Michele Sani

Michele Sani isn’t a newcomer to San Joaquin Memorial (SJM), but she is to the position of Assistant Head of School for Academics.  She began her teaching career at SJM in 1997 and continued through 2013 where she taught AP Literature and Composition, AP Language and Composition, World Literature, and Freshman English. In addition, Sani was the English department chair from 2002 to 2013 and served as senior class moderator from 1998 to 2012.

Sani is excited about this new administrative opportunity at SJM.  “Prior to returning to SJM, I was employed by a charter high school for at risk youth. It was very satisfying helping students who had suffered abuse, neglect, violence, jail, and to assure them that they mattered,” she explains.  “As much as I felt called to that kind of ministry, I missed being at a Catholic school. In the end I decided that my skills and experience would serve the greater good if I came back to where I started.”

Sani earned a Bachelors Degree in English and Comparative Literature from UC Davis, a Masters Degree in painting from CSU Fresno, and a Single Subject (English) Teaching Credential from Fresno Pacific University.

“My teaching philosophy is based on Bernard Lonergan’s transcendental precepts,” says Sani. “Father Lonergan, a Jesuit considered to be one of the most important philosophers of the 20 ^th century, shaped my intellectual and spiritual development.  Briefly, his words that frame my approach to teaching are, ‘To be ever intelligent, aware, reasonable, and responsible is to live totally in the world mediated by meaning, and motivated by values.’”

Sani’s primary goal for Academics at SJM is to incorporate the Catholic Intellectual Tradition of engaging students in rigorous, cross-curricular investigations that lead to higher truths.  “Those truths will inspire students to be courageous and proactive in the pursuit of solutions to the problems that plague our world,” according to Sani.  “This kind of intellectual and spiritual discipline creates a vision of a world mediated by meaning and motivated by values.”

Her personal strengths are all rooted in her faith, says Sani, which has given her the courage, resolve, and vision to overcome adversity and create a happy life. “I believe that anyone in a leadership position must be courageous, resolute and visionary.  My professional strengths begin with the excellent education with which I have been blessed.  They continue with 23 years of classroom experience, working with students, teachers, administrators and parents.”

Over her teaching career, Sani has garnered a wealth of knowledge.  “I understand that every student has his or her own story, I know that teaching is hard, and I appreciate that administrators support students and teachers who bring a variety of challenges to the table,” she notes. “As Assistant Head of School for Academics, I will respect confidentiality; I will be sensitive and candid; and understanding and firm.  I will emulate the Gospel message.”

Hosting an international student was one of Sani’s most transformational experiences at SJM.  “My Korean daughter, Minji Kim, lived with me during her senior year and she became the daughter my husband and I always wanted,” according to Sani. “She taught us about Korean culture; we taught her how to cook, dance, and root for the San Francisco Giants.  SJM made this wonderful relationship happen for us.”

Sani was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and moved to the Bay area when she was 5 years old.  She has lived in Fresno since 1991.  A special passion of hers is being an exhibiting artist, which she says, is often emotionally and intellectually draining. “My media is mostly oil on canvas, and my latest work is portraiture.  My last body of work included people throughout history who have inspired me to think deeply and pray earnestly.”  On a lighter note, Sani loves the outdoors – swimming, hiking, skiing, motorcycling, barbequing and reading outside.

She is married to Dr. Ron Sani, has two stepsons (who graduated from SJM) and two beautiful granddaughters.  Sani and her husband travel to Denver and New York as often as possible to see their family.

“We’re excited to have Mrs. Sani’s passion and drive for excellence spearheading academics at SJM,” says Head of School Michael Burke.  “We’re looking forward to a banner year under her leadership.”