English teacher and newspaper adviser Justin Spencer is the April recipient of the Golden Apple award. He was selected by March’s recipient Bert Groover.

“He cares about the kids. He inspires them to enjoy English and enjoy the newspaper,” Groover said. “[He] really makes them feel valued as a person and also think outside the box.”

Spencer tries to stay present and ‘on the mountain’ in his classroom. He wants to teach his students the same thing. He also values making learning fun and teaching students how to learn. 

“Being on the mountain is being present, being where we are, and just fully engaging with whatever the task is in front of us,” Spencer said. “We should make learning fun. We should challenge and engage our students in the classroom.” 

Spencer has taught for 21 years all of which have been at Starr’s Mill High School. During his time at Starr’s Mill he has taught all four grades, worked in the special education department for four years, sponsored several clubs, and served on a variety of committees. He has advised the school newspaper for the last nine years.

“I committed to myself when I entered this profession that I would never be the teacher who laminated their lesson plans and said, ‘This is what I’m going to do for 30 years’,” Spencer said. “It always changes and grows and morphs.”

Outside of the classroom Spencer enjoys reading, writing, meditating, and spending time with his two daughters. He is currently a Ph.D. candidate at Mercer University exploring soul in teaching and learning. 

Spencer receives $100 from Farmers Insurance to spend on curriculum or instruction. He will also receive a free large pizza from Buck’s Pizza, a gift certificate to Lisa’s Creperie in Senoia, a goodie bag from Safelite Auto, and a free haircut from Mane Hair in Peachtree City.