Sandy initially embarked on her career teaching English but later found her calling as a math teacher. Her love for both subjects goes back to her roots. “I taught English that first year and then did kind of a double certificate. I always liked both so much. I thought, I’m just going to do both to see what happens.” Her choice, however, has been a subject of friendly debate: “My old English teacher from high school always asks me, are you still teaching math? And when I say yes, he replies, ‘What a waste. You should have taught English.’”

 

Her high school English and speech teacher, Loretta Wyman, stirred up her enthusiasm for teaching. “She was just so great with every level of kid and seemed to enjoy everything she did. And I just thought, I can do that.” She has done that, and then some while witnessing her students’ “energy and excitement about everything,” one of the many experiences she says makes it all worth it. “You can always say you’re doing something important every single day.”

 

The Webb family legacy at Newton High doesn’t end with Sandy. Both of her daughters are teachers, and her sons, one engineer and one teacher, have pursued careers that attest to the quality of their upbringing and education. “My oldest was in sixth grade when I started. Each of my kids came through the high school when I was here. The district has been good to my family.”

 

Reflecting on her experience with college preparation over the years, Sandy believes it’s important to balance technical education and traditional four-year college prep. “We don’t sacrifice the ones that do want to go to college,” she emphasizes. “We’ve added practical math classes for those interested in tech, but we haven’t let go of calc, trig, or stats.” It’s an all-inclusive trend she hopes will continue long after she’s gone.

 

Speaking of retirement, Sandy thinks it’ll treat her kindly. There are meditative walks to take. She’ll play more tennis, as opposed to coaching it. Other than that? Mostly quiet time with a few books. “I’m very much a homebody. We live out in the country, so I have a big yard and lots of stuff to do.” While looking forward to full-time quilting, she admits, “I think it will hit me a little bit, not going back to school.”

 

She’s defined herself as a teacher for so long that she’s reluctant to brand herself a “retired” teacher. The halls of Newton have welcomed her with openness and compassion, and she’s more than happy to return the goodwill. Sandy has a wish for her students: “I hope they pursue the dreams that they have, no matter how far-fetched they seem, and don’t rule out the possibility of coming home because it’s a great place to raise a family.”