David Spencer, 76, passed away on July 27, 2020. Spencer, as most people called him, earned an undergraduate degree in education from Western Colorado University. Upon graduation, he was hired by the Tempe Elementary School District where he began his teaching career at Laird School in 1966. He went on to earn a master's degree in education from ASU in 1970. In 1968, he was drafted by the US Army and served in Vietnam as a chaplain's assistant. After Vietnam, he returned to Tempe and teaching. Over the next 30 years he educated children at multiple schools in Tempe. Later, he moved on to ASU, where he spent a decade educating pre-service teachers in the school's Elementary Ed. Program.



In 2004, Spencer was asked to describe his approach to teaching. "I wouldn't be able to teach to my students if I didn't know my students," he said. "And the only way to know them is to connect with them at some level either academically or emotionally. There has to be a connection before learning can take place. My connection with my students is one of knowing them, understanding them and, probably most important, accepting them for who they are and what they do."

Spencer is survived by his wife, Susan Soroka, a daughter and two sisters. His family has no immediate plans for a public service due to the COVID-19 pandemic but intend to hold a celebration of his life once it's safer for public gatherings. Donations can be made in Spencer's name to Hospice of the Valley . Additionally, there is a public Facebook group, "Former Students of David Spencer." All are welcome to read or share memories. (Source: Arizona Republic)