Justin Spencer

Justin Spencer has a diverse work experience in the field of education and program management. Justin began their career in 2004 at The Bakken Museum, where they worked as an Educator and later became the Summer Camp Coordinator. In these roles, they provided science programs to school groups and youth during out of school time, as well as coordinated a project-based summer science day camp.

Following their time at The Bakken Museum, Justin joined Fridley High School in 2008 as a Physics and Digital Electronics Teacher. Justin taught multiple sections of Physics First conceptual physics and Project Lead the Way Digital Electronics, incorporating various teaching strategies and collaborating with colleagues to develop learning activities and assessments.

In 2010, Justin joined the Science Museum of Minnesota as an Instructor. Justin was part of the Learning Technology Center team and taught camps and classes that empowered students through technology.

Afterwards, Justin returned to The Bakken Museum in 2012 as the Youth and Families Program Manager. In this role, they led the Youth Invention school year and summer camp programs, managing budgets, developing curriculum, evaluating programs, and providing staff and volunteer training. Justin also supervised the Visitor Services Team, which included overseeing the Museum Store and visitor experience.

In 2015, Justin transitioned to the role of Youth Development Program Manager at The Bakken Museum, a position they held until 2018. Justin then served as the Associate Director of Youth and Family Programs until 2020, before assuming their current role as the Director of Education at The Bakken Museum.

Justin Spencer attended the University of Minnesota from 2000 to 2004, where they obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Physics. Following this, they enrolled in the Teacher Licensure Program at the University of Minnesota from 2005 to 2008, specializing in Science Education. In August 2008, Justin acquired a Teaching License in Physics and Science 5-8 from the State of MN.