In this episode, I explore how small group instruction can transform learning experiences for multilingual learners. You'll learn why the teacher-led station in a station rotation model is the ideal space to differentiate support, build confidence, and offer real-time feedback. I break down three high-impact strategies—I Do, We Do, Pairs Do, You Do, Concept Attainment, and Real-Time Formative Feedback—and explain why they work best in small groups. Whether you're working with early language lear...
Jul 01, 2025•21 min•Ep. 128
In this first episode of my new series, I explore how the station rotation model can be a game-changer for multilingual learners. I break down the barriers these students often face in whole-group instruction and explain how small-group, differentiated stations create more equitable learning experiences. You'll hear how this model can help build language skills, support self-direction, and shift the classroom from teacher-led to student-centered. Whether you're new to station rotation or looking...
Jun 24, 2025•25 min•Ep. 127
In this episode of The Balance, I chat with educator and author Trevor MacKenzie about how inquiry-based learning creates accessible entry points and personalized pathways that build student agency, curiosity, and deeper engagement. Trevor shares practical strategies, unpacks the phases of the inquiry process, and offers guidance for aligning inquiry with curriculum goals. We also explore how AI can support questioning and deepen engagement. This is a powerful conversation for anyone looking to ...
Jun 17, 2025•45 min•Ep. 126
In this episode, I dive into a powerful variation of the station rotation model designed to maximize personalization and student agency. By using data to assign must-do stations and allowing students to choose from may-do options, teachers can tailor learning while giving students meaningful control over their experience. I share examples across subjects and tips for making this model work in your classroom. If you're ready to make your rotations more strategic, flexible, and student-centered, t...
Jun 10, 2025•16 min•Ep. 125
The Station Rotation Model + UDL = Stronger Tier I Instruction In this episode, I’m announcing the release of my new book, The Station Rotation Model and Universal Design for Learning: Elevating Tier 1 Instruction and Cultivating Learner Agency . I wrote it to help educators tackle a challenge I hear all the time—how do we meet the needs of such diverse learners in a single classroom? When whole-group, teacher-paced instruction falls short, the Station Rotation Model paired with UDL offers a mor...
Jun 03, 2025•21 min•Ep. 124
In this episode, I talk with Dr. Brandee Ramirez about what it takes to lead AI implementation across a school district. She shares how her work focuses on supporting all stakeholders—teachers, students, families, and staff—in building confidence with AI tools and understanding their practical value. Dr. Ramirez unpacks the difference between an edtech rollout and an AI rollout, highlights why scaffolding is key, and explains how her district’s emerging technologies task force is integrating AI ...
May 27, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 123
In this episode, I unpack three guiding principles for using technology to personalize and improve learning. From designing tech-enhanced instructional models to using tools to remove barriers and collect better data, this conversation will help you shift from simply using tech to using it well. If you've ever felt frustrated or overwhelmed by technology in the classroom, this one’s for you. Related Blog: 3 Principles for Using Technology in the Classroom to Personalize and Improve Learning Lear...
May 20, 2025•23 min•Ep. 122
End-of-Year Engagement Made Easy As the school year winds down, it can be tough to keep students focused and motivated. In this episode, I share a strategy that uses the 5Es instructional model to guide students through a self-directed inquiry project. This approach gives learners voice and choice, encourages deep exploration, and meets their need for autonomy, competence, and connection—helping you finish the year strong with meaningful, student-centered learning. Sign up now for my Summer Lear...
May 13, 2025•17 min•Ep. 121
In this episode of The Balance, I sit down with Ruba Abi Saab, Instructional Coach and Teaching and Learning Coordinator at Al Rayan International School in Accra, Ghana. Ruba shares how concept-based inquiry shapes her work with teachers and students, encouraging deeper thinking, empathy, and purposeful action. We talk about her passion for integrating service learning, graphic organizers, and play-based strategies in early years classrooms to foster both academic and emotional growth. Ruba als...
May 06, 2025•42 min•Ep. 120
Feedback and rubrics are powerful tools. In this episode, I explore how shifting from deficit-based to asset-based language can transform both your feedback and your rubrics. Drawing from my recent blog, I share why this shift matters, how it aligns with UDL, and how small changes in language can have a big impact on student motivation and self-efficacy. Plus, I offer practical strategies and AI tips to help you start revising your rubrics today. Related Blog: From Deficit to Growth: A Guide to ...
