Kathryn Shanks

Kathryn Shanks and her husband, Bob, began homeschooling in 1988, and by the grace of God, educated their four children through high school, graduating their youngest in 2006. She knows firsthand that home-based learning is best, and by providing supplemental classes at Utmost, she is supporting parents who need a bit of  help with teaching certain subjects. Even though her own children are now educated adults and parents themselves, Kathryn still is involved in teaching classes in speech, debate, statecraft, French, and government. Currently she serves on the RRHE Graduation Committee, leads the Scripture Readers team at her church, and is the founder and executive director of Verity Speech & Debate Club in Midlothian. Kathryn loves helping each student discover the joy of learning, whether it comes in small steps or in leaps and bounds. She believes that children are naturally curious learners, and that they will thrive when teachers and parents find ways to tap into that inclination. She encourages students to ask questions, to discover connections, and  apply critical thinking to see how the Lord has created the universe to reveal His character. Hands-on projects make learning delightful, thereby helping concepts and facts to “stick”. Kathryn also enjoys storytelling, theatrical costuming, learning languages, traditional jazz, time with her grandchildren, and anything related to Ireland or Hawaii.