Sandy Beary Retires
After 35 years in public education, Sandy Beary is retiring from Forest Area School District. Inspired early on by her work with special needs peers, Beary dedicated her career to helping students overcome learning challenges and achieve academic success.
Beary joined Forest Area on September 23, 1991, as a high school learning support teacher at East Forest. Over her tenure, her roles spanned elementary and secondary special education, Title I instruction, and reading intervention. She also contributed to district-wide operations by writing federal programs and grant proposals. Throughout her career, her primary focus remained helping struggling readers build essential skills and reach their full potential.
Beyond the classroom, Beary served as a student council advisor, basketball coach, and coordinator for school functions. She credits key influences throughout her career – including Dr. Ferguson, Mr. Vincini, Mr. Smith, Mrs. Cherico, and Holly Jaquay – and values the strong collaborative environment across the district.
For educators entering the field, Beary emphasizes structured instruction, high expectations, and clear standards. She considers five core principles essential to a strong school and community: Honesty and integrity, Compassion and understanding, Seriousness of purpose, High expectations, Order and discipline.
In retirement, Beary looks forward to spending more time with her family, traveling to Texas to visit her children and grandchildren, and increasing her involvement in her church’s women’s ministry and Bible study. Forest Area School District thanks Sandy Beary for her 35 years of dedicated service and leadership.