Apr 29, 2025•24 min•Ep. 119
We revisit an earlier episode when Dr. Catlin Tucker spoke with Kareem Farah about maximizing teacher time, boosting student engagement, and reimagining workflows through his Modern Classrooms Project. About Modern Classrooms Project Modern Classrooms Project Free Course
Apr 22, 2025•50 min•Ep. 118
What do we mean when we say Universal Design for Learning (UDL)? How can UDL support an antiracist learning environment? In this episode of Dr. Catlin Tucker’s podcast, The Balance, she invites Andratesha Fritzgerald, an inclusive practices implementation consultant and life-long educator, to offer clarity around these themes and questions. Learn More about Andratesha Fritzgerald Antiracism and Universal Design for Learning: Building Expressways to Success Building Blocks of Brilliance...
Apr 16, 2025•52 min•Ep. 117
Catlin talks with Dr. Shaun Woodly about his personal experience teaching in urban schools with culturally diverse students. Catlin and Shaun discuss the need to consider, “What learning really looks like?” and whether teachers are creating spaces to foster authentic learning experiences for kids. Listen to Shaun and Catlin as they discuss the four elements of urban education-–awareness, achievement, alliance, and artistry–and encourage teachers to consider which areas they can develop in their ...
Apr 08, 2025•55 min•Ep. 116
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Tony Frontier, author of AI with Intention: Principles and Action Steps for School Leaders and Teachers , to explore how educators and school leaders can navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of AI with purpose. We discuss intentional leadership, the risks and opportunities of AI in education, the role of academic integrity, and how to design learning experiences that prioritize deep understanding over compliance. Dr. Frontier shares actionable strategies f...
Apr 02, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 115
In this episode, I explore how teachers can use what they learn about students during Tier 1 instruction to make informed decisions about what comes next. I discuss how to identify who needs targeted support and who’s ready for enrichment or extension. You'll hear practical strategies for collecting and using informal data to guide these decisions. If you're committed to creating a more responsive, inclusive, and dynamic classroom—but struggling to bridge the gap between Tier 1 instruction and T...
Mar 25, 2025•30 min•Ep. 114
Despite massive investments in educational technology, many classrooms still look and feel the same. Why? Because technology alone doesn’t drive transformation—how we use it does. In this episode, I break down why EdTech often falls short and share practical strategies, like blended learning models and reciprocal teaching, to ensure technology enhances—not replaces—meaningful learning experiences. It’s time to shift from passive technology use to intentional, student-centered learning that lever...
Mar 18, 2025•14 min•Ep. 113
Delivering strong Tier 1 instruction is essential for ensuring all students have access to high-quality learning experiences. In this episode, I share three high-impact strategies—video instruction, whole-group instruction paired with a cooperative learning strategy, and small-group differentiated instruction—that can make lessons more engaging and effective. I explain when and why each approach is effective and how you can use them to remove barriers and meet diverse student needs. MTSS: Three ...
Mar 11, 2025•28 min•Ep. 112
In this episode, I chat with Caleb Hicks , CEO of Schoolai , to explore how AI can be a powerful tool for personalizing learning pathways and fostering meaningful connections in the classroom. We discuss how Schoolai spaces can help teachers see and hear students in real time, making it easier to be responsive to their needs. Caleb shares his vision for making school a place of true social connection—where every student feels valued, understood, and supported. Tune in to learn how AI can enhance...
Mar 04, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 111
Great instruction starts before the lesson begins. In this episode, I review three critical steps teachers can take to prepare for effective Tier 1 instruction, ensuring all students have access to meaningful, engaging learning experiences. By designing with intentionality—and leveraging AI as a thought partner—we can create more inclusive and equitable classrooms. Visit my blog for more reading on MTSS strategies for your classroom....
Feb 25, 2025•20 min•Ep. 110
How can AI make learning more accessible and equitable for all students? In this episode, I explore NotebookLM, Google's AI-powered research assistant, and its potential to support inclusive learning. Discover how this tool transforms lecture notes, articles, slide decks, websites, and YouTube videos into interactive study guides, FAQs, and even podcast-style discussions, making content more accessible for diverse learners. Whether you're an educator looking to remove barriers or searching for n...
