In this heartfelt episode of Chalkboard Chatter, Candice shares her inspiring journey back to Detroit Public Schools as a 4th and 5th grade master teacher â returning to the students and classrooms where her passion truly lives. She reflects on her summer of walking, not just as a form of exercise, but as a powerful path toward peace of mind, improved health, and meaningful connection with her husband, Vern. Candice opens up about winning the 2024 Teacher of the Year award and the exciting news of being nominated for the Michigan State University Distinguished Alumni Award. From navigating Detroitâs real estate market in search of the perfect new home to enjoying stretches of mid-70s weather, this episode is full of warmth, renewal, and joy. Plus, she shares a fresh Mediterranean recipe of the week â perfect for busy teachers and parents â and invites listeners to reflect, reset, and prepare for the second half of 2025 with intention. Whether youâre an educator, parent, or just someone looking to reconnect with your âwhy,â this episode will leave you inspired and grounded. Subscribe, comment, and share â your story matters, and this space is for all of us.
About the podcast
Welcome to Chalkboard Chatter, the go-to podcast for Kâ5 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 â 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 Kâ5 classrooms. You'll discover how emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, are being integrated into lesson design, assessment, and differentiated instruction â not as a replacement for teachers, but as a powerful support in creating responsive, student-centered environments. Whether youâre 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 â and a system â built to help them thrive.
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