Michael Sapenoff

English teacher at Olathe North High School in the Olathe School District. Avid sports fan, reader, disc golfer, painter, and illustrator.

[Michael Sapenoff @MrSapenoff]

Inspired by the great Jason Martin, I've conferenced with over 100 students about their narrative writing so far today! One more hour to go, but so far, I'm loving the topics students are choosing to explore in their own lives.

[Michael Sapenoff @MrSapenoff]

This is probably the happiest I’ve ever been with my syllabus. I used to treat it like a sacrosanct document to be poured over by students and dissected in great detail, and now it’s just a lot of valuable information in one place available online #boom

[Michael Sapenoff @MrSapenoff]

My daughter practicing her serious face while wearing mom’s headband. Bow to your sensei!

[Michael Sapenoff @MrSapenoff]

Today was my 3rd first day of school! It was the best first day I’ve had yet, thanks to some awesome resources I picked up at PD, & the groan-inducing trial & error that took place over the last two years. I hope I never lose those first-day jitters. Also, +1 pencil net positive

[Michael Sapenoff @MrSapenoff]

I definitely want to utilize this account more in the future. It's a very valuable teaching resource. On an unrelated note, here's the "jammin'" playlist that's getting me through grading right now. Put this thing on shuffle and thank me later.
https://t.co/5HJ6Lz3MF1

[Michael Sapenoff @MrSapenoff]

Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen are Mahomes Lite.

[Michael Sapenoff @MrSapenoff]

One semester of reminders!

[Michael Sapenoff @MrSapenoff]

Rainy and gloomy day out of the classroom window, but excited to have students back! It’s going to be a great semester.

[Michael Sapenoff @MrSapenoff]

This is one of the more frustrating KU basketball games I’ve ever watched.

[Michael Sapenoff @MrSapenoff]

I feel really recharged after this long break. I did a lot reflecting/journaling/planning and I think I know exactly what I have to change for remote learning during S2. I'm ready, and I know this semester is going to go so much better. I'm excited to see kids again!

[Michael Sapenoff @MrSapenoff]

@EducationNext Are there really schools or districts that still need to hear this? Yikes.

[Michael Sapenoff @MrSapenoff]

Did Hill just take an airplane shot after his touchdown?

[Michael Sapenoff @MrSapenoff]

But now, I'm just happy that they care enough to be disappointed by an ending, or annoyed by a protagonist. Because it means that they're formulating their own thoughts and interacting with a text and creating a lasting memory with a classic(ish) book.

[Michael Sapenoff @MrSapenoff]

Just had one of the best moments of my (short) teaching career. Gave an end-of-text survey, & kids are absolutely dragging the ending of Fahrenheit 451. BUT...I think that's exactly what Bradbury wanted. Young people thinking for themselves and getting fired up about books.

[Michael Sapenoff @MrSapenoff]

Why have I never thought about giving a reflective survey like that at the end of a text? I think because up until this point, I've been very protective of the books we read in class. Like I would take it personally if a kid didn't like it.

[Michael Sapenoff @MrSapenoff]

The Honey Badger already making moves for #ChiefsKingdom

[Michael Sapenoff @MrSapenoff]

Besides my brain once again functioning like a normal human brain, teaching has also clicked because of my PLC, a group of teachers who are willing to challenge themselves, share materials, and step outside of their comfort zones.

[Michael Sapenoff @MrSapenoff]

My 5.5-month-old daughter finally moved to a crib in her own room, and I can't begin to describe what this has done for my family. Baby, wife, and I all sleep 8 hours a night now, & I feel like my brain is finally functioning again. As a result, teaching has really clicked lately

[Michael Sapenoff @MrSapenoff]

The pandemic has taken so much from all of us, and yet I still have to listen to Dick Vitale when I watch my KU games....

[Michael Sapenoff @MrSapenoff]

Since I coached cross country in the fall, today is my first full day off since August. Ready to enjoy a much-needed break! The wife and I are picking up a dairy-free pumpkin pie and then all the errands are done.