In this episode, Nicole Parks shares her journey through personal challenges, including her experiences with trauma, the weight of current events, and the importance of using privilege for advocacy. She reflects on her childhood, the impact of abuse, and the role of educators in protecting children. Nicole emphasizes the need for awareness and action in addressing social injustices, particularly regarding undocumented families and children. The conversation culminates in a call to action for listeners to use their voices and privilege to support those in need.

Takeaways

Nicole is in an administrative credential program and a doctoral program.

She has been working on nervous system regulation and CPTSD.

The world feels heavy with current events like Gaza and Ukraine.

Children are often victims of abuse and exploitation.

Nicole shares her personal story of running away from home as a child.

She reflects on the impact of privilege in her life and others.

Educators have a responsibility to advocate for children.

Nicole emphasizes the importance of speaking up against injustices.

She acknowledges her privilege and its role in her experiences.

The episode ends with a call to action for listeners to support children.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Personal Challenges and Growth

02:52 The Weight of Current Events

05:51 Childhood Trauma and Abuse

12:00 The Impact of Privilege on Abuse

18:03 The Role of Educators in Advocacy

36:06 Using Privilege for Good

Keywords

personal growth, trauma, privilege, education, advocacy, childhood abuse, mental health, immigration, social justice, empowerment

Welcome back to Straight Up with Mrs. Parks!
We’re kicking things off with an incredible guest: Mrs. Jenna Evarts, the powerhouse educator and classroom management expert behind @thatstrongteacher.

In this episode, Nicole Parks and Jenna Evarts dive deep into the real challenges teachers are facing with classroom management—especially in elementary settings—and the mindset shifts required to move from daily survival mode to calm, confident leadership.

Together, they share raw, honest stories from their own classrooms—ranging from tattling and nonstop blurting to chair-flipping, work-ripping, and full-blown crisis behaviors. Whether you’re teaching kindergarten or seniors, you’ll hear strategies and reflections that apply across all grade levels.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• Why “just build relationships” is NOT a classroom management plan (and why that advice feels so triggering)
• The hidden factors shaping student apathy as early as 2nd grade
• How student mistrust develops—and how teachers unintentionally reinforce it
• Why consistency, clarity, and consequences are the backbone of any successful classroom
• The role of collaborative problem-solving and data-driven decision-making in supporting students
• How logical + progressive consequences work together to create predictable, safe learning environments
• The emotional side of teaching: managing stress, staying regulated, and protecting your peace
• Why teachers deserve coaching and support just as much as athletes, executives, and every other high-performing professional
• What it really looks like to balance teaching, parenting, and the realities of educator burnout
• The growth, evolution, and confidence that come from learning strong classroom management foundations

This episode is your reminder that you’re not the problem, and you’re definitely not alone.

Where to Find Jenna Evarts (@thatstrongteacher):

• Instagram: @thatstrongteacher
• TikTok: @thatstrongteacher

Jenna offers an entire suite of classroom management support for elementary educators—from self-paced courses to hands-on coaching where she guides you every step of the way.

Books Referenced in This Episode:

Lost at School: Why Our Kids with Behavioral Challenges Are Falling Through the Cracks and How We Can Help Them by Dr. Ross W. Greene

The Classroom Management Secret: And 45 Other Keys to a Well-Behaved Class by Michael Linsin

If you loved this episode…

Please like, subscribe, and leave a review—it helps us reach more educators who need this kind of support and real-talk honesty.

Keywords

classroom management, teacher strategies, building relationships, student behavior, education, teaching tips, classroom environment, problem solving, consequences, teacher leadership, classroom management, teacher support, MTSS, PBIS, education strategies, teacher mindset, student behavior, data-driven education, teacher wellness, professional development

In this deeply personal episode of "Straight Up with Mrs. Parks," I open up about navigating a season of profound loss, grief, and transformation. I share candid reflections on losing loved ones, the impact on my creativity and career, and the challenges of setting boundaries while supporting family.

Also, I discuss my journey through spiritual growth, anxiety, and self-doubt, and how I am learning to trust myself again.

Tune in for an honest conversation about healing, resilience, and finding your spark after hardship—plus insights on education, coaching, and the power of community. If you’re seeking real talk about life’s toughest moments and the path to rebuilding, this episode is for you.

This is a super short episode to just share about something that has been GRINDING MY GEARS! Someone in a higher leadership position shut down a training opportunity and support program for our school that couldve helped our students A YEAR AGO!!!

