In Union County Public Schools, the Spencer family is not just passionate about education – they live it. Kimberly Spencer, a teacher at Sandy Ridge Elementary, has dedicated her career to shaping young minds. Her husband, Dr. Scott Spencer, leads with experience and vision as principal of Marvin Elementary. Their daughter, Kaylee Spencer, is continuing the commitment as a first-year kindergarten teacher at Rocky River Elementary. As we celebrate love this February, the Spencers demonstrate what it means to create a life based on a shared passion for education.

For the Spencers, the classroom is not confined to school buildings; it spills over into their home. Imagine dinner table conversations buzzing with ideas about lesson plans, brainstorming new ways to engage students, sharing heartwarming stories about the small victories that make teaching so rewarding and the occasional good-natured debate about teaching strategies. It’s a dynamic where each conversation becomes an opportunity to learn, grow and inspire one another.

"We’ve always just been in each other’s schools," Kimberly shared. "It doesn’t matter if it’s breakfast or dinner, education comes up. We have each other’s backs, and that’s been such a magical part of being a family of educators."

The sense of support and understanding has deepened as Kaylee has embraced her teaching role. Growing up, she witnessed her parents' dedication to their students, but entering the profession has given her a deeper appreciation for their work.

"Now that I’m in education, I realize how much work goes on outside the school day—prepping, planning, making sure everything is ready," Kaylee said. "It makes me even more grateful for my parents, knowing they were able to balance all of that while still being amazing for me and my brother, John." 

Although John chose a different career path, the values instilled by his parents—a love of learning, a commitment to hard work, and a desire to make a positive contribution—have greatly benefited him in the insurance industry. Even though he is not an educator, he embodies the family's shared commitment to growth and service.

Scott, reflecting on his journey, sees leadership as an extension of his commitment to education. He spent 12 years in the classroom before transitioning into administration, where he found a new way to make an impact.

"I’ve always believed in the power of impact," he said. "When I started working in administration, I realized how much influence you can have outside the classroom while still supporting the school community. I thought about the leaders who shaped me. I wanted to be that person for others." 

Kimberly added, "Scott is incredibly present for people. Whether it's staff or community members, he makes time to listen. People see that. It's one thing to say you're a good listener, but he truly shows it."

Scott said he strives to create a positive and supportive environment for everyone at his school. 

"It starts at the top," he said, acknowledging the importance of leadership and support. "When we support teachers, we're also getting support, and that makes all the difference." He's proud of the positive atmosphere at his school, where staff and students are excited to be there. "You can't put a price on that," he said.

Kimberly had a dream of becoming a teacher since childhood. Thirty-one years later, that dream is still alive and well.

"I always loved to be around children," she recalled, describing how she transformed her basement into a classroom for her dolls and stuffed animals. 

Her early passion for education led her to pursue early childhood and elementary education, followed by a master's degree in special education.

"My favorite role is the teaching role," she said, her voice filled with genuine enthusiasm.

Kimberly's commitment to her students goes beyond academics; she strives to create a safe, supportive and loving environment where each child can flourish. "Teaching from the heart" is her motto, focusing on connection and understanding alongside curriculum.

Like her mother, Kaylee found her calling in early childhood education.

"Just seeing how a child views the world…it’s something that I want to help them always hold on to," she explained. 

Kaylee is passionate about nurturing a child's natural curiosity and building a love of learning from an early age. Her dedication is evident in her playful and engaging teaching style, which transforms learning into an exciting adventure for her young students. She even returned to her former elementary school, Sandy Ridge, where she interned in a first-grade classroom during her senior year of high school. Her experiences, particularly during her first year of teaching, taught her the importance of connecting with her students and trusting her instincts.

Kimberly beamed with pride as she described her daughter's natural gift for teaching. "Kaylee can just sit alongside children and connect with them.  She doesn't have to think about it; she just knows how to react, what to say.  It's a gift," Kimberly said. "She has this innate ability to understand children, and that's so important in this profession."

The Spencer trio understand the teacher's life.

"No one truly understands this work unless they’re in it," Kaylee said. "Educators just get each other." 

Working in Union County alongside her parents has been a transformative experience for Kaylee. "It’s like a ripple effect," she explained. "I meet people my parents taught or whose children were, and they share incredible stories. It's evident how many lives they've touched and how many families they've impacted. It's truly inspiring. I’m proud to be their daughter."

This shared experience strengthens their family, creating a supportive home base where they celebrate successes and tackle challenges together. More than just colleagues, they are a family dedicated to making a difference in students' lives. For Kimberly, their impact is about "kindness, care and compassion." Scott added "kindness, community building and results." These aren't just words; they are how the Spencer family approaches education.

Looking ahead, they hope to inspire future generations to love learning, chase their dreams and make the world a better place.

"I know there are future educators out there!" Scott said.

02/10/2025