When a community is devastated by a tornado or the ravages of war, people respond to the pain and destruction they see. With the current pandemic crisis, it is harder to actually see or perhaps more appropriately foresee the devastation. Yet, the need to act to support our community and nation is critical.

COVID 19 is officially a pandemic, and measures to limit the community spread have begun. People are being asked to take actions and make sacrifices that are unprecedented for many of us. Therefore, I will be using my blog as a communication tool to support the community. Watch for guest blogs from experts who will also provide timely advice.

Many of the challenges we face locally in education are the same challenges our colleagues face across the country. Addressing these challenges requires leadership at the national, state, and local levels.

Advances in technology have enabled personalization in almost every facet of our lives. Why do we cling so steadfastly to a standardized approach to education?

This blog was inspired by the amazing students who participated in the Academic Tournament.

A special thank you to all of the teachers who served as guest bloggers and shared insight into the relevance of their courses in students’ lives. My blog will conclude this series by focusing on not just a course or content area but on education in general.

This week’s guest bloggers are world languages teachers Lynne Griffin from Catoctin High, Nayibe Neuland from Tuscarora High, and Marcie Stutzman from Middletown High. They share their thoughts about responding to students asking, “Why do I have to learn this?”

This week’s guest bloggers are social studies teachers Shundra Banks from Gov. TJ High, Janvier Beaver from Linganore High, Jerry Donald from Middletown High, and Beth Strakonsky from Frederick High. They share their thoughts about responding to students asking, “Why do I have to learn this?” and in some cases to those asking why they teach.

This week’s guest bloggers are Urbana HS science teacher Melissa Chang and Linganore HS math teacher Sharon Dravvorn Drake. Please enjoy their insights on responding to the question from students: “Why do I have to learn this?”

As I continue to feature our outstanding guest bloggers, this week teachers Aaron Burch from Linganore High School and Tyler Hanson from Tuscarora High School share their insights on "Why do I have to learn this?" Watch for more guest bloggers in "Off the Cuff" over the next few months.