Summer Reset for Educators

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Hey Chalkboard family, welcome back to another episode of Chalkboard Chatter! I’m Candice Nicholson (formerly Candice Jackson), and I am so glad you’re here with me today. If you’ve been following along, you know we’ve been on a real journey lately — from talking about burnout and how to actually recover, to sharing some of my favorite summer recipes, and even that wild episode where we rated school cafeteria food like we were on ‘Chopped.’ I still can’t believe I gave tater tots a higher score than pizza, but, you know, sometimes nostalgia wins.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

So, today, we’re bringing a little sunshine into the mix. It’s officially summer break! Whether you’re listening from your porch, your car, or maybe you’re just hiding from your own kids for a few minutes of peace — I see you. Grab that iced coffee, slide on your sunglasses, and get comfy. We’ve got some must-hear summer fashion tips for educators, we’re diving into love languages — yes, we’re going there — and we’ll wrap up with a flavorful favorite: our Dish of the Day for Educators. Let’s get into it!

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Alright, let’s talk summer style. Teachers, I know summer is the time to reset — mentally, emotionally, and, honestly, fashionably. It’s your chance to feel like yourself again, without a badge or a lanyard or a clipboard hanging from your neck. So here are my five favorite summer fashion tips to help you shine with style and comfort.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

First up, maxi dresses and rompers are your best friends. Seriously, whether you’re headed to brunch, the farmer’s market, or just Target — because, let’s be real, we all end up at Target — maxi dresses and rompers are effortless, flattering, and breathable. And bonus, they’re totally classroom-appropriate if you get roped into any summer PD sessions. I mean, I always end up at at least one, even when I swear I won’t.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Next, add pops of personality with accessories. This is your chance to break away from the “school-approved” dress code. Think colorful earrings, statement sunglasses, or that straw hat you’ve been waiting to wear. Accessories are like exclamation points for your outfit! I have these neon yellow earrings that I would never wear to school, but in the summer? All bets are off.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Third, functional footwear is still cute. Teacher-foot fatigue is real, y’all. Even on summer break, your feet need love. Invest in stylish, supportive sandals — Birkenstock, Teva, or a comfy slide that won’t kill your arch after a walk along the beach. I learned the hard way that cute but unsupportive sandals are a recipe for regret.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Fourth, linen and cotton are your breathable besties. Ditch the polyester blends! Choose fabrics that keep you cool even in the July heat. Linen button-ups, cotton shorts, breezy skirts — these are your go-to options. I mean, I sweat just thinking about polyester in the summer.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

And finally, play with color — especially if you can’t at work. Summer is your chance to go bold. Neon coral, seafoam green, cobalt blue? Yes, please. Let your wardrobe be as vibrant as your personality! I always say, if you can’t wear it in the classroom, wear it in the sunshine.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

So, whether you’re practical or playful with your wardrobe, just remember — summer is for you. Dress for joy, not just for duty.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Now, let’s talk about something that doesn’t get enough attention in educator life — relationships. I mean, now that you’re home more during summer, you might be spending a lot more time with your significant other, or your family, or even just yourself. So it’s the perfect opportunity to reconnect and explore: what’s your love language?

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Okay, full disclosure here — I am not a relationship therapist. But I am newly married to a phenomenal man — and let me just say, my summer is heating up in that category! Vern, baby, you’re all that and then some. During our four-hour drive to a family wedding last weekend, we held hands, we talked about life — the big things, the little things, and everything in between. I love that man.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Your love language might be words of affirmation, acts of service, quality time, physical touch, or receiving gifts. Knowing yours — and knowing your partner’s — can completely change how you connect. Summer is a great time to lean in, ask deeper questions, and rediscover why you chose each other in the first place. And honestly, even if you’re single, it’s a good time to figure out how you like to be loved — by friends, by family, by yourself. It’s all important.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Alright, let’s serve up our Dish of the Day for Educators — and no, I’m not talking about a literal recipe, though you know I love a good casserole. This is about the metaphorical dish of the day. What feeds your soul? What nourishes the educator in you after months of giving?

