Paws, Plans, and Personal Joy

In this heartfelt and lively episode of Chalkboard Chatter, host Candice Nicholson takes listeners on a journey through joyful classroom moments, personal milestones, and the powerful connections that make teaching so much more than a job. Candice begins with a look back at the last several episodes, reflecting on powerful conversations around burnout, boundaries, field day memories, and the chaos of the cafeteria. With warmth and humor, she sets the stage for a rich new chapter. In Chapter 2, she shares practical tips for organizing a busy teaching wardrobe to help educators simplify mornings and feel confident all week long. Then, in Chapter 3, Candice recaps the meaningful work that went into planning a 4th and 5th grade girls’ summer retreat, including meals, yoga, and activities that built confidence and community. Chapter 4 shifts focus to academics, as Candice outlines three key outcomes teachers can expect when using Eureka Math in upper elementary classrooms—from problem-solving endurance to clearer math communication. Chapter 5 brings the excitement of introducing “Paws,” a classroom gecko adopted through PetSmart’s Pets in the Classroom program. Candice shares how the pet was chosen by student vote, the joy it brought, and a humorous moment when a colleague showed her up in the gecko-handling department! Finally, Chapter 6 offers a glimpse into Candice’s personal joy—marrying the love of her life. From a quiet legal ceremony on February 14 to a beautiful celebration on August 30, it’s a reminder that love and teaching both require heart, patience, and a whole lot of joy.