Spencer Klinefelter, the newest member of the Museum team, has been teaching summer camps and outdoor education since he was 16.
As the Museum’s Education Assistant, Spencer runs field programs for local elementary schools, develops curricula for classroom kits, and is a leader at Spring Camp. He also helps Earth Stewards Project partnership with Ponderosa High School plant seeds in the Museum’s new Native Plant Demonstration Garden, and other projects across the City.
Edit: We are proud to acknowledge Spencer’s skills as an educator, and have promoted him to the position of Education Coordinator. In this role, Spencer works with teachers to plan their field trips, creates curriculum, and continues to teach programs.
Spencer grew up near Sacramento and attended UC Santa Cruz, graduating in 2016 with a double major in environmental studies and education. He joined the Museum staff part-time in December and will rejoin the team in September once school programs resume. Spencer’s dedication to connecting students with nature extends to his work with Kids in Nature, a local after school program.
“The most rewarding aspect of leading the field programs is watching eyes light up at the sight of a hawk, or hearing that a student can’t wait to return and explore the place further,” Spencer said. “Fostering that curiosity is a gratifying experience.”