A Teacher Everyone Deserves: Mr.Sand

by Alyssa Ajodhi (2016)

One of WHS’s favorite Social studies teachers, Mr.Sand, teaches in a way that really grabs students and pulls them into caring a lot about the class topics. His group activities and critical thinking debates are what make him a favorite teacher in Wethersfield high school.

I asked Mr. Sand, “ What about teaching high school students makes you enjoy your work? He said, “I like watching high school students grow and change from the beginning of the year to the end of the year. I see students change and grow and I really enjoy that, and that's what I enjoy the most.”

Mr. Sand is thought to be one of the most passionate and caring teachers at WHS. I asked him what part of teaching he is most passionate about and he said, “ I'm most passionate about the things that help students learn and grow. Anything that does like problem solving skills, things that are designed to develop empathy so they understand the [life] of others. I think they're really important to life.” Not only does Mr.Sand care about the academic development of his students, but their moral growth as well.

His senior student, Maya Yurko, answered my questions about Mr. Sand’s class environment and I firmly agree with her answers. I asked Maya if being in Mr. Sand’s classes impacted her in someway, and she answered, “ Yes, it taught me to be more open as a person and it taught me how to be able to voice my opinions.”

​His way of teaching changes students positively and makes them grow into a better student and individual. Mr. Sand does this by just being himself which encourages all students to do the same. What students take away from the few years of knowing Mr. Sand is that he is one of the people that make Wethersfield High School a great community.