Current Issues at WHS

​By: Emily Kallajian

  Current Issues is a class where students learn from the news and the world around them. This class is taught by Mr. John Sand, who has been teaching at Wethersfield High School in the Social Studies department for 17 years. 10 of those 17 years that Mr. Sand has been at WHS, he has taught Current Issues.

  Some topics being taught this year by Mr. Sand include the presidential debate, gun awareness, and the effect that past political deals have made on us today. Mr. Sand highlighted how this class differs than most, saying, “It also requires me to stay current and become familiar with an incredibly diverse amount of topics.  And the hardest part is to not impart my own views on an issue. I see my job as being the Devil's Advocate and I usually try to take the position opposite of a student's view. By forcing a student to defend their position, I think it helps them truly identify why they have taken a position on that issue.  I want all students to be able to defend their positions in an educated way.”

  Mr. Sand wants the students to enjoy the class and to learn more about the the world around you. Sand is always incorporating group projects that allows students to share their opinions. The students at Wethersfield High can't seem to get enough of this course. Current Issues has been and will continue to be a popular class amongst WHS students for years to come.