Jesse Sopher
English Professor
All posts by Jesse Sopher
Now – August 2026
🕒 What I’m Doing Now
It has been quite a while since my last update, and a whole lot has changed! 🔄 We are kicking off the new fall semester at Ivy Tech 🏫, and I am back in the classroom teaching English Composition this term ✍️📚. On a personal note, my birthday is right around the corner 🎂🎉, and I treated myself to the new Google Pixel 11 Pro and the Pixel Watch 5. I am already counting down the days until that crisp, cooler weather rolls in over the next couple of months 🍂☕.
🎯 Focus
I’m currently focused on fall semester classes and working with the new faculty orientation committee. I’m also trying to refocus on academic and scholarly work, which I have admittedly been slacking on — too many ideas, too little time!
👨🏫 Work
Teaching first-year composition at Ivy Tech Community College.
I’ve also been promoted from Instructor to Assistant Professor of English, and currently serve as Assistant Department Chair in the Department of English and World Languages, where my primary focus is on supporting our adjunct faculty.
🧠 Learning
I’m really interested in the effects of AI (and technology in general) on learning. While I’d love to go to a no/low-tech classroom, I don’t think that’s very practical in today’s world. I’m constantly reading about various approaches to AI and technology in the writing classroom. Hopefully, I can come up with a game plan that works for my students.
📚 Reading
I’ve read and listened to a lot of books since my last update. Here are some of the highlights:
📺 Watching
I’ve watch a lot of TV and movies since my last update. Here’s a selection of some of the highlights.
📍 Location
Based in Peru, IN. Working in Indianapolis. Teaching on Zoom for the next two months.
🤔 What’s a “Now” Page?
Inspired by Derek Sivers, this is a public reminder of what I’m focusing on — not just what I do, but what I’m doing now. It helps me stay intentional and lets you see where my energy is going.
⌛ Then
Interested in previous “Now” updates? Go to Then.
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Now – October 2025
🕒 What I’m Doing Now
I’m currently right in the thick of the semester 📚, focused on teaching English Composition 📝 and Rhetoric & Argument 🤔. It’s always a busy time, but I’m looking forward to a couple of exciting things on the horizon! First, I’m eagerly anticipating the cooler weather 🍂🍁 that should (🤞) be making its way to us soon. Second, I’m thrilled that a good friend is moving back to Indiana shortly—it’ll be great to have her close by again! 😄
🎯 Focus
The same is true as last month: I’m currently focused on fall semester classes, working with the new faculty orientation committee, and reworking my course design for a class I’m teaching in the second 8-weeks. I’m also trying to refocus on academic and scholarly work, which I have admittedly been slacking on.
👨🏫 Work
Teaching first-year composition and rhetoric & argument at a Ivy Tech Community College
🧠 Learning
I’m currently earning credentials in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) — a framework that helps make learning more accessible, inclusive, and effective for all students. UDL emphasizes flexible ways of presenting content, engaging learners, and measuring understanding. I’m exploring how to bring these principles into my courses to better support diverse student needs. My hope is to finish the course this month.
📚 Reading
📺 Watching
📍 Location
Based in Peru, IN. Working in Indianapolis. Probably indoors with a fan on.
🤔 What’s a “Now” Page?
Inspired by Derek Sivers, this is a public reminder of what I’m focusing on — not just what I do, but what I’m doing now. It helps me stay intentional and lets you see where my energy is going.
⌛ Then
Interested in previous “Now” updates? Go to Then.
Now – September 2025
🕒 What I’m Doing Now
As we transition from summer to fall, I’m getting back into the swing of things! 🍂 I’ve officially started the new semester, teaching three classes. While that’s one fewer than my summer workload, it’s still keeping me on my toes! 🤪 I’m excited for all the good things that come with autumn—hoodies, pumpkin spice lattes, and most importantly, no more humidity. Wish me luck! 📚☕
🎯 Focus
I’m currently focused on fall semester classes, working with the new faculty orientation committee, and reworking my course design for a class I’m teaching in the second 8-weeks.
👨🏫 Work
Teaching first-year composition and rhetoric & argument at a Ivy Tech Community College
🧠 Learning
I’m currently earning credentials in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) — a framework that helps make learning more accessible, inclusive, and effective for all students. UDL emphasizes flexible ways of presenting content, engaging learners, and measuring understanding. I’m exploring how to bring these principles into my courses to better support diverse student needs.
📚 Reading
📺 Watching
📍 Location
Based in Peru, IN. Working in Indianapolis. Probably indoors with a fan on.
🤔 What’s a “Now” Page?
Inspired by Derek Sivers, this is a public reminder of what I’m focusing on — not just what I do, but what I’m doing now. It helps me stay intentional and lets you see where my energy is going.
⌛ Then
Interested in past “Now” updates? Click here.
Now – August 2025
🕒 What I’m Doing Now
Lately, I’ve been wrapping up summer classes and preparing for the fall semester — shifting gears, updating syllabi, and getting organized. It’s also been a difficult time personally, as my grandfather recently passed away. I’m moving through the grief while trying to stay grounded and present for what’s ahead. Fall is just around the corner, and I’m slowly getting ready. 🍂📚
🎯 Focus
I’m currently focused on preparing for fall semester classes, organizing new faculty orientation meetings, and reworking my syllabus design.
👨🏫 Work
Teaching first-year composition and rhetoric & argument at a Ivy Tech Community College
🧠 Learning
I’m currently earning credentials in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) — a framework that helps make learning more accessible, inclusive, and effective for all students. UDL emphasizes flexible ways of presenting content, engaging learners, and measuring understanding. I’m exploring how to bring these principles into my courses to better support diverse student needs.
📚 Reading
📺 Watching
💬 Writing
Drafting a blog post on Shiny Happy People Season 2: A Teenage Holy War
📍 Location
Based in Peru, IN, probably indoors with a fan on.
🤔 What’s a “Now” Page?
Inspired by Derek Sivers, this is a public reminder of what I’m focusing on — not just what I do, but what I’m doing now. It helps me stay intentional and lets you see where my energy is going.