Name: Carla Hennessey

Title: Superintendent

Organisation: Montague ISD

I’m Carla Hennessey, a passionate rural school superintendent with over 27 years of experience in educational leadership. I’m dedicated to creating inclusive, student-centered environments that provide equitable opportunities for all students in our district. As a proud mother of four children from a blended family, I understand the importance of balancing family life with my professional responsibilities. I am deeply committed to supporting both our students and their families, and I work hard to strengthen the connections between our schools and the broader community to ensure every student has the resources and support they need to succeed.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Educational Leadership!

I hope Carla's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as an Educational Leader?

One of the biggest challenges I've faced as an Educational Leader is balancing the diverse needs of students, staff, and the community. Ensuring that all voices are heard and that the goals of the school align with both the individual needs and the broader mission of education can be difficult. Another challenge is navigating the complex landscape of educational policy, resources, and societal expectations while still maintaining a focus on creating a positive learning environment.

2. How did you become an Educational Leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

My journey into educational leadership started with my passion for teaching. After several years of classroom experience, I began to notice how impactful a supportive and visionary leadership team could be on both students and teachers. I decided to pursue further studies in education leadership, and my first step was to take on roles such as department head and later assistant principal. Along the way, I was fortunate to have mentors who encouraged me to embrace leadership, and I learned that leadership isn't about authority—it's about serving others and fostering a collaborative environment.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

My days typically start early. I wake up around 5:00 AM, to get myself and my youngest son ready for the day. I spend the next 30 minutes reviewing emails or preparing for any important meetings. By the time I arrive at school, I make sure I have a clear sense of what needs my attention—whether that's working with the principal, or reviewing federal and state program mandates, or supporting our staff. My day is often a mixture of meetings, observations, and responding to day-to-day needs. In the evening, I am usually running kids to sports practices or attending civic meetings before coming home to help with homework and enjoy dinner with my family. A good night’s sleep is crucial to keep up the energy for the next day.

4. What's a recent lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of as an Educational Leader?

One recent reminder was the power of listening. As an Educational Leader, I’ve realized that sometimes, the best way to support others is to truly listen—whether it’s a teacher seeking advice or a student sharing their challenges. Creating a space where people feel heard is just as important as providing guidance. I’ve been reminded that fostering an open dialogue is essential for building trust and a positive school culture.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your journey as an Educational Leader so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted you?

"Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek had a profound impact on my leadership approach. The idea that great leaders put the needs of others before their own resonated deeply with me. This book helped me realize that being a successful leader isn't about power or recognition but about empowering those around you. It inspired me to focus more on building strong relationships with my staff, creating a culture of trust, and putting the well-being of students at the center of every decision.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young educator who aspires to be an Educational Leader, what would you say to them?

My advice would be to never stop learning and growing. Leadership is not about having all the answers, but about being open to feedback, learning from others, and continuously striving to improve. Develop strong relationships with your colleagues, listen to your students, and be prepared to make difficult decisions. And always remember that leadership is about service—it’s about helping others reach their potential, not about personal accolades.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as an Educational Leader, so far?

One story that stands out is when we were able to implement a new mentorship program for struggling students. It wasn’t an easy task, and many thought it would take too much time away from other priorities. But through collaboration with teachers and counselors, we were able to create a program where older students mentored younger ones, building a sense of community and support. The results were incredible—students showed significant improvement in both academics and behavior. That experience reminded me that, as a leader, it’s important to take risks and invest in long-term solutions, even when immediate results are uncertain.