The Pointy Pencil
The Pointy Pencil started with the purpose to help K-12 students become the successful individuals that we know they can be. We began this journey as classroom teachers, tutoring on the side. We noticed how tutoring was an integral part of our students’ success and we became more and more intrigued at how this type of instruction was impacting their ability to conquer tough subjects.
Helping students become and remain successful has grown into an enthusiastic passion. Candace Jackson (owner/certified teacher) is now entirely dedicated to uncovering skills and abilities necessary for success in school, home and beyond.
Our approach to tutoring is guided by our beliefs in education, including:
- All students have the ability to succeed. We believe students are talented and capable of success.
- Grades are just snapshots of a student’s true potential. We believe grades are important but are not everything.
- Learning is an ongoing and lifelong process. We believe true learning happens all around us, not just in school.
- Students’ interests play a vital role in academic understanding. We believe content should be related to the interests of the child. Learning will become more meaningful.
The Pointy Pencil family embodies current certified teachers and professors, working professionals with a talent for teaching, retired teachers and graduate/university students. We are honored to be in a position to help your student succeed and be successful.

Candace Witherspoon Jackson
Born and raised in Seminole County, Florida, I attended Oviedo High School and continued on to attend Florida A&M University and the University of Central Florida, graduating with my B.S. in Elementary Education. My studies continued by earning my M.B.A., specializing in Accounting. I began my teaching career in the A-rated Seminole County Public School District and was nominated as a Teacher of the Year finalist during that time.
I expanded my educational experience by teaching overseas in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. While embracing the culture, I taught my ESL students (English as a Second Language) the American curriculum while focusing on reading comprehension, science, math and social studies. I combined their Common Core curriculum with an English immersion style of teaching. Traveling abroad added value to my educational journey and ultimately provided diverse learning tools that would benefit my future students back in the United States. I continued my journey in the states as an Educational Consultant for Pearson.
I currently work at Harvard Business School as the Assistant Director of Business Development for custom programs.
My current certifications include:
When I'm not in the classroom or at the tutoring center, I enjoy playing the piano, fishing, cheering on my kids, and watching the Orlando Magic win!
Born and raised in Seminole County, Florida, I attended Oviedo High School and continued on to attend Florida A&M University and the University of Central Florida, graduating with my B.S. in Elementary Education. My studies continued by earning my M.B.A., specializing in Accounting. I began my teaching career in the A-rated Seminole County Public School District and was nominated as a Teacher of the Year finalist during that time.
I expanded my educational experience by teaching overseas in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. While embracing the culture, I taught my ESL students (English as a Second Language) the American curriculum while focusing on reading comprehension, science, math and social studies. I combined their Common Core curriculum with an English immersion style of teaching. Traveling abroad added value to my educational journey and ultimately provided diverse learning tools that would benefit my future students back in the United States. I continued my journey in the states as an Educational Consultant for Pearson.
I currently work at Harvard Business School as the Assistant Director of Business Development for custom programs.
My current certifications include:
- Active Florida Teaching Certificate
- ESE K-12 Certification (Exceptional Student Education)
- Elementary Education K-6
- Business Education 6-12
- ESOL Endorsement K-12
- 16+ Years of Classroom Teaching Experience
When I'm not in the classroom or at the tutoring center, I enjoy playing the piano, fishing, cheering on my kids, and watching the Orlando Magic win!
Ann Duffy - Office Manager (Avalon Park)
Ashley Sanchez - Office Manager (Oviedo)
- August 2018-present - Acquired contract with SCPS Kidzone to provide academic guidance and assistance to students at school site.
- February-April 2017 - Acquired contract with Winter Springs High School to provide FSA Reading Prep to students grades 10-12
- February-April 2017 - Acquired contract with Winter Springs High School to provide SAT prep to students grades 11-12
- 2016-2017 - Acquired contract with Seminole County Public Schools (SCPS) to provide ACT prep to designated high schools; small group instruction with a goal of helping at-risk seniors graduate with peers
- Summer 2016 - Acquired contract with Winter Springs High School (Seminole County) providing intense ACT prep for seniors