Michael Sachs, a Union R-11 seventh-grade social studies teacher, has accepted his first administrative role as the Owensville Middle School assistant principal beginning July 1, upon the retirement of Megan Young.

The Union High School graduate has taught middle school social studies for the last five years while serving as the head of the social studies department and coaching sports.

“I currently teach seventh-grade social studies at Union Middle School, and before that I worked as a para in the high school and middle school for a few years,” Sachs said.

He believes he has a good feel of the middle school vibe.

“In middle school, kids are really coming into their own — something that is really exciting and can be a little scary at times,” Sachs said.

On his experience with middle school education, Sachs says his time as social studies department head has given him insight into middle school data.

“That gave us the opportunity to work with administrators and curriculum instruction,” Sachs said. “As well as professional development for teachers and looking at the data for a more in-depth aspect of what takes place in education.

The Missouri Baptist graduate will have a specialist degree in July before moving on to the next level.

“I was born and raised in Union, but have been to Owensville a lot throughout my coaching career. I see in the newspaper that people rally behind the school,” Sachs said.

Sachs said his primary starting goal is to meet the teachers, parents, and students and listen to their needs.

“I’d like to start by getting to know everybody,” Sachs said. “I was trying to come up Friday and then got a text from Teresa (Schulte, OMS principal) that they were being sent home. My first goal is to develop relationships between teachers, students, and other administrators. I want to start by listening.”

Sachs plans to be on campus during the spring and summer months to meet teachers and students.

“I am really excited,” he said. “l am looking forward to it and am grateful for the opportunity.”