Celebrating Progress, Honoring Teachers

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Hey, hey, educators, parents, school leaders, and lifelong learners! Welcome back to Chalkboard Chatter — the podcast where we keep it real about what it means to live, teach, lead, and thrive inside and outside the classroom.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

I’m your host, Candice Nicholson — formerly Candice Jackson — and yes, we are finally in full summer mode. Today’s episode is a special one. I’m sharing my Summer Reading List, giving you the inside scoop on what it was really like to be named Michigan’s 2023–2024 Teacher of the Year (yes, we’re going there!), and of course — your girl’s gotta give you her Netflix Plus Streaming Summer Watch List because teachers deserve their downtime too. So grab your iced coffee, prop your feet up, and let’s get into it.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Y’all know I love a good summer read — the kind you can take to the beach, the porch, or just your backyard hammock. Here’s a reminder of what’s on my list this year: Here’s a reminder of what’s on my list this year:📘 The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett. A powerful story of twin sisters who choose different racial identities — one passes for white, the other embraces her Blackness. It’s emotional, layered, and thought-provoking.📕 Seven Days in June by Tia Williams A romance, yes — but it’s deep. Black love, motherhood, generational trauma, and healing through words. You’ll laugh, cry, and root for every page.📗New Explorations in the Lost World of Genesis by John Walton. If you like faith with context and scholarship, this is a fascinating deep dive into how ancient people understood the creation story. Eye-opening and accessible.📙 The Lean Startup by Eric Ries. For the side-hustling educators out there, this is your blueprint for building something meaningful, quickly, and intelligently.📒 Zero to One by Peter Thiel. Challenging and entrepreneurial — this book asks: what can you create that’s truly new? What’s your original idea? Teachers are creators. Don’t sleep on that part of your identity.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

So let’s talk about what happened this past school year. I was honored — and honestly, completely shocked — to be named Michigan Teacher of the Year for 2023–2024; an enormous Blessing. Let me tell you, the selection process. Whew. It’s no walk in the park. After the nomination came months of deep, soul-searching work. We're talking essays that forced me to dig into my philosophy of education, classroom footage submissions where I had to be vulnerable and transparent, interviews with education leaders across the state, peer and community evaluations, and lots of self-reflection. I remember sitting in silence one night thinking, “Is this really for me?” But something inside nudged me: “Why not you?” So I leaned in. And I gave it everything I had. Once I was selected, that’s when the real work began. The honor came with tremendous responsibility. I served on statewide advisory councils, met regularly with the Michigan Department of Education, and had the privilege of collaborating with Teachers of the Year from every state in the country and United States territories. That part was incredible — being in a room full of passionate educators who truly understood the highs, lows, and power of the profession. The camaraderie was unreal. But hands down, the most unforgettable experience of the entire year? I was invited to the White House — yes, the actual White House — for the first-ever State Dinner for Teachers, hosted by First Lady Dr. Jill Biden. Let me paint the picture for you: I walked into that historic room hand-in-hand with my son, Joseph, both of us dressed to the nines. He had never seen anything like it — neither had I, to be honest. The elegance, the sense of occasion, the recognition — it was surreal. Dr. Biden was so warm and gracious. She spoke with such authenticity about the impact teachers have, not just in classrooms, but in communities across the country. You could feel her gratitude, not just as a First Lady, but as a fellow educator. And then — completely unannounced — President Joe Biden walked in. Like it was just another Tuesday. The room went quiet, then erupted in applause. My son Joseph’s face? Absolute disbelief. His jaw dropped. It was the kind of moment where time slows down and you just feel the gravity of what’s happening. It was beautiful. Each of us received a personalized gift box from the White House, filled with messages and mementos that reminded us why we do what we do. I still have mine displayed on my desk at home. That day reminded me that teaching matters. That our stories matter. And that when we pour our hearts into this work, the world notices — even the White House. That moment wasn't just about me — it was for every student, every teacher, every classroom I’ve ever been part of. It was a celebration of what education can be when it's valued, uplifted, and centered in community.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

