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Jessica Spencer is the new music teacher for Fillmore Central Elementary School, teaching kids from kindergarten through sixth grade. She grew up in Rochester, Minn., but left the state to get her degree in Music Education at North Dakota State University in Fargo, North Dakota.
For over 13 years, Spencer has sang in choirs and played the clarinet for numerous groups, both in the southeastern Minnesota area, and in college. During college, she learned how to play all of the band and orchestra instruments. She’s enjoyed performing in marching bands, jazz bands, orchestras, concert bands, musicals, and plays, creating a well-rounded variety of experiences. After college, she returned to her home region, drawn by the community bands with which she enjoys performing. Spencer is currently on the board of the Rochester Community Band.
Before accepting the position of music teacher at Fillmore Central, Spencer also taught in Lyle, Rochester, and Goodhue in Minnesota as well as in Fargo, N. Dak. When asked why she decided to become a teacher, Spencer replied, “It fills my metaphorical bucket to see kids make new connections and see them learn something brand-new for the very first time.” She was drawn to Fillmore Central because of the small school size and the close-knit community. Spencer has two goals for her students as a music teacher. As a music teacher, she wants to foster a love of music in her students and also help them to increase their music literacy. Doing so will give them the skills to continue with music after they graduate and for their whole lives. “I love the students’ willingness to try new thing and forgive others when they make a mistake,” Spencer said.
When Spencer is not teaching, she enjoys crocheting, reading, and biking
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