After a 20-year career in the Navy, Spencer transitioned to teaching through the Troops to Teachers program and returned to his alma mater in 2006 where he is a STEM teacher. Spencer designed the STEM program at Sunnyside that now includes a variety of classes aligned with course requirements in math and science, a large Technology Student Alliance, and even a zero hour engineering course. Spencer loves the hands-on approach that STEM offers students who may find more traditional instruction more challenging, and he revels in those a-ha moments of understanding he sees on students’ faces when they learn a new concept. He believes STEM instruction allows students to engage in a deeper understanding of math and science standards. He challenges his colleagues to look for ways to integrate many standards in one lesson by collaborating with math and science teachers often.
Spencer believes the future success of education depends on collaboration across subjects and more interdisciplinary study. He calls on the community to share their time and expertise to better understand what is happening in our schools and to invigorate education with their “real world” knowledge and skills.
Spencer believes community support and engagement is essential to the success of our schools. The STEM program is closely tied to industry through the advisory committee that Spencer created made up of pilots, engineers and IT professionals. He also uses his role as a newly elected City Council Member to talk with community members about the work that is happening in our schools.
“Spencer is a selfless visionary,” says colleague Stephen Whittaker. “He is an advocate for students both in the school and in the community; devoting his time, energy and knowledge to their betterment.”
