Shaylan Richardson joined our Empower College Prep (ECP) faculty in 2019. He teaches high school Student Government, Entrepreneurship/Communication, and Financial Literacy classes. Teaching these courses at our values-based K-12 tuition-free school gives Mr. Richardson the opportunity to fulfill the ECP mission of helping scholars learn to solve real-world problems and maximize their impact in the world.
Did You Always Want to be a Teacher?
“I wanted to be a civil engineer, but I didn’t want to do all the math and science. I graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in Family & Human Development and a minor in Communication Studies. My first teaching job was as a music teacher at a local elementary school, but I realized that I was better suited to work at the high school level.”
Mr. Richardson’s classes prioritize real-world experiences by connecting classroom learning to future careers. At ECP our scholars are preparing for college through an academically rigorous program that includes 15 Advanced Placement courses and honors-level classes in Science, Math, English and Social Studies.
Why Teach at ECP?
“We have a great administration and faculty that make it fun to work here. I appreciate how our school is structured and how we get to know our students and their families.”
Empower College Prep is an inclusive, caring community. From the first day of kindergarten all the way to high school graduation, every scholar is supported by our committed teachers who invest in each students’ unique successful completion of their studies.
What are Scholars Learning in Your Classes?
“Students are learning how to manage their money and improve their leadership skills – creating a budget, filing their taxes, managing credit. They even get to create a business. Our capstone project is Market Day. Scholars run a business and get to keep their profits once their expenses are paid. I’ve seen students earn over $1000 in a span of 3 hours!”
Why Enroll at ECP?
“ECP is just different. Some say, ‘we’re the small school with the big heart.’ If you want to be a part of a community, come to ECP.”
Empower College Prep is now enrolling for the 2025-2026 school year, but don’t wait. Enroll today and join us now.
About Empower College Prep
Start your college journey at Empower College Prep (ECP), the values-based, tuition-free college preparatory school serving Kindergarten-12th grade. Preschool is also available on-site. Rigorous academics, inspiring co-curriculars and electives, and competitive sports prepare scholars to succeed in college, solve real-world problems, and maximize their impact in the world. Prepare for your future at Empower. Now enrolling.
