Tara Falasco, Ed.D.

I think at every step in my career, I’ve had someone—a mentor—who helped guide me toward where I wanted to go. I’ve also been incredibly fortunate to have a very supportive mom who would always remind me, ‘Tara, you can do this.’ That encouragement made a big difference.

Throughout my career, whether through professional organizations like NAESP or within my own school community, I’ve always had someone I could turn to for advice, support, or perspective when facing challenges.

Interestingly, my dissertation focuses on mentoring and sponsorship. I originally thought the research would show that mentorship was the most important factor for women in leadership. But what emerged was that sponsorship can actually be even more impactful. Women need people who will advocate for them in rooms where they are not present—people who speak positively about their work and help open doors to new opportunities.

For me, finding individuals I trust—people who guide me, support me, and champion my work—has truly been key to my success.

I was often told throughout my career that I had a lot to offer—not only to students, but to other educators as well. Hearing that encouragement pushed me to start presenting at conferences and writing articles. I realized that by sharing ideas and experiences, I could help influence and support other educators, which ultimately benefits the students we serve.

It also comes down to having faith in yourself. Confidence plays such an important role in leadership. When I was considering applying for new opportunities, hearing people say, ‘You can do this,’ was incredibly powerful. That encouragement helped me believe in my own abilities and take the next steps forward in my career.

Sometimes you just have to go for it and ask yourself, what’s the worst that can happen? Having a trusted person you can turn to for advice and encouragement makes a big difference.

My dissertation actually focuses on mentoring and sponsorship. I initially thought the research would show that mentorship was the most important factor for women in leadership. But what I found was that sponsorship can be even more impactful. Women need people who will advocate for them in rooms where they are not present—people who will speak positively about their work and help open doors to new opportunities.

So my advice is to find someone you trust who will support you and champion you. That kind of advocacy doesn’t always come naturally for women, but it matters. I didn’t always feel completely ready for the opportunities I pursued—but I went for it anyway.

One of the biggest professional questions for me right now is whether I want to move into a district office role. That would be the natural next step in leadership, but I’m not sure that’s where I want to be at this moment. It’s an opportunity, but also a challenge—because I truly love the work I’m doing right now in a school building.

Another challenge in education today is that students are simply different than they were before. We’re seeing significantly more anxiety and dysregulation, and schools are working hard to support students socially and emotionally. For example, our current fifth graders were in kindergarten during COVID—they were wearing masks, sitting six feet apart, and in many cases learning from home. Because of that, many of the social skills we once assumed students would naturally develop just aren’t there in the same way.

Teachers sometimes say, ‘They should know how to do this.’ And while that may be true developmentally, the reality is that many students didn’t have those experiences during critical years. As educators, we have to meet them where they are and help rebuild those skills.

Technology is also a major factor, particularly in the older grades. Many students are getting cell phones at very young ages, often without guidance on how to use them responsibly. That has changed the landscape for both students and schools. At the same time, parenting dynamics have shifted, and education overall has evolved significantly. Schools today are responding to a much more complex set of needs than ever before.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned over time is the importance of work–life balance. It’s not always easy, and it’s something I’ve gotten better at over the years. That balance is essential—not only so you don’t burn out professionally, but also so you can maintain meaningful time for family and for yourself.

For a long time, I was very focused on my career and my ambitions, sometimes at the expense of my personal life. I don’t regret that path because it helped shape where I am today, but I’ve learned that balance is healthier and more sustainable.

Another core value for me is trust. I want people to trust me as a leader, and just as importantly, I want to build a circle—a tribe—of people I trust and can rely on. Having those relationships makes such a difference both personally and professionally.

I’ve also learned to trust the journey. Earlier in my career, if I didn’t get a job I really wanted, I would feel devastated. Over time, though, I’ve realized that sometimes those moments happen for a reason. The opportunities that didn’t work out helped guide me to where I am today—and I truly feel grateful to be in a place that I love.