Mike Sansur — a highly regarded and longtime technology education teacher at Staples High School — was killed in an automobile accident yesterday morning.
Mike Sansur
According to The Day of New London, Sansur — who was 52 years old, and lived in Darien — was driving northbound on I-95. He stopped in the left lane for an unknown reason, between Exits 70 and 71 in Old Lyme, just before 7:30 a.m.
Fernando Dixon, 26, of Oxford, driving a Kia, rear-ended the car. Sansur was taken to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, where he died of his injuries,
His son Michael, 21. of Milford, was a passenger. He was taken to Yale New Haven Hospital by Life Star helicopter. Dixon sustained minor injuries.
Sansur was in his 18th year at Staples High School. He taught previously at Ansonia High.
In a message to Westport families and staff, superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice called Sansur a “beloved” teacher.
“We are devastated by this news, and our hearts are with the Sansur family during this difficult time,” he said.
“Mike was a personal favorite of countless students and staff. His career has been marked by inspirational stories of positively impacting the lives of students at Staples, and creating an unparalleled sense of belonging in his classroom.”
Working collaboratively to solve tech ed. problems, in Mike Sansur’s room.
As a technology education teacher, Sansur created courses teaching hands-on skills, while integrating STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) into his curriculum.
His goal was to “encourage students to unearth talents, learn lifelong skills, and discover further courses of study or career paths.” Many went on to careers in fields like electronics, engineering, automotive technology, construction management and architecture. (Click here for a story about a student inspired by Sansur to pursue a career as an electrician.)
Shane Lozyniak wired this electrical panel in Mike Sansur’s class.
He challenged students to build miniature race cars for competitions, bridges out of thin wood to support heavy weights, and projects like lamps and skateboards.
Mike Sansur introduced architecture and construction management skills into his tech ed. curriculum.
Last May in “06880,” Sansur proudly described the number of girls enrolled in what was once a male-dominated department. (Click here to read.)
Last spring, Parker Pretty posed at her workstation.
Scarice said that the Staples and district-wide crisis teams are developing plans to support students and staff.
Terrible news. Guess why a 26 year old killed him? Could I be he was speeding. Hope cameras on this dangerous road tell the tale and he’s held responsible
Mr. Marks, please at least read the story. Specifically the 2nd paragraph…
Mr. Sansur was a tremendous teacher. My son loved his class. I hope his family knows what a positive impact he has had on so many students. Rest in peace.
Such awful, devastating news. My son loved his class.
This is truly heartbreaking. My condolences to his family.
I’ve had lots of teachers. And I barely remember the names of my teachers from high school or earlier. Hell, I can’t even remember half of my university instructors and that was far more recent. But I remember Mr. Sansur and his Tech Ed class. It was the only class where I felt like I’ve belonged and he opened up a world of possibilities and a desire to learn more. He taught the importance of attention to detail, design, and craftsmanship. Which influence me to pursue architecture at uni.
As I’m writing this, the lamp that helped me build is still on my desk and its light will not go out.
His family is in our prayers.
Rest in peace Mr. Sansur
Some thirty years ago I was in charge of a summer enrichment program in Norwalk called Personal Fulfillment for elementary age students. Someone gave me Mike’s name as a great candidate. I think he was just out of college. His classes were so fabulous. He designed these great woodworking projects for young kids. They built race cars, trays and boxes. He did great electrical projects with them. He was so beloved by staff and students. He was such a treasure .
Some years after I retired I was supervising student teachers and had a candidate at Staples. I heard Mike was teaching there so I stopped by his classroom. He greeted me with warmth and showed me all the things he was doing in his classroom. It was so inspiring. He told me how he loved his job and seeing his students find success..
What an incredibly dedicated and caring human being. Such sad news.
While I never met Mike myself, I had the honor of being his son’s cooperating teacher. I was able to see what a caring man and great teacher Mike has raised his son to be. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and for a speedy and full recovery for his son.
Such a tragic story! My heart goes out to the Sansur family. Mike Sansur was a favorite teacher of my son and he made such a positive impact on him – and countless others. His absence will leave a gaping hole in the Staples community.
He was a brilliant teacher who truly understood the concept of multiple intelligences. He created courses that remained “fun” and hands-on, but which developed critical thinking and problem solving skills. He created a classroom environment that was safe, welcoming, inclusive, and collaborative. Not only will he be sorely missed, but he will be extremely difficult to replace.
“To know one life breathed easier because you lived, this is to have succeeded.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Mike succeeded beyond the classroom, for he truly made my daughter, his students, and those around him breath easier. May the lessons he taught and the lamps, pens, trophy cases, tables, chairs, and countless other treasures created under his guidance be the legacy of a life well lived. Thoughts and prayers.
Mr Sansur lived & taught STEAM ….and inclusively! (even before anyone new what to call it) He was more important to ‘education’ then commonly understood or given credit for.
My heart goes out to the family and to the Staples community. My son began his love of wood working in Mr. Sansur’s class and continued his art career in large part because of all that he achieved in his high school Tech Ed class. The class and Mr. Sansur in particular acknowledged that each student had his or her strengths and for my son it was working with his hands. I’m sure he will be dearly missed by all.