We were lucky to catch up with Quanasha Starks recently and have shared our conversation below.
Quanasha, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
Our mission is to bridge the gap between what’s currently offered in educational institutions and what teachers need to support students in today’s world. The mission is deeply meaningful to me because, as a former K-12 teacher, I witnessed firsthand the limitations imposed by traditional education. Teachers, students, and families face unique and evolving needs that a system often isn’t equipped to address fully. While I loved my time in the classroom, I felt constrained by the walls of that system and wanted to make a broader impact.
As an example, I wanted to offer professional development that wouldn’t be limited to a few sessions per year or focused solely on teachers in direct contact with students. Everyone involved in education benefits from ongoing growth, a culture that values constructive feedback, and an environment that amplifies the voices of educators. When we build sustained relationships with educators and encourage continual learning and open dialogue, we create a system where everyone—teachers, administrators, support staff—grows together.
Each generation brings new challenges and strengths, and it’s our responsibility as educators to adapt our methods to meet these changing needs. What worked for students in the past may no longer be effective, and if we don’t respond to these shifts, we risk losing students to disengagement.
My business was born out of a commitment to provide educators with research-backed strategies combined with innovative, adaptable approaches that go beyond standard practices. This work is personal to me because I know that educators can only reach their full potential—and, in turn, fully support their students—when they have the right tools and support. I’m dedicated to empowering educators so they can create learning environments where students feel truly engaged and supported. My goal is to fill the gaps, provide the flexibility that schools sometimes lack, and ultimately create a positive impact on our communities through education.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Dr. Quanasha Starks, founder of EngagEd.D Learning Solutions. My journey into education began as a 5th-grade teacher, where I quickly realized the importance of keeping students engaged, curious, and excited about learning. I was always looking for creative ways to reach my students, but I often felt limited by the traditional curriculum and the lack of support to truly meet their needs. As I developed my skills, I pursued my doctorate and continued working directly with students in various roles, including adjunct professor, curriculum writer, and literacy advocate. I piloted a literacy program, created curriculum resources, and led literacy events through a local foundation.
As an adjunct professor, I noticed a pattern—many of my college students struggled with the same issues my 5th graders had. They needed engagement, clear structure, and a supportive environment that met them where they were. So, I adjusted my teaching approach, applying the same strategies I’d used in elementary education to help my college students thrive. This experience made me realize that teachers and students at all levels could benefit from these methods, yet the professional development available was not addressing these needs effectively, even in after-school programs.
Back at school, I faced challenges with curriculum demands and the lack of support around me. I remember sitting in a meeting one day, realizing that if I wanted things to change, I’d have to be the one to make it happen. So, at the end of that school year, I took a leap of faith, joined a 10-week program for new entrepreneurs, and launched EngagEd.D Learning Solutions.
Through EngagEd.D, I offer workshops, professional development, instructional coaching, and curriculum consulting. My goal is to empower educators with research-based, engaging strategies that are flexible enough to meet the diverse and ever-evolving needs of today’s students. I work with K-12 schools, after-school organizations, and even higher education institutions to make learning more dynamic and inclusive.
I’m proud of taking that leap of faith and trusting God to guide me in this new direction. I know many teachers feel burnt out and want something different but hesitate to step into the unknown. I didn’t have all the answers when I made the jump, but I knew staying where I was wasn’t an option. My belief is that EngagEd.D Learning Solutions is a source of support and inspiration for educators, helping them reimagine their teaching and rekindle their passion for education.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
The best source of new clients for me has been word of mouth. When I first started, I was concerned that building my reputation as a consultant would be a daunting task because it was a role I hadn’t held before. But I quickly realized that my background as a teacher, cheer coach, and literacy advocate had already established a foundation of trust. People had seen my work and dedication in those roles and knew that excellence was always my standard, no matter the task. This trust made them feel confident in recommending me to their friends and business contacts, which opened doors and introduced me to new clients.
Word of mouth is powerful, and it’s something I actively nurture by ensuring every client, big or small, receives my best work. It’s amazing how people are willing to share your name in different rooms when they know they can rely on the quality and integrity of your work.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was my lack of confidence. As an educator, I’d had environments where my voice was valued and respected, but I’d also been in spaces where it wasn’t. That inconsistency left me questioning my own abilities when I became a new business owner. I often wondered if I had enough experience, the right education, or simply “knew enough” to succeed in this new role.
Starting my business meant reframing these doubts and learning to walk in confidence. I had to remind myself that I was already doing the work and building strong relationships with satisfied clients. Over time, I learned to trust my voice, commit to continuous learning, and keep moving forward one step at a time. That journey taught me that confidence isn’t something you simply have; it’s something you build by taking action and trusting yourself along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.engagedlearningsolutions.org
- Instagram: @_engagedlearningsolutions
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/engaged-d-learning-solutions/?viewAsMember=true
