Wedding Edition – Legacy, Love & Learning

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Welcome back, listeners, to another episode of Chalkboard Chatter. And this one is extra special — our wedding edition! But before we dive into the celebrations, I want to start where my heart always begins — the classroom. The school year has officially begun, and I am thrilled to be back teaching my incredible 4th and 5th-grade students at The School at Marygrove in the Detroit Public Schools Community District. There’s something magical about that first week back — fresh pencils, crisp notebooks, and the buzz of students who are both nervous and eager about what’s ahead. For me, it’s more than just another year. It’s stepping back into the place where my purpose lives. DPSCD has been my home for so many years, and each time I walk through those hallways, I’m reminded of the resilience, brilliance, and creativity of Detroit’s children. Teaching upper elementary is such a sweet spot. At this age, students are just starting to stretch into independence while still holding on to that childlike curiosity. They ask the best questions, they challenge me in ways that keep me sharp, and they constantly remind me why this work matters. I see in them the future leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers we need. This year, I’m focusing even more on personalized learning — making sure every child feels seen, heard, and valued in our classroom. Whether it’s through small-group instruction, project-based learning, or just taking a few minutes to listen to what’s on their minds, I want my students to know that they are more than test scores; they are whole people with unlimited potential. So, as we kick off this special episode, know that my heart is full — full of love for my students, full of gratitude for my school community, and full of excitement for the year ahead. Before we close out, I want to share something new and exciting happening with my students and their families. Alongside Chalkboard Chatter, I recently started creating a newsletter podcast just for the parents and students of my 4th and 5th-grade classes. At first, it was simply an idea to make communication more engaging — instead of just sending home paper newsletters or emails, I thought, why not use audio to bring our classroom updates to life? Each week, I record a short episode that highlights what we’re learning, celebrates student achievements, and shares important announcements. Parents can listen on their commute, during errands, or even together with their children. It’s become more than just a communication tool — it’s a resource that bridges the gap between home and school. The podcast also gives parents concrete ways to get involved, from volunteering for class activities to supporting at-home learning. Slowly but surely, it’s becoming a hit — strengthening our school community one episode at a time.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Now, let’s shift gears to some news that still has me pinching myself. This summer, I was named one of Michigan State University’s Distinguished Alumni Awardees through the College of Education. To say I am humbled would be an understatement. When I received the email, I had to read it twice. Me? Among only four Spartans honored this year? It was such a full-circle moment. I remember walking across campus years ago, dreaming of becoming the kind of teacher who could make a lasting impact. And now, MSU is recognizing me for doing just that. The award specifically honors alumni who have made significant contributions to education, health, and leadership. For me, it was about being seen not only as Michigan Teacher of the Year in 2023–2024, but as someone who continues to carry that torch forward. At the time of that award, I was the third-ever African American to receive it and the first from DPSCD in 16 years. That still blows my mind — and it reminds me why representation matters so deeply. This honor isn’t just mine. It belongs to my students, to my colleagues, to DPSCD, and to every educator who believes in the power of hard work and perseverance. It also belongs to my family — because they’ve been the foundation that keeps me standing tall. Being recognized as a Distinguished Spartan is not an end, but a call to keep going, keep building, and keep lifting others along the way.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Now here comes the part I know many of you have been waiting to hear about — the wedding celebration! On August 30th, Vern and I renewed our vows in a beautiful ceremony surrounded by our closest family and friends. It was truly a family affair. Loved ones traveled from near and far — from New Hampshire, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky — to join us in celebration. The energy in the room was something you could feel in your soul. And what made it even more special was how seamlessly our families blended. Vern’s son and two daughters came, and my three sons were there too. From the very start, it was like they had always been siblings. They laughed together, posed for photos, and created memories that will last a lifetime. The sneak-peek photos we’ve seen already capture those moments perfectly — and you’ll be able to see them too because we’re planning to share some of our wedding images on YouTube, so stay tuned for that update. Now let me tell you, I absolutely loved my wedding dress. It was elegant, comfortable, and it felt like me. I’ve always believed a dress should make you feel not only beautiful but also confident and free to be yourself. Walking down the aisle in that dress was a moment I’ll cherish forever. And yes, I rolled up my sleeves and went full DIY on this wedding. I built the arch myself, designed the centerpieces, and even made poster boards filled with photos of Vern and me throughout our journey. Every detail was a reflection of our story. One of the greatest blessings was having our mothers present. Their smiles told the story better than words ever could. It wasn’t just a vow renewal — it was a testimony of love, family, and faith in the future.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

