Check Out Quanasha Starks’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Quanasha Starks

Quanasha, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
When I think back on my life, I’ve always loved school and learning. Education was a natural passion for me. I can still recall so many educators along my journey who made their classes engaging, hands-on, and unforgettable. We walked away not only full of knowledge but also excited about learning. Those are the teachers and experiences that will stay with me forever.

I began my teaching career in 2014 as a 5th-grade English and Social Studies teacher. Despite graduating from a top-tier teacher preparation program and completing a full year of student teaching, I felt lost when I first stepped into my classroom. I had incredible support from my team of ten seasoned veteran teachers who shared resources, encouraged me, and offered guidance. Yet, when the classroom doors closed, and it was just me and my students, I struggled. My classroom management skills were strong, so it wasn’t obvious to others that I was struggling, but internally, I felt overwhelmed. I knew I was trained well, but I couldn’t quite figure out how to juggle everything effectively. Still, one thing was clear—I was determined to improve, and I wanted my students to learn and thrive.

As time passed, I found my stride. I became exceptionally skilled at delivering instruction and building lasting relationships with my students. For me, it was always a welcome challenge to discover new ways to make the material engaging and hands-on. Teaching in public schools, I didn’t have the luxury of hand-picking my students. Each class was filled with learners of varying abilities, experiences, and backgrounds. This diversity pushed me to adapt the curriculum and instructional resources to meet my students’ unique needs.

By my second year, I felt confident and capable, and I went on to teach for eight more years. Over those nine years, I noticed a trend: the needs of our students and teachers were rapidly evolving, but our practices, resources, and systems weren’t keeping pace. Standards for students were rising, but students were consistently falling short of them. Teachers, meanwhile, were burning out under the weight of the increasing demands. I watched as many of my colleagues left the profession to escape the relentless pressure and stress.

During my time in the classroom, I pursued further education and eventually earned my Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.). I realized that if I wanted to make a lasting impact on how students are educated and how teachers are supported, I needed to take action beyond the confines of the traditional school system. In May 2023, I took a leap of faith, leaving the classroom to launch my own business.

I founded Engaged Learning Solutions, a consulting and coaching organization dedicated to equipping educators with the tools, strategies, and support they need to actively engage students and create impactful learning experiences. We work with educators, students, and organizations to bridge the gap between evolving needs and practical solutions. By empowering teachers, fostering innovation, and prioritizing student success, we aim to transform education one classroom at a time. Whether through professional development workshops, instructional coaching, or curriculum development, we’re here to support and inspire educators to create lasting change.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s truly been a faith walk, and God has been faithful every step of the way. I believe that any new journey or experience will come with its share of “bumps” in the road, but those are the moments when we discover who we can truly count on and what we’re made of.

When I first started, my biggest fear was not having enough money to pay my bills or finding clients to work with. Surprisingly, those concerns haven’t been an issue. Instead, one of my biggest challenges has been my own confidence and understanding my worth. The skills I use in my business are the same ones I mastered as a teacher, and I have the education to back them up. But stepping into the role of a business owner was brand new for me, and I’ve had to grow into that confidence.

As a solopreneur, there’s no one cheering you on, giving you feedback, or approving your work. You have to become your own source of encouragement and validation. In the beginning, I often undercharged for my services or held back from applying for opportunities because I doubted whether I’d been in business long enough or if my skills were polished enough. It’s a mindset I’ve had to actively work on, and over time, I’ve gotten better at owning my expertise.

As I continue to put in the work, grow as a person, and serve more clients, my confidence has blossomed. I’ve learned to trust not only in the skills I bring to the table but also in the process of growing a business. Every step, every client, and every lesson has reminded me that I’m exactly where I need to be—and that’s a powerful place to operate from.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am Dr. Quanasha Starks, and I specialize in equipping educators at all levels with research-based strategies to actively engage students and foster meaningful learning experiences. Through my business, Engaged Learning Solutions, I provide professional development workshops, instructional coaching, and curriculum development that help educators and other student-serving practitioners create student-centered environments where learning is engaging, inclusive, and impactful.

What I’m most proud of is the ability to take what I’ve learned as a teacher and a student and use it to support educators and students in a way that empowers them to succeed. I’ve been in the classroom pre- and post-pandemic, so I know about the challenges and successes of our current school system. Seeing teachers regain their confidence, feel inspired, and watching their students thrive because of the work we do together—it’s the most fulfilling part of my work.

What sets me apart is my understanding that every educator and classroom is unique. I take a highly personalized approach to meet the specific needs of the teachers and students I work with. My experience spans from elementary classrooms to college lecture halls, and I’ve honed a skill set that bridges the gap between research and real-world application.

Ultimately, my mission is to transform education by equipping teachers with the tools they need to succeed, fostering environments where students can thrive, and ensuring that learning is an exciting and meaningful journey for everyone involved.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love most about Nashville is that my family is here—it’s the people who make a place feel like home. I also really enjoy the natural beauty the city offers, from the lakes to the many scenic trails that are perfect for a walk or hike. Nashville has a way of blending city life with access to nature, which I truly appreciate.

On the flip side, one thing I don’t like about Nashville is how overpriced it has become. The cost of living feels unnecessarily high, which can be frustrating. And of course, there’s the traffic—it can be an absolute nightmare at times! Getting around the city isn’t always easy, but I try to focus on the positives and make the best of it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.engagedlearningsolutiong.org
• Instagram: @_engagedlearningsolutions
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/103100340/admin/dashboard/