IPS Employee Spotlight: Cara Hachmeister Talks About Her Career
Welcome to the IPS Employee Spotlight, where we spotlight the dedicated individuals who significantly impact our district. In this engaging Q&A session, Cara Hachmeister talks about her career and how she is working to make an impact in the district.
Hachmeister has been with Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) since 2017 and is currently the graduation and alternative programs coordinator. Over the years, she has held various roles within the district, including high school counselor at Arlington High School, lead counselor at George Washington High School, and IT administrative trainer. Her work reflects a strong commitment to leadership, equity, innovation, and student-focused support.
Q–Can you share a bit about your academic and professional background and what led you to a career in education?
A–My journey in education has been shaped by a passion for empowering others and helping them overcome barriers to success. I began my career teaching elementary school and middle and high school mathematics, where I spent eight years in the classroom helping students build confidence and competence in a subject that often challenges them. Those years were foundational, as they deepened my understanding of student needs and the importance of individualized instruction. As my career progressed, I took on the role of lead school counselor, where I was able to expand my impact beyond academics, supporting students' mental health, career planning, and personal development. In addition to my counseling work, I took on the role of Principal at Christle House, an adult high school that provides a second chance for students to earn their diplomas.
Q–What specific roles and responsibilities do you have at IPS currently?
A–In my current role, I lead a district-wide team of graduation coaches and academic specialists across all high school campuses. Together, we are responsible for managing the state cohort data to drive improvements in graduation rates and diploma strength. In my first full year in this position, we achieved a notable increase in graduation rates—from 81% to 87%—with projections indicating continued progress that is on track to surpass the district’s goal for the 2025 school year. A critical part of our strategy involves close collaboration with the district’s Future Centers to ensure that every student not only graduates but also leaves high school with a diploma that aligns with their strengths and a clear, actionable plan for post-secondary success. Our mission is to support each student in reaching their maximum potential and to remove any barriers standing in the way of that success.
Q–How do you approach your job daily, and what strategies do you use to stay motivated and effective?
A–Each day, I approach my role with a mindset grounded in purpose, empathy, and accountability. I begin by reminding myself why I’m here: to create a safe, supportive, and empowering environment where students—many of whom have faced significant life obstacles—can succeed. That sense of mission keeps me grounded and motivated.
I prioritize visibility and presence. Whether it’s visiting classrooms and schools, completing home visits, or checking in with my staff, I believe a consistent connection builds trust and sets a positive tone that I’m available and willing to put in the hard work. I also spend time reviewing key metrics—attendance, engagement, and academic progress—to stay aligned with our goals and intervene early where support is needed. Our shift to a proactive versus reactive approach has proven effective results in the past year, with graduation rates.
To stay effective, I use a few core strategies:
Time blocking and prioritization: I focus on high-impact tasks and set boundaries around reactive work to ensure strategic goals don’t get lost in the daily shuffle.
Team empowerment: I believe in distributed leadership. I actively listen to staff, delegate with trust, train up, and encourage ownership.
Reflection and adaptability: I make space regularly to reflect on what’s working and what’s not. I adapt quickly; flexibility is often key to meeting students where they are. I rely on my supervisor and colleagues when collaboration is necessary.
What keeps me motivated is seeing our students’ resilience and growth. Watching someone earn a high school diploma—often while balancing jobs, parenting, or other challenges—is incredibly inspiring. It reminds me daily that the work we do truly matters.
Q–Why is education important to you, and what inspires you to pursue a career in this field?
A–Education is important to me because it is the most powerful tool we have to change lives, break generational cycles, and create opportunity. I’ve seen firsthand how access to quality education can transform not just individual students, but entire families and communities. That belief is what fuels my work and inspires me to show up each day.
I have a deep desire to serve and support others, especially students who may not always see their potential. Early in my career, while teaching and coaching, I realized that my greatest joy came not just from teaching content, but from building relationships, mentoring students, and helping them overcome obstacles. Over time, my roles have changed, but the goal has remained the same. What continues to inspire me is the resilience of our students. Many of them face significant challenges outside of school, yet they continue to show up, work hard, and push forward. Supporting them in reaching their goals—and seeing the pride on their faces when they succeed—is what makes this work meaningful. Education isn’t just my career, it’s my calling.
Q–What advice would you give to new educators or staff members joining IPS to help them succeed and feel valued in their roles?
A–The best advice I can give to new educators or staff is this: find a trusted mentor who believes in you. Throughout my journey, I’ve been fortunate to have several role models within Indianapolis Public Schools who have shaped my growth and development. Their guidance, encouragement, and belief in my potential made all the difference, and I strive to pay that forward. I also encourage new educators to always keep the goal front and center: stay dedicated to the students. This work is not always easy, but when your focus remains on what's best for the learners in front of you, your decisions become clearer, your passion stays alive, and your impact grows deeper.