Shannon was raised by public school teachers, and it is from them that he learned the value of public education. He followed in their footsteps to become a public servant, first attending Oakland University to receive his BA in political science before moving on to Wayne State University for a masters in secondary education.

After graduation, Shannon began empowering young Michiganders to think critically and creatively as a high school economics, government and history teacher for L'Anse Creuse public schools in Clinton Township. While teaching, Shannon saw firsthand the importance of connecting one-on-one with students and the detrimental impact of crowded classrooms that overemphasize standardized testing. Eventually, Shannon turned his passion for public service into a successful campaign for city council in Sterling Heights, recently finishing his third term before joining the Legislature.

Shannon and his wife, Lori, have three kids.