budget simulation will provide students with an excellent opportunity to immediately apply the concepts we learn about personal finance. We will also study world and national economics topics such as free trade, markets, capitalism vs. socialism and communism, interest rates, minimum wage, monopolies, bail outs, inflation and more.

A variety of techniques will be utilized to enhance the learning experience including, but not limited to, class discussion, current events, research, critical thinking, tests, group and individual financial projects, simulations, and hands-on budgeting.

Required Texts:

Simply Put: A Study in Economics by Catherine Jaime ISBN13 978-1492272649 – $19.50

Budget Challenge Simulation (including e-text) - $25 payable to Mrs. Phillips by 1st day of class.

Economics and Personal Finance is available on both campuses during the spring 2024 semester only.  

No supply fee refunds given after December 1st and if a student withdraws after January 30th, there will be a $130 withdrawal fee.


Read more

The spring semester Economics and Personal Finance course is designed to work in conjunction with the fall semester American Government course, but it can stand alone.

In the fall semester American Government course, the student will be introduced to economic situations as they relate to government. The spring semester Economics and Personal Finance course will explore economics in general and its effects on a personal finance level.

This course will provide students with the opportunity to learn and practice vital personal financial skills such as saving, budgeting, debt, investing, and utilizing insurance. A 10 week budget simulation will provide students with an excellent opportunity to immediately apply the concepts we learn about personal finance. We will also study world and national economics topics such as free trade, markets, capitalism vs. socialism and communism, interest rates, minimum wage, monopolies, bail outs, inflation and more.

A variety of techniques will be utilized to enhance the learning experience including, but not limited to, class discussion, current events, research, critical thinking, tests, group and individual financial projects, simulations, and hands-on budgeting.

Required Texts:

Simply Put: A Study in Economics by Catherine Jaime ISBN13 978-1492272649 – $19.50

Budget Challenge Simulation (including e-text) - $25 payable to Mrs. Phillips by 1st day of class.

Economics and Personal Finance is available on both campuses during the spring 2024 semester only.  

No supply fee refunds given after December 1st and if a student withdraws after January 30th, there will be a $130 withdrawal fee.


Read more

I have loved Texas History since I first studied it in 4th grade.  Little did I know that my family would later trace our ancestry back to the settlement of Texas.  The stories I had learned suddenly became very personal!  To this day Texas History continues to be one of my passions and I cherish the opportunity to bring it alive for my students.

This course will help students discover and appreciate the rich heritage of Texas. Utilizing a wide variety of assignments and activities, students will explore major eras of Texas History from ancient Texan cultures to modern Texas. Class time will focus on interactive opportunities for students to become engaged in and inspired by the stories of Texas and the geography of our great state!

Textbook – TBD – Textbook will be announced by August 1st

Tuition:  $550 / Year ($566.50 if PayPal) or $55 / Month for 10 Months ($57 if PayPal)
Supply Fee:  $80 ($84 if PayPal) / Year Due Upon Registration (Non-Refundable after August 1)


Read more