Now listen, I understand that the way we did it this last school year was slower and intentional. But I already had decent buy-in, training set for teachers and conferences paid for that was included in the invoice... Someone just thought it was better to detach my name from it and wasted a year of students learning all for their ego.

Gotta love the Power, Politics, and YUCKY energy wrapped in the cloak of education and pretending to truly care about students.

Also, if you have never heard of Eduprotocols, let me be your gateway!! Click here to go check out their website and go consume all of their social media content!

🎙️ Straight Up With Mrs. Parks

In this raw and reflective episode, Mrs. Parks returns to the mic after a brief hiatus—sharing what’s been going on behind the scenes as she juggles her educational leadership program, career, and calling to serve students at the highest level.

She gets straight up about the realities plaguing today’s education system—from unchecked burnout to the emotional toll of working alongside unmotivated colleagues. Mrs. Parks challenges the status quo, calling out the performative SEL talk and lack of real student-centered action.

This isn’t just a vent session. It’s a rallying cry. For educators who refuse to play the victim. For teachers who believe kids deserve more than worksheets and silence. For the ones who show up with empathy, boundaries, and purpose.

✨ If you're ready to be the educator our kids actually need, press play.

If you like and support my podcast please leave me a review, then share it on your social media stories and tag me so I can see and celebrate with you!!!

Are you heading into the new year already feeling exhausted from managing constant disruptions in your classroom? You’re not alone, and the good news is—you don’t have to stay stuck in survival mode. In today’s episode, I’m helping you reflect, reset, and take the first steps toward transforming your classroom and rediscovering your joy in teaching.

We’ll dive into why exhaustion doesn’t mean you’re failing, how to reframe your mindset, and three actionable steps to set yourself—and your students—up for success in the new year. If you’re ready to step into 2024 as a calm, confident classroom leader, this episode is for you.

Plus, I’ll share how the Behavior Boss Academy can give you the tools, support, and strategies you need to conquer classroom challenges once and for all.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why exhaustion is a sign of your dedication, not your failure.
• How to reset your mindset and prepare for a fresh start in January.
• 3 actionable steps to reduce disruptions and create a more manageable classroom.
• The key to balancing empathy, boundaries, and respect with your students.
• How the Behavior Boss Academy can transform your classroom and your confidence.

Links and Resources:

• ✨ Join the Behavior Boss Academy: www.teachwithmrsparks.com/bba
• 🎧 Follow me on Instagram for more tips and strategies: @teachwithmrs.parks
• 💌 Subscribe to my blog for exclusive insights and resources: https://www.teachwithmrsparks.com/blog-1

Follow and Subscribe:

If this episode resonated with you, I’d love for you to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! Your feedback helps me continue creating content that empowers and uplifts amazing educators like you.

• Ready to take control of your classroom and rediscover your love for teaching? Click the link above to join the Behavior Boss Academy and start 2024 with the tools, support, and confidence you deserve.

The holiday season is a mixed bag, isn’t it? 🎄 While it’s filled with joy for many, as educators, we often juggle personal grief, student trauma, and the usual chaos of the classroom.

In this episode, I’m sharing:

✨ Practical self-care tips (yes, decorating early and extra-long baths are on the list 🛁)

✨ How to approach struggling students with empathy and curiosity instead of judgment

✨ The importance of building a village around each student, involving guardians and caregivers

✨ Why your role as an educator matters more than ever

And don’t forget—YOU can’t pour from an empty cup. Let’s focus on filling yours. 🫶

If you’re feeling the weight of the season, this episode is your reminder that you’re not alone. 🎧 Tune in for encouragement, validation, and actionable strategies to thrive through the holidays.

💬 Comment below: What’s your go-to self-care strategy this holiday season?

⭐️ If you loved the episode, please leave a review—it helps so much!

#TeacherLife #HolidaySelfCare #BehaviorBesties #PodcastForTeachers #EducatorSupport

🎙️ Teachers Who Don’t Like Kids & Why I’m Over It

I’m spilling the tea today on a topic that’s been weighing heavy: educators who straight-up don’t like kids, refuse to motivate students, and bring nothing but toxicity to our profession.

I also get real about the nasty TikTok comments, the shade from colleagues hating my vibe, and how it’s making me question if I even want to stay at my current school. It’s raw, it’s honest, and it’s about reclaiming my light as a strong, compassionate leader who’s here to uplift—not tear down.