Feb 19, 2025•18 min•Ep. 109
In this mini-episode, I explore strategies like the station rotation model, playlists, choice boards, and inquiry cycles that help educators design self-directed, meaningful learning experiences while creating time to address Tier 2 needs. I’ll discuss how formative assessment and progress monitoring tools help educators identify students' needs and provide targeted support and enrichment. Additional Resources: MTSS: Instructional Strategies to Make Time for Tier 2 Support and Extension Formativ...
Feb 11, 2025•23 min•Ep. 108
In this episode, I chat with Robert Barnett , co-founder of The Modern Classrooms Project and author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs: Redesigning Instruction So All Learners Can Succeed . We dive into the power of self-paced learning—even for young students—explore how digitizing direct instruction can free teachers to focus on deeper connections with learners, and address the common concern of maintaining the human element in tech-supported...
Feb 04, 2025•48 min•Ep. 107
In this episode, I explore the shift toward inclusive classrooms, where students with diverse needs, including IEPs and unique learning profiles, learn side-by-side with their peers. What does it take to create equitable and effective learning environments? I discuss the foundational role of differentiated Tier 1 instruction and the power of the MTSS framework in providing targeted support and meaningful extensions. Learn how strategies like station rotation, playlists, and choice boards can emp...
Jan 28, 2025•21 min•Ep. 106
In this mini-episode, Dr. Catlin Tucker explores the Immunity to Change model and its potential to transform education. Discover how this powerful framework can help educators and leaders identify hidden barriers, confront competing commitments, and unlock personal and professional growth. For more, you can read Dr. Tucker’s blog titled, "Why Teachers Struggle to Change—and How the Immunity to Change Model Can Help.“...
Jan 21, 2025•20 min•Ep. 105
In this mini-episode, Dr. Tucker reads the introduction of her newest book with Dr. Katie Novak, Elevating Educational Design with AI: Making Learning Accessible, Inclusive, and Equitable . Find out what inspired the book, who the book is for, how it is structured, and how Dr. Tucker and Dr. Novak hope it will help educators design learning experiences that meet the needs of all students....
Jan 14, 2025•18 min•Ep. 104
In this episode, I chat with Dr. Michelle Ament, the co-founder of the Human Intelligence Movement . We discuss why it’s essential to move beyond content coverage and standardized testing to prioritize creativity, empathy, and critical thinking—skills that empower students to succeed in a rapidly advancing AI-driven world.
Jan 07, 2025•46 min•Ep. 103
In this mini-episode, I provide a peak into my new book Elevating Educational Design with AI: Making Learning Accessible, Inclusive, and Equitable . If you’re a teacher feeling frustrated because your lessons aren’t meeting students’ diverse needs or leading to the engagement and progress you hope for, this book is for you. I’ll show you how to design learning experiences that are more effective, equitable, and student-centered—while also freeing up your valuable time to focus on the most reward...
Dec 17, 2024•14 min•Ep. 102
In this mini-episode, I explore the benefits of presenting Tier 1 instruction in small group, differentiated instructional sessions. Small groups are not just beneficial for targeted support and intervention; they can elevate Tier 1 instruction, reducing the need for Tier 2 and 3 interventions. When teachers provide instruction on a foundational concept or skill that may be complex or challenging, presenting it in small groups and adjusting the instruction creates a more equitable experience for...
Dec 10, 2024•16 min•Ep. 101
In our 100th episode of The Balance, I sit down with educator and bestselling author Matt Eicheldinger, whose heartwarming and relatable stories about small, everyday moments as a teacher have gone viral on Instagram and TikTok. Matt shares his journey from classroom teacher to published author, offering insights into how these seemingly simple experiences have resonated with a wide audience and sparked meaningful conversations about education. Check out this episode to hear Matt’s inspiring sto...
Dec 03, 2024•42 min•Ep. 100
In this mini-episode, I explore the power of concept maps as a dynamic tool for helping students make meaning and deepen their understanding. I discuss the benefits of concept mapping, review various formats for organizing and visually representing new information, and a few steps teachers can take to maximize the impact of concept mapping. For more insights and free templates to use in your classroom, and for more on concept maps (plus templates you can copy), check out my blog !...
Nov 19, 2024•24 min•Ep. 99
