For Angelia Parks, teaching has always been about making children feel seen, encouraged and capable.

Her desire to become an educator began when she was young, shaped by the Sunday school teachers, elementary teachers and specialists who made a lasting difference in her own life.

“I know how wonderful it made me feel and I wanted to make others feel that special,” she says.

Angelia, who is hearing impaired and wears hearing aids, says she especially appreciated the teachers and speech pathologists who helped support her in school. Those experiences helped shape her sense of purpose and her calling to teach.

After first working in daycare and later going back to school to earn her teaching degree, Angelia faced a discouraging start when elementary jobs were difficult to find. Stepping outside her comfort zone, she applied for a middle school position, was hired on the spot and spent about 13 years teaching at that level. About five years ago, she returned to Lake County and to elementary school, where she now teaches fifth-grade language arts and social studies at The Villages Elementary of Lady Lake.

Angelia says the move back to elementary was the right one. She loves working with younger students still developing both academically and personally.

“This is home. This is this is where I’m supposed to be,” she says.

In her classroom, Angelia emphasizes student engagement, collaboration and ownership. While she still values whole-group instruction, she believes some of the strongest learning happens when students work together, support each other and begin seeing themselves as leaders too.

“I want them to be invested in their education and be players, facilitators,” she says. “I’m constantly telling them that I’m not the only teacher in the class. Each one of them is.”

“We all have strengths we need to build up, to polish and make them shine even more, and we can help others along the way, and as for our weaknesses, we can learn from those around us.”

That classroom mindset is rooted in encouragement, accountability and grace. Angelia wants students to understand that learning is not about being perfect, but about growing.

“Mistakes are not failures if we learn from them,” she says.

She also makes it a point to celebrate progress. Every two weeks, her class recognizes “goal getters” with certificates, treasure box prizes, pictures and even ice cream socials, helping students stay motivated and feel proud of their efforts.

To Angelia, her students are more than just names on a roster.

“They aren’t my students. They are my children.”

That same spirit of care extends beyond the classroom. Angelia is known for encouraging colleagues too, surprising staff with thoughtful treats, gifts and small gestures that help build connection and lift morale.

She also believes strong schools depend on strong partnerships between teachers, families and the community.

For Angelia, teaching is about more than academics. It is about helping children become confident learners, good people and young individuals who believe they can succeed.

“It takes a village,” she says.