Recharge and Refuel for Educators

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Hey everyone, welcome back to Chalkboard Chatter! I’m Candice Nicholson (formerly Candice Jackson), and if you’re tuning in for the first time, I’m so glad you’re here.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

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Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

And if you’ve been with me for a while, you know I always say—summer isn’t just a break, it’s a lifeline for teachers. I mean, as we talked about in our last episode, rest and renewal aren’t just nice-to-haves, they’re essential. I know for me, by the time June rolls around, I’m running on fumes. And I know I’m not alone in that.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

So, let’s rewind a bit. Last time, we really dug into what it means to recharge. Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally, too. Some of us jump right into vacation mode, and others—like me, honestly—need a little more time to actually unplug from the school year. There’s no perfect formula. You don’t have to have every day mapped out or make every moment productive. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is just... breathe.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

I’ve been trying to remind myself that rest looks different for everyone. For me, it’s been about getting outside, walking in the park, and letting myself slow down. I set a little challenge for myself—walking a 5K five times a week. The first few days, my legs were like, “What are you doing?” But after a while, it became something I looked forward to. And honestly, just being under the trees, away from the noise, it’s like a reset button for my soul.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

So if you’re still feeling that end-of-year exhaustion, give yourself permission to rest. You’ve earned it. And if you’re already in full summer mode, I hope you’re soaking up every minute.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Now, let’s talk about something that’s become a real game-changer for me this summer—food! I don’t know about you, but after a year of rushing through dinners between grading and parent calls, I just want meals to be easy. Like, really easy.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

That’s where meal kits like HelloFresh and Factor come in. I’m not sponsored, by the way—just a tired teacher who appreciates not having to think about what’s for dinner. With HelloFresh, you get these fresh, pre-portioned ingredients and step-by-step recipes. I love that you can swap proteins, pick from all these different plans—meat and veggies, just veggies, family menu, you name it. And the best part? Dinner’s on the table in about 20 minutes, and I don’t have to run to the store for that one missing ingredient.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

And then there’s Factor. If you haven’t tried it, it’s basically chef-prepared, ready-to-eat meals delivered right to your door. You just heat them up—two minutes, and you’re done. They’ve got all these options for different dietary needs—high protein, keto, calorie smart, even fiber-filled meals. I mean, I’m not always the best at meal prep, so having something healthy and quick is a lifesaver, especially after a long walk or when my boys are home and hungry.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

But I also try to balance that with shopping local when I can. There’s something about hitting the farmers market, grabbing fresh tomatoes or herbs, and just making something simple and good. This summer, I’ve been loving mango chicken with cauliflower rice, chickpea and feta salad, and, okay, my boys are obsessed with harissa-spiced lamb wraps. And when I want something light but filling, a tuna and egg salad Niçoise is my go-to.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Whether it’s a meal kit or a quick trip to the market, I just try to make sure what I eat actually fuels me. Summer’s the perfect time to experiment in the kitchen—or, you know, let someone else do the cooking for you. No shame in that!

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Of course, summer at my house wouldn’t be complete without a little update on my three boys—Jacob, Joseph, and James. If you’ve listened before, you know they keep me on my toes.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Jacob’s off in Texas doing a sales and marketing internship. He calls me for advice, but I think he’s teaching me just as much as I’m teaching him these days. Joseph is working in Ann Arbor as an engineering intern—he’s building things I can’t even pronounce, but I’m so proud. And James just got back from a study abroad trip to Japan. First year of college, and what does he do? Brings home a semester’s worth of laundry. I mean, really?

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

The coolest part? All three of them are at Michigan State now—my alma mater. It’s wild seeing them walk the same campus I did. We’ve had some great dinners, movie nights, and, yes, plenty of chore lists. Even as they get older, the heart of our family is still the same—support, laughter, and a whole lot of love.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Now, I want to take a minute to reflect on something that’s still a little surreal for me—being named Michigan Teacher of the Year. I mean, wow. The process was intense—essays, classroom videos, interviews, the whole nine yards. There were days I thought, “Is this really for me?” But I kept hearing that little voice—“Why not you?”

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Once I was selected, the real work started. I got to serve on advisory boards, meet teachers from all over the country, and advocate for things I care deeply about—equity, mental health, and career development. But the highlight? The White House. I was invited to the first-ever State Dinner for Teachers, hosted by Dr. Jill Biden. Walking in with my son Joseph, seeing President Biden just stroll in like it was no big deal, my son’s face was priceless. We even got personalized gift boxes from the White House. It was a reminder that what we do as teachers matters.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

So here’s what I want to say to every teacher listening right now: You might not get a national award. You might not go to a state dinner. But what you do in your classroom matters—every single day. Every time you help a student who’s struggling, every creative lesson, every moment you show up even when you’re tired—you’re making a difference.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Recognition is powerful, and we need more of it in this profession. More gratitude, more investment, more spaces to tell our stories. So if no one’s told you lately—I see you. I appreciate you. And your impact? It’s bigger than you know.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

As we head into the rest of the summer, remember to keep moving—walk, stretch, or just dance in your kitchen. Eat to nourish your body and your spirit. Make time for joy, for family, for those spontaneous moments. And most of all, allow yourself to rest. You’ve earned it.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

I’ll be back soon with more Chalkboard Chatter—next time, we’re talking teacher travel hacks and how to prep for back-to-school without losing your summer vibe. Until then, stay grounded, stay grateful, and stay glowing.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

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