Name: Dr. Cary D. Myers

Title: Superintendent of Schools

Organisation: Public Schools System

Dr. Cary D. Myers has a wealth of experience in education, starting his career as a teacher and coach before progressing into administrative roles. Throughout his journey, he has been dedicated to improving student learning and enhancing the educational experience in public schools.

Currently serving as Superintendent of Schools and the published author of Living Your Best Life, Dr. Myers is committed to transforming education into a more inclusive, supportive, and equitable environment for all students.

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

I hope Dr. Cary'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 most challenging aspects as an Educational Leader is balancing the diverse needs of students, staff, and the community while driving meaningful change. This often involves navigating limited resources, addressing systemic inequities, and managing resistance to change.

Additionally, ensuring that every decision prioritizes student success while fostering an inclusive, supportive environment can be complex, particularly in the face of evolving educational policies and societal expectations.

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

Becoming an educational leader for me began with a deep passion for teaching and a strong commitment to positively impacting students' lives. My journey started in the classroom, where I spent nearly 14 years gaining invaluable experience in student engagement, curriculum development, and understanding diverse learning needs.

During this time, I pursued advanced education in leadership, earning my Master's in Educational Leadership. After completing my degree, I sought opportunities for professional growth by taking on roles such as department head and coordinating curriculum development. These experiences provided me with essential skills and insights that prepared me for leadership roles.

The transition from classroom teacher to administrative positions was a deliberate and enlightening journey. Climbing the ladder step by step allowed me to gain a comprehensive understanding of the inner workings of education at every level, shaping my perspective and reinforcing my dedication to improving student outcomes and school environments.

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

As a superintendent of schools, structuring my workdays involves balancing leadership responsibilities, strategic planning, and personal well-being. My morning routine typically begins early. 5:00–6:00 AM: Wake up and start the day with personal time, exercise, mindfulness, or reading to set a positive tone. 6:00–6:30 AM: Review emails, news, and updates from district schools to prepare for the day ahead.

6:30–7:30 AM: Travel to the district and have breakfast, and plan priorities for the day. Workday Activities 7:30–8:30 AM: Begin the day by visiting schools to connect with principals(Dean of Students), teachers, and students, ensuring a visible presence in the district. 8:30–10:00 AM: Attend leadership meetings online and review ongoing projects, budgets, or curriculum planning.

10:00–12:00 PM: Address pressing matters, such as parent concerns, staff development initiatives, or policy updates. 12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch, often spending time with teachers, students, as well as meeting with stakeholders. 1:00–3:00 PM: Conduct strategic planning sessions or work on long-term initiatives, such as developing programs to enhance student achievement or equity efforts. 3:00–4:30 PM: Respond to emails, review reports, and handle administrative tasks that require attention.

Evening Commitments 5:00–7:00 PM: Attend school events, board meetings, or community forums to stay engaged with stakeholders and show support for district initiatives. 7:00–8:00 PM: Dinner with family or use the time to unwind if no events are scheduled. Night Routine 8:00–9:00 PM: Reflect on the day, make notes on accomplishments, and prepare for the next day.

Use this time to read professional materials or unwind with a book or a hobby. 9:00–10:00 PM: Relax, spend time with family, and disconnect from work before heading to bed. This structure is always subject to change, often shifting throughout the day and even hour by hour.

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

A recent lesson I’ve been reminded of as an educational leader is the importance of listening to all stakeholders. Whether it's students, teachers, parents, or community members, taking the time to hear their concerns, ideas, and perspectives fosters trust and strengthens relationships. It is easy to focus on decision-making and strategy, but meaningful progress often stems from collaboration and understanding.

This lesson was reinforced during a recent initiative where diverse voices were involved early in the planning process for a project for our district; this not only improved the outcome but also built a stronger sense of community ownership and support for the changes. It’s a reminder that leadership is as much about learning as it is about leading.

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?

As the author of Living Your Best Life, I, Dr. Cary D. Myers, take great pride in dedicating time to continuous learning and personal growth. One book that has had a profound impact on my journey as an educational leader is "Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek. The book emphasizes the importance of creating an environment of trust and safety within an organization, where leaders prioritize the well-being of their team.

This book reinforced my belief in servant leadership, putting the needs of students, staff, and the community first to foster a culture of collaboration and innovation. Sinek's insights into building strong, resilient teams and leading with empathy have been instrumental in shaping my leadership approach and decision-making.

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 always prioritize relationships. Building strong, trust-based connections with your students, colleagues, and the community is the foundation of an effective leader. Focus on understanding and supporting others, listen actively, and be empathetic. Being an effective leader is not just about making decisions, it is about inspiring and empowering those around you. Invest in these relationships early, and they will guide you through challenges and amplify your impact as you grow in your role.

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

One meaningful story that stands out from my time as an educational leader is when a student who had struggled academically for years came to me after receiving a significant award for improvement in both grades and behavior. This student had faced numerous challenges, personal struggles, a lack of confidence, and felt disconnected from school. The turning point came when we started an initiative to pair students with mentors, and this particular student was paired with a teacher who took the time to build a relationship, offer guidance, and provide consistent encouragement.

Watching this student transform from someone who felt overlooked to someone who was proudly accepting an award for their progress was deeply moving. It was a reminder that the impact of strong, compassionate leadership goes beyond policies or initiatives; it’s about making individual connections that truly change lives. That moment reinforced my belief that the heart of educational leadership is empowering students to discover their potential.