But this episode isn’t just a vent session—it’s about healing. I’m sharing how ho’oponopono is helping me work through the pain I’ve felt and caused, plus a song on Spotify that hits so deep it’s basically therapy.

If you’ve ever felt dimmed by negativity or just need a reminder that your light is unstoppable, this one’s for you. ✨

🎧 Ready to feel seen?

Link to the ho’oponopono article I mentioned: https://medium.com/@shakti_yoga/the-power-of-hooponopono-56f6f9c08dcd

Song that I reference: https://open.spotify.com/track/6AsoeP87JuRFteEYbAehOL?si=1CyreaU_RB-9fU_Bsa4O2A&context=spotify%3Aplaylist%3A4XYwtSDWdcwpwFRPGKVsoI

Follow me on TikTok: @teachwithmrs.parks

Instagram: @teachwithmrs.parks

Apple Podcasts: Straight Up with Mrs. Parks

In this raw, uncut and heartfelt episode, Mrs. Parks dives deep into the reality that not everyone had the perfect summer. Some of us, including students and educators, experienced a summer full of grief, loss, and emotional challenges. As the new school year begins, there's a pressure to put on a brave face and embrace the back-to-school excitement, but what if you're still carrying the weight of a difficult summer?

Mrs. Parks shares her personal journey of navigating immense grief after the sudden loss of her ex-husband, a close colleague, and beloved family members—all within a short span of time. She opens up about the struggle of balancing personal pain with professional responsibilities, the expectations placed on educators to maintain a positive attitude, and the importance of recognizing and respecting that everyone’s summer experience was different.

Whether you’re an educator, parent, or simply someone who’s had a tough few months, this episode offers validation, understanding, and a reminder that it's okay to not be okay. Tune in for a candid conversation about grief, the pressures of positivity, and how to approach the new school year with empathy and self-compassion.

**Trigger Warning:** This episode discusses themes of grief and loss, which may be triggering for some listeners. If you’re not in the right headspace to engage with these topics, it’s okay to pause and come back when you’re ready.

Welcome to another episode of the Teach with Mrs. Parks podcast. I'm Nicole Parks, the content creator behind Teach with Mrs. Parks. Today, I'm sharing a deeply personal story in an episode titled "How My Trauma Prepared Me...".

Let me start by introducing myself and my journey. Teaching was not my first career choice. In this episode, I explain how I found myself in the world of education. My path wasn't straightforward; it was deeply influenced by my own childhood experiences.

I share some of the challenges I faced growing up, which have shaped my core values today. I believe every child deserves love, support, encouragement, and safety. When it comes to behavior issues, I advocate for a mindset of "Get curious, not furious" because I see behavior as a sign that a student needs more support.

Creating a safe and comforting school environment is my passion. While I can't fix everything that happens at home, I am committed to making school a place where students feel secure and valued. I also talk about my efforts to connect with the "silent" students—the ones who might otherwise go unnoticed.

A pivotal moment in the episode is when I share how my trauma has made me a multi-passionate person. This trait helps me satisfy an obsessive urge to control things when life feels uncontrollable. It drives me to excel in various areas, constantly seeking to improve and innovate in my teaching methods.

As the episode progresses, I reflect on the legacy I hope to leave behind. Kindness, grace, empathy, and being unapologetically authentic are important to me. I want to be remembered for my ability to be "straight the eff up," providing genuine support and guidance to my students.

In conclusion, I recap the main points discussed in the episode and encourage you to reflect on your own journeys and how your experiences shape your teaching. I invite you to connect with me on social media for further insights and support.

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow and subscribe to the Teach with Mrs. Parks podcast. Your reviews and shares help reach more educators who can benefit from these discussions.

Connect with me by following @teachwithMrs.Parks on Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook, and my website for more inspiration and resources.

Lastly, don't forget to join the Social Emotional Classroom with Kinda Sorta Teacher to get over 175 resources you can plug & play plus reoccurring live calls with educational experts in her Burn it Down series! You get your first 14 days free and then its only $10/month! You'll catch me there regularly!

Thank you for tuning in to this deeply personal and inspiring episode of Teach with Mrs. Parks. Stay tuned for more insightful discussions that aim to empower and uplift educators everywhere.

XOXO,

Mrs. Parks