Her Story
About Tara
Tara McConnaughey is an Intervention Specialist with 28 years of experience in the field of education. She began her career as a classroom teacher for 15 years before returning to school to earn her administrator's license from Xavier University, a pursuit she balanced with raising four children and working full time. She went on to spend five years as an academic coach and served as an assistant principal for grades K-8, gaining valuable experience across multiple facets of school leadership. Along the way, she also earned her superintendent's license from Xavier University, inspired by the leadership of superintendents Marlon Stiles and Frank Forstoffel, particularly during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
After relocating out of state and later returning to Ohio, Tara chose to step back into the classroom as an intervention specialist, a decision driven by her desire to gain hands-on experience in special education and deepen her connection to student support. She currently serves in this role within a new school district, applying nearly three decades of accumulated knowledge in teaching, coaching, and administration to directly support students in need. Her career has been marked by recognition as Teacher of the Quarter, and throughout her professional journey, she has remained guided by the belief that effective leadership is rooted in strong relationships and genuine presence.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Tara is defined by her commitment to honesty, humility, and kindness. She is an active volunteer, participating in the Ronald McDonald House can tabs collection and donating blood every eight weeks, and she balances her career with raising four children and maintaining an active, fitness-focused lifestyle. As she looks toward the future, Tara is beginning to explore opportunities beyond traditional education, drawn to the business world and the chance to apply her decades of experience in leadership, organization, and problem-solving in new ways—while continuing to lead with purpose and a lasting commitment to helping others succeed.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Tara
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to nearly three decades of dedication to education, during which I have grown through every role I've held—from teacher to academic coach to assistant principal and now intervention specialist. Each position has taught me something different about leadership, relationships, and the importance of being present for the people around me. This year, I made the choice to focus less on pursuing a particular administrative title and more on the work that has always mattered most to me: helping students. I've come to understand that leadership isn't defined by the position you hold, but by the difference you make. My time in administration showed me the value of staying engaged and present, and I've always believed that relationships are at the heart of effective leadership—you can have the right systems and plans in place, but people are what truly make an organization work. As I look toward the next chapter of my career, I carry with me everything I've learned about leadership, relationships, organization, and problem-solving, and I know these lessons don't lose their value simply because I may move into a different industry.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I was deeply influenced by two superintendents, Marlon Stiles and Frank Forstoffel, whose leadership—particularly during challenging times such as COVID—inspired me to pursue my superintendent's license through Xavier University. Earning that license remains one of my proudest professional accomplishments, as it opened doors for me to work with middle and high schools and broadened my understanding of educational leadership. What has stayed with me most, though, is watching Frank Forstoffel take the time to attend my daughter's middle school basketball game. Knowing how little free time superintendents have, seeing him show up for something so meaningful to her—even if it seemed small in the larger scheme of things—taught me an important lesson about leading from a human level as an educator.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
After nearly three decades in education, the lesson I would share with anyone entering this profession is simple: don't be afraid to ask for help. Teaching and educational leadership can be incredibly demanding, and there will be times when you face situations you've never encountered before. There is no reason to work through those moments alone. I have been fortunate to have wonderful people around me throughout my career—supportive colleagues, inspiring teachers, and strong mentors—who have all helped shape who I am as an educator and leader. I truly believe that asking for help is not a weakness; it makes difficult challenges easier to navigate and ultimately makes us better at what we do.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Education continues to face significant challenges, and I believe school funding is one issue that deserves serious attention, as resources have a direct impact on what schools can provide for students, teachers, and communities. At the same time, I see tremendous opportunity within the field.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Being honest, being humble, and being kind are the values that matter most to me, both professionally and personally. As a mother of four who values fitness and staying active, I'm also beginning to look beyond traditional education roles and explore opportunities in the business world, particularly in training, organization, and leadership. That transition isn't always easy—one of the challenges I've encountered is trying to enter business roles without necessarily having the specific credentials employers are looking for.
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