Ask Me How I Really Feel...

The Weight of Current Events

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

New Teachers Are Being Set Up to Fail… w/ thatstrongteacher

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. [https://www.instagram.com/thatstrongteacher?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==] 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 [https://www.instagram.com/thatstrongteacher?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==] * TikTok: @thatstrongteacher [https://www.tiktok.com/@thatstrongteacher?_r=1&_t=ZP-91mklRx8q22] 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 [https://amzn.to/440saBY] The Classroom Management Secret: And 45 Other Keys to a Well-Behaved Class by Michael Linsin [https://amzn.to/4pCxgN0] 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

Strained Heart, Rebuilding Through Grief and Growth

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.

Mean Girl Energy Got In The Way...

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 [https://www.eduprotocols.com/] to go check out their website and go consume all of their social media content!

Ask Me How I Really Feel...

🎙️ 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!!!