In this inspiring episode of Chalkboard Chatter, Candice Nicholson (formerly Candice Jackson) shares a whirlwind of summer milestones, from being named 2024 Teacher of the Year to being selected for a week-long professional development in nature conservation. But thatās not allāCandice reveals a surprise close to her heart: sheāll be receiving the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award from Michigan State University this summer! We also dive into smart, sustainable living as Candice walks through how she used AI to plan two weeks of healthy, budget-friendly mealsācomplete with grocery lists and recipe suggestions. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or just trying to get organized, this segment offers a practical way to save time, eat well, and stress less. Plus, we reflect on why thereās still time to maximize your goals for 2025, how nature can spark new ideas in the classroom, and what it means to grow personally and professionally. We close with a challenge: let AI help simplify your life this weekāthen share your story with us! Donāt forget to like, comment, and share the episode. We love hearing from our listenersāyour journey is part of ours.
About the podcast
Welcome to Chalkboard Chatter, the go-to podcast for Kā5 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 ā 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 Kā5 classrooms. You'll discover how emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, are being integrated into lesson design, assessment, and differentiated instruction ā not as a replacement for teachers, but as a powerful support in creating responsive, student-centered environments. Whether youāre 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 ā and a system ā built to help them thrive.
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