And while I’m incredibly honored to have received the Michigan Teacher of the Year award, I need to say this from the heart: every teacher deserves to be recognized. Every single one. This award isn’t just a reflection of what I’ve done — it’s a mirror held up to the thousands of educators across Michigan and the nation who show up every day, often without fanfare, and give their all to their students. There are teachers out there designing creative lesson plans at midnight, spending their own money on classroom supplies, mentoring students after school, and creating safe spaces where kids feel seen and heard. They may never get a dinner at the White House, but they deserve one. They deserve it all. What makes education thrive isn’t just policy — it’s people. It’s the teachers who stay late to talk with a struggling student. It’s the ones who bring joy into a math lesson, or who notice when a child hasn’t eaten, or who show up day after day despite burnout, pressure, and exhaustion. These are heroic acts, even if they don’t make headlines. Recognition doesn’t have to be grand. A handwritten note, a genuine thank-you, a moment of praise during a staff meeting — it all matters. Teachers aren’t looking for fame. They’re looking to feel valued. And when we take the time to honor their efforts, we reinforce that what they do has a lasting, meaningful impact. If you're listening and you're a teacher, please hear this: you are doing work that matters. Whether you get a trophy or not, your influence ripples far beyond the walls of your classroom. And if you’re a parent or administrator, or community member, don’t wait for Teacher Appreciation Week. Celebrate educators now. We all rise when we lift those who teach.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Okay, teachers — let’s talk self-care and screen time, the healthy kind. Here’s my curated Netflix + streaming Summer Watch List — full of content that feels good, makes you think, or just helps you exhale.🎬 Wholesome Movies & Feel-Good Flicks. Tyler Perry’s New Drama Straw: The film follows a single mother, Janiyah (played by Taraji P. Henson), who reaches her breaking point after facing a series of unfortunate events. As she struggles to care for her critically ill daughter. One of my other favorites is A Man Called Otto – Tom Hanks shines in this heartfelt story about grief, neighborly love, and redemption. Julie & Julia – Food, passion, and purpose — perfect for teachers, reigniting joy. Paddington 1 & 2 – Don’t sleep on these charming, intelligent family films. I cried and laughed. Queen of Katwe (Disney+) – A powerful, real-life story about a Ugandan girl who becomes a chess champion. Inspiring for all ages.📚 Must-Watch Documentaries Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones – Fascinating, calming, and makes you rethink what “healthy living” actually means. The Mind, Explained – 20-minute episodes on memory, anxiety, dreams, etc. Trust me — this is teacher gold. Becoming – Michelle Obama’s journey is everything. Grace, strength, growth. Teach Us All – A sobering but necessary look at educational equity across America.🍿 Binge-Worthy ShowsAnne with an E – Thoughtful, poetic, and still rooted in the classroom. Somebody Feed Phil – Travel, food, kindness. It’s the serotonin we all need. Ted Lasso – If you haven’t binged it yet, do it now. It’s empathy in TV form. Old Enough! – Short episodes of toddlers in Japan running errands on their own. Hilarious and surprisingly touching.And if you’re into reality TV? Treat yourself guilt-free. Because resting is part of resetting. Period.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Let me leave you with this: Teachers — you don’t owe anyone a “productive” summer. You’ve already done more than enough. That said, it’s okay to map out some structure if that helps you recharge. Me? I kicked off my summer riding electric scooters through downtown Detroit, took my husband to a Detroit Tigers game on Father's Day, and yes — I walked the Hard Cider 5K in a full sweat. And I loved every minute of it. So remember: whether you’re traveling, building something, parenting full-time, or just sleeping in — give yourself grace. Reset your rhythm. And come August, you’ll thank yourself for it.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

You know, one of the biggest things I’ve learned as a teacher — especially after the whirlwind that was the past school year — is that rest doesn’t always mean lying on the couch all day. Sometimes, rest is movement. It’s getting your body going in a way that re-centers your mind. So this summer, I set a personal goal: I want to walk a 5K distance, five times a week. Not for a medal or a race time — just for me. To stay fit, stay grounded, and give myself space to breathe. And let me be real with you — that first week? Wow. My knees were talkin’ to me. My back was like, “Girl, what are we doing?” But I pushed through. I focused on stretching before and after, took it easy when I needed to, and gave my joints time to adjust. I’m lucky to have this beautiful park nearby — shoutout to the city of Livonia for maintaining the gorgeous getaway! It’s got these wide, peaceful walking paths and a plethora of trees that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a different world. I walk in the evening with my husband. The birds, the wind, and my own footsteps are peaceful. And what I’ve found is that these walks help me think. About the upcoming school year. About what I want for myself, for my students. I feel lighter — physically and emotionally — every time I finish a loop. So if you’re listening and wondering how to hit “reset” this summer, try it. You don’t need a gym membership. Just some good shoes, some deep breaths, and a commitment to move your body in a way that feels good for you. It’s not just about fitness. It’s about freedom.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Next week, I’ll be sharing my Top 5 TV Show Binges for Back-to-School Energy — so make sure you tune in. In the meantime, I’d love to hear from you: What are you reading this summer? What’s on your Netflix/Hulu/Prime binge list? How are you taking care of yourself? I’m Candice Nicholson, reminding you that great teachers live full lives — in and out of the classroom. Rest well, read widely, and recharge deeply. Until next time — keep the chatter going.