It was a tough day inside the drama triangle.

A teacher had issues motivating one of her students. Despite everything she tried, the student still felt “very helpless, very down on himself all the time.”

That’s where Kate Sholonski and David Larson came in. Sholonski, a life coach and public speaker from Pennsylvania, and Larson, an Albert Lea psychologist, were there to guide that teacher through the steps of the drama triangle inside a Neveln Elementary School third-grade classroom.

“Sometimes it’s that [the student] may not even know what he needs,” Larson told the teacher, explaining to her sometimes as nurturing influences, teachers just need to back off, give the student some space, and ask what they need to be successful. That’s where the drama triangle comes in.

The triangle, which shows how we react to various situations as either a structure giver, a nurturing rescuer, or a victim with legitimate needs, was one example the duo used to show Austin Public Schools staff how to empower their students and respect each other.

The staff training is part of a Community Against Bullying-sponsored speaking engagement for teachers and parents to show how to empower students against bullying and negative influences.

“It’s understanding that we all want to end up at the same goal, and that’s making sure students are well-rounded individuals,” said Joe Kroc, Neveln social worker. Kroc, one of more than 30 teachers and support staff present, said he took away concepts like teachers respectfully instruct students and in turn make sure everyone’s approach to learning is included.

Sholonski and Larson may have taught teachers on Tuesday, but they’ll impart advice to parents this Thursday at the Paramount Theatre, courtesy of Community Against Bullying. The two will host “How to Empower Your Kids to Stay Strong,” which will educate parents on how they can help their children develop positive perspectives of themselves and others while navigating life events like teasing and bullying.

“We as parents need to be vigilant with our kids in helping them with difficult situations,” said Danielle Borgerson-Nesvold, head CAB organizer.

Borgerson-Nesvold said CAB understands there’s no silver bullet to take away bullying, but people can and should learn “how to turn negative situations into peaceful situations.”

That’s where Sholonski and Larson come in. They’ll speak from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 30 at the Paramount Theatre. The event is free and open to the public.