Teaching & Pedagogy
Course · 11 lessons · 46 min
Teacher Renewal and Classroom Joy
Use selectively as a wellbeing companion course, not as a core academic course.
By the end, you'll be able to
- How to Kickstart Your Summer: From Burnout to Breathe Easy
- Recharge and Refuel for Educators
- Summer Recharge for Teachers
- Why We Love Teaching
Curriculum
11 lessons- 01How to Kickstart Your Summer: From Burnout to Breathe EasyThis episode explores practical ways educators can move from end-of-year exhaustion to a summer of renewal. We discuss concrete self-care strategies, mindful planning, and real-life examples to help teachers recharge and set healthy boundaries for the break ahead.
- 02Recharge and Refuel for EducatorsThis episode dives into practical summer wellness strategies for teachers, from embracing rest to simplifying meals with meal kits like HelloFresh and Factor. Candice shares favorite recipes, explores the value of authenticity in the classroom, and highlights how teachers can nurture themselves while making an impact.
- 03Summer Recharge for TeachersJoin Candice Nicholson as she reflects on the art of teacher self-care during summer break, sharing travel stories, unique recipes, and the importance of rest. This episode celebrates educators who teach through the summer while offering inspiration and practical tips for maintaining balance and joy.
- 04Why We Love TeachingCandice Nicholson shares the joys, challenges, and everyday inspirations of being an educator. From the thrill of student breakthroughs to simple self-care rituals and classroom-friendly meal ideas, this episode celebrates the heart and soul of teaching.
- 05Summer Reset for EducatorsDiscover how educators can reclaim summer for self-care, personal growth, and joyful reconnection. This episode offers practical fashion tips, explores the importance of love languages, and inspires listeners to nourish their mind, body, and spirit after a busy school year.
- 06July First Self-Care Toolkit for EducatorsThis episode explores practical self-care strategies for educators at the halfway mark of 2025, blending personal wellness with professional reflection. From soul-nourishing routines and summer playlists to actionable self-pampering steps, discover ways to infuse joy, rest, and presence into your summer.
- 07Clean Slates & Chalkboard Dreams: Stepping Into 2026 TogetherReflect, reset, and renew for a new year in education. In this special episode, we look back on the roots that shaped us, envision a hopeful path forward, and explore how powerful new tools like AI copilots are transforming our craft. Join Candice for stories, strategies, and inspiration as we greet 2026 together.10 min
- 08Innovation, Gratitude, and the Heart of TeachingIn this episode of Chalkboard Chatter, we dive into the heart of modern teaching — blending innovation, reflection, and real-life moments that define the profession. From thoughtful conversations around AI in the classroom to embracing simple, stress-saving recipes that support educator well-being, this episode balances progress with practicality. We reflect on the honor of representing the entire state of Michigan as Teacher of the Year (2023–2024) and being named a Distinguished Alum of Michigan State University’s College of Education, celebrating not just individual milestones but the collective strength of educators everywhere. You’ll also hear a joyful update on Paws, our beloved class gecko, who’s home for the holidays and continuing to teach lessons about responsibility, curiosity, and care. Most importantly, this episode reaffirms a deep passion for teaching after more than 20 years in the classroom — a reminder of why this work still matters. Join the conversation, support the movement, and help amplify the voices of educators by liking, commenting, sharing, and subscribing to Chalkboard Chatter.9 min
- 09Chalkboard Chatter: Easter Reflections, Teacher Breaks, and the Power of PurposeWelcome back to Chalkboard Chatter, where real life meets real classrooms. In this inspiring and reflective episode, host Candice Nicholson shares heartfelt insights on preparing for Easter, embracing teacher breaks, and finding joy in both faith and the classroom. From a rejuvenating spa weekend in Mount Pleasant, Michigan to checking in on PAWS, the beloved class pet, Candice brings warmth, humor, and authenticity to everyday educator experiences.As MSTEP testing approaches, she reflects on student growth, confidence, and the quiet assurance that comes with years of teaching experience. Candice also explores how AI is shaping education in 2026, supporting communication, grading, and student success in meaningful ways.Rooted in gratitude and purpose, this episode reminds us of the deeper calling behind education and the lasting impact teachers have on generations to come.7 min
- 10Why PerformanceXcel Matters for Today's TeachersIn this episode, we're taking a deeper look at why PerformanceXcel matters for today's teachers. Created by an educator for educators, PerformanceXcel was designed to address one of the biggest challenges facing education today: time. Teachers are expected to do more than ever before, yet there never seem to be enough hours in the day.We'll discuss how PerformanceXcel helps educators reclaim valuable instructional time by grading math and writing assignments in under two seconds while providing meaningful classroom insights and readiness indicators aligned to Common Core and state testing standards.We'll also talk about summer plans, the importance of rest and rejuvenation for educators, and some fun family moments that come with the season. Plus, I'll share how our household has traded the crockpot for a hotplate and how ChatGPT has become our newest recipe assistant.So grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and let's talk about education, innovation, and life beyond the classroom.12 min
- 11Why PerformanceXcel Matters: Reclaiming Time, Elevating Learning, and Empowering EducatorsIn this episode, we explore why PerformanceXcel has the potential to become one of the most impactful innovations in education. Created by an educator for educators, PerformanceXcel was designed to address a challenge every teacher understands: the constant struggle to balance grading, assessment, data analysis, and meaningful instruction within the limited hours of a school day.PerformanceXcel uses artificial intelligence to grade math and writing assignments in under two seconds while providing valuable instructional insights, performance analytics, Common Core alignment indicators, and state testing preparedness data. By dramatically reducing the time educators spend grading papers, the platform helps teachers focus more on what matters most—teaching, mentoring, relationship-building, and supporting student growth.Throughout this episode, Candice discusses how AI can serve as a powerful resource when used responsibly to enhance the work educators already do every day. Rather than replacing teachers, PerformanceXcel empowers them with actionable information that helps identify learning gaps, monitor progress, and improve student outcomes.Join us as we discuss the future of education, the role of artificial intelligence in the classroom, and how PerformanceXcel is helping educators reclaim valuable instructional time while creating stronger learning experiences for students. Learn more at PerformanceXcel.net.9 min
Your instructor
Chalkboard Chatter Podcast with Candice Nicholson (Jackson)
Welcome to Chalkboard Chatter, the go-to podcast for K–5 educators, instructional leaders, and curriculum decision-makers who are passionate about personalized learning, inclusive education, and research-backed strategies for student success.
Hosted by experienced educational consultants, each episode explores transformative topics that are shaping the future of elementary education — from play-based learning and curriculum alignment to equity-centered practices and AI-enhanced instruction. Drawing inspiration from top consulting teams like Education Elements, Teach.Play.Learn, and TNTP, we unpack real-world tools and frameworks designed to drive meaningful, measurable impact in K–5 classrooms.
You'll discover how emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, are being integrated into lesson design, assessment, and differentiated instruction — not as a replacement for teachers, but as a powerful support in creating responsive, student-centered environments.
Whether you’re launching a new ELA curriculum, strengthening your MTSS model, or navigating the complexities of neurodiverse learner support, Chalkboard Chatter delivers weekly insights to help you lead with confidence and clarity.
Because every child deserves a classroom — and a system — built to help them thrive.
Visit Chalkboard Chatter Podcast with Candice Nicholson (Jackson)Start the course
11 lessons · 46 min. Free, no signup.
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