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 Previous: ARRL, Department of Homeland Security to Ink Statement of Affiliation |  Next: Surfin': Kids Leading the Way |
NEWINGTON, CT, Jun 6, 2003--Mark Spencer, WA8SME, has joined ARRL Headquarters staff as the new coordinator of the ARRL Amateur Radio Education and Technology program--also known as "The Big Project." He succeeds Jerry Hill, KH6HU, who has returned to Hawaii.
Spencer, whose first day on the job was June 5, said he's happy to have the chance to continue to work with both young people and Amateur Radio. "This office has the great opportunity to be a facilitator in integrating wireless technologies into the schools," he said. "Ham radio is a facet that can open doors in that area, and I think that ham radio can help make the curriculum relevant for kids."
A ham for 38 years, Spencer has taught math, science, computers and social science at the middle school, high school and community college levels in California and Nevada, often integrating Amateur Radio into his lessons. He holds a bachelor's degree in metallurgical engineering from the University of Michigan and a master's degree in communications from the University of Northern Colorado, in addition to two teaching credentials.
 ARRL Amateur Radio Education and Technology Coordinator Mark Spencer, WA8SME. |
ARRL Field and Education Services Manager Rosalie White, K1STO, said she's thrilled to have someone of Spencer's caliber to guide the Education and Technology Program. "I see him being able to take all the schools, corral them and network them into the Education and Technology program," she said, noting Spencer's extensive experience using Amateur Radio in the classroom. "The sky's the limit, dependent only on the program’s funding by generous ARRL members and corporations."
White added that Hill--who was The Big Project's first coordinator--was instrumental in guiding the first 50 pilot schools into the program and oversaw its development beyond the initial plans into a viable program that already has touched the lives of nearly 1400 young people.
Prior to starting his teaching career in 1993, Spencer served 21 years in the US Air Force, retiring with the rank of Lt Colonel after working in reconnaissance and intelligence, assisting with national military policy supporting the Joint Chiefs, and flying the T-38 supersonic trainer, B-52 nuclear bomber and U-2/TR-1 high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft. His interests outside education and Amateur Radio include woodworking and metalworking, outdoor activities and beekeeping.
The goal of the Education and Technology Program is to use Amateur Radio as a vehicle to improve the quality of education by providing a curriculum focused on wireless communications. The project emphasizes integration of technology, math, science, geography, language skills and social responsibility within a global society. It also provides a complete Amateur Radio station for schools accepted into the program.
The continued success of the ARRL Amateur Radio Education and Technology Program depends on individual and corporate contributions. To learn more, visit the ARRL Development Office secure Education and Technology Program donor Web site.
For more information on The Big Project,
visit the ARRL Amateur Radio Education
and Technology Program Web site or e-mail Spencer.
| Previous: ARRL, Department of Homeland Security to Ink Statement of Affiliation | Next: Surfin': Kids Leading the Way |