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

First up, the appetizer: permission to rest. Before anything else, let’s serve up a full plate of permission to rest. This is your time. You don’t need to fill it with to-do lists, professional development courses, or bullet-journaling your way into “optimal productivity.” You have permission to nap. Permission to be still. Permission to be unproductive and just exist. Rest isn’t lazy — it’s essential. You cannot pour from an empty cup, and educators are often running on fumes by the time June rolls around. So your appetizer? A big helping of quiet. Uninterrupted mornings. Walks with no destination. The soundtrack of your own thoughts.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

The entrée is rediscovery. Who were you before you were “Ms. Johnson” or “Coach D”? What brings you joy that has nothing to do with a rubric, an IEP, or a bell schedule? This is the time to pick up the paintbrush you stored away. Dust off your camera. Revisit your love for baking, biking, writing, dancing, gardening, or kickboxing. Whatever lights you up? Eat it up. I read somewhere that over seventy percent of teachers put their hobbies and creative pursuits on hold during the school year. Don’t let that be you this summer. Your entrée is the version of you that thrives outside of the classroom.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Then, your side dishes: connection and celebration. Reconnect with the people who’ve missed you during the school year. Your partner, your kids, your siblings, your parents, your friends — the people who don’t call you “teacher.” Rebuild those bonds that may have frayed under stress and exhaustion. And celebrate the wins of the year. Yes, celebrate! You survived another academic year. That is no small feat. So throw a “Teacherversary” party. Toast yourself. Dance in your living room. Post that TikTok of your end-of-year classroom cleanup glow-up. Take the time to reflect not on what went wrong, but on what went right. Did a student finally grasp long division? Did your classroom turn into a safe space for someone? Did you stand up for yourself in a staff meeting? These things matter. Acknowledge them.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

And finally, dessert: joy without guilt. Too many educators struggle with guilt when they’re not “on.” If you’re not lesson planning or laminating, are you still doing enough? Yes. You are. You deserve to enjoy sunsets without grading papers in your lap. You deserve Netflix marathons, beach days, ice cream at 11 AM, and laughing until your stomach hurts. You deserve to fall in love again — with your spouse, your life, or even just yourself. So have that dessert. Relish every bite. And when school rolls around again, you’ll be refreshed and ready, not because you had to prep, but because you chose to pour into yourself first.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

So, what are some ways to actually put all this into practice? I mean, it’s one thing to talk about rest and rediscovery, but sometimes you need a little nudge to get started. One thing I love is organizing local or virtual outdoor activity days — like nature walks or even a little community service project. It’s a great way to foster connection and refresh your spirit, and you can invite your teacher friends or your family along for the ride.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Another idea: create a personal summer bucket list. Make sure it includes both relaxing and adventurous activities, so you get a balanced approach to rejuvenation. Maybe it’s reading a book just for fun, or finally trying paddleboarding, or just having a picnic in your backyard. I always put “try a new ice cream flavor” on mine, and I never regret it.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

And if you’re craving a little professional growth — but in a relaxed way — join or start a summer learning circle or book club with fellow educators. Share insights, gain new perspectives, and keep that spark for learning alive, but without the pressure of grades or deadlines. It’s a great way to stay connected and inspired, and honestly, sometimes the best ideas come when you’re just chatting over lemonade.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

However you choose to spend your summer, make sure it’s on your terms. You’ve earned it.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Well, that’s it for this episode of Chalkboard Chatter! Whether you’re lounging poolside in your favorite maxi dress, holding hands with your person on a weekend drive, or rediscovering the parts of yourself that teaching sometimes buries — summer is your sacred season. Take care of yourself, because you take care of so many others.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Don’t forget to follow, like, or share the podcast — and if you’re feeling the love today, leave us a review. I read every single one, and it means the world to me. Thank you for tuning in, for showing up for your students, and for showing up for yourself. Next time, we’ll be talking about how to bring that summer energy back into your classroom when the new year starts — so stay tuned! Until then, keep shining, keep resting, and keep being you. See you soon!