A relatively new addition to Willamette Connections Academy, Mrs. Shoning brings more than 20 years of professional experience to her new position, including 11 years as a virtual high school teacher. There’s a lot she appreciates about the online environment. “I love the connections that I get to make with both homeroom and content students. I love helping to create a safe learning environment for my students, and when I'm lucky, fostering a love for social studies with my students.”

Like all good high school teachers, Mrs. Shoning knows that it’s important to be proactive, to make sure students connect with the material, and to make sure everyone is participating. Teenagers aren’t always easy, and their enthusiasm for history, government, economics can… well, vary considerably. She says that her “favorite classroom activity is using essential questioning to promote engaging and collaborative discussions.”

Personally, Mrs. Shoning has been married for more than 20 years to her high school sweetheart. They have two daughters, both in college, as well as two cats, and two “destructive” puppies. The family loves to travel, read, walk, hike, and bike.