As much as I love sharing the personal side of life, you know I can’t have a Chalkboard Chatter episode without talking about teaching and learning. And lately, one topic that’s been trending on Google searches — and also showing up in a lot of administrative conversations — is Eureka Math. For those who aren’t as familiar, Eureka Math is a curriculum that’s been gaining momentum across districts nationwide. What’s fascinating is how often it’s trending — parents, teachers, and administrators are all looking for ways to help students build stronger math foundations, and Eureka is often at the center of that conversation. From an administrator’s lens, I see the power in having a structured, research-backed curriculum that scaffolds learning from the ground up. Math is one of those subjects where gaps can form quickly, and if they’re not addressed, they grow larger over time. That’s why systems like Eureka — with their emphasis on conceptual understanding and real-world application — can make such a difference. But here’s the other side: I see it firsthand in my classroom. My students aren’t just memorizing facts — they’re learning how to reason, problem-solve, and connect math to the world around them. When a 4th grader proudly explains not just the answer, but how they got to the answer, that’s when I know the curriculum is working. Of course, it’s not perfect. It takes training, patience, and buy-in from everyone involved. But the payoff — seeing students grow confident in a subject that often intimidates them — is worth it. So when I look at those Google Trends charts spiking for “Eureka Math,” I smile. Because behind every search is a parent who wants to help, a teacher seeking clarity, or a leader trying to make the right choice for kids. And that’s what education should always be about — building strong foundations for the future.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

And finally, I can’t wrap up this wedding edition without bragging just a little bit about my boys — my three sons who are all proudly attending Michigan State University. Talk about Spartan pride running deep in this family! Each one is at a different stage in their journey, and each one had such an incredible summer. My sophomore had the adventure of a lifetime, studying abroad in Japan. I’ll never forget the photos and stories he shared — from the culture, to the food, to the friendships he built along the way. It wasn’t just an academic experience; it was a life-changing one that expanded his worldview and deepened his independence. My junior, on the other hand, stayed closer to home but had a powerful experience of his own through an engineering internship at a firm in Ann Arbor. He spent the summer working alongside professionals, tackling real-world problems, and seeing how the skills he’s learning in class translate into solutions that matter. It was the kind of hands-on learning that prepares you not just for a career, but for leadership. And then there’s my senior — the one standing on the edge of graduation — who completed a Sales and Marketing internship in Texas. He gained exposure to the fast-paced world of business, sharpened his communication skills, and came back with confidence and clarity about his next steps. As a mother, there’s no greater joy than watching your children thrive. And as a teacher, it’s inspiring to see the lessons I preach about perseverance, curiosity, and hard work come alive in their lives. They are each carving their own path, but they carry with them the values of education, resilience, and community. So yes — my chalkboard is full. Full of love, full of family, and full of gratitude.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

With all the excitement of the wedding behind us, the school year is now in full swing — which means life is back to busy, busy, busy. Between teaching, podcasting, and family commitments, I’ve been focusing on something that doesn’t always get enough attention: meal planning and health routines. Let’s be real — when the school year gets hectic, it’s so easy to fall into the trap of grabbing fast food or skipping meals altogether. But I’ve found that planning makes all the difference. On Sundays, I’ve started prepping meals that can carry us through the week — think grilled chicken, roasted veggies, hearty soups, and salad jars ready to grab and go. It saves time, reduces stress, and keeps me fueled for long school days. Another thing I’m working hard to maintain is my walking schedule. Just because we had the wedding doesn’t mean the health journey stops. Vern and I committed to continuing our evening walks together — not only for exercise, but also as a way to connect after busy days. Those 45- to 50-minute walks give us space to talk, laugh, or sometimes just enjoy the quiet. It’s a rhythm that keeps us grounded. Balancing healthy meals and regular movement isn’t about perfection — it’s about consistency. Some weeks are smoother than others, but the key is staying intentional. In the same way I tell my students that small, daily habits add up, I remind myself that each healthy choice is an investment in the future. So for all my fellow educators listening, take this as a gentle nudge: your health matters, too. You can’t pour into others if your own cup is empty. Plan the meals, take the walk, and give yourself the same care you give to everyone else.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

As we wrap up this special wedding edition of Chalkboard Chatter, I want to take a moment to speak directly to my fellow educators, leaders, and lifelong learners tuning in. This podcast has always been about more than just teaching tips or classroom strategies. It’s about community. It’s about having a space where we can celebrate wins, reflect on challenges, and walk this journey together. Whether we’re talking about math curricula, student engagement, family milestones, or even vow renewals — it all connects back to the heart of education: people. If you’ve been enjoying these conversations, I’d love to ask a favor. Please like, subscribe, and share this podcast with other educators in your circle. Every time you engage, it helps us reach more teachers, principals, decision-makers, and parents who can benefit from these stories. And when you share, you’re not just spreading a podcast — you’re spreading hope, strategies, and encouragement to someone who may really need it. We’ve got so many exciting topics coming up in future episodes. From personalized learning to inclusive classrooms, from balancing life and leadership to highlighting educator voices across the country — this is just the beginning. I believe education is a lifelong journey, and I’m grateful you’ve chosen to take part in that journey with me here on Chalkboard Chatter. So please, if you haven’t already, click that subscribe button, leave a review, and let’s continue building this space together.Because at the end of the day, we’re not just talking about chalkboards and classrooms. We’re talking about shaping futures, inspiring the next generation, and reminding ourselves that love and learning go hand in hand.