In this episode, I chat with Christine Feenstra, Executive Director of the California Association for Leading Innovation in Education (CALIE)—formerly known as CUE—about the organization’s evolution and rebrand. Christine shares the why behind the shift, how her team engaged educators and stakeholders throughout the process, and what this change means for the community moving forward. We discuss CALIE’s renewed mission to inspire learning, empower educators, and expand access to professional growth opportunities. Episode Resources JoinCALIE.org Linkedin Twitter/x Facebook Instagram
In this episode, I explore how AI can make differentiation not only doable but sustainable. I share how I use AI tools to support differentiation across content, process, product, and learning environment—helping teachers meet diverse learner needs without doubling their workload. From creating leveled texts and choice boards to designing asset-based rubrics and flexible online spaces, I highlight practical ways AI can enhance equity and efficiency. My goal is to help you spend less time prepping and more time connecting with students as learners. Related Blog
Differentiation doesn’t have to mean creating 30 different versions of a lesson. In this episode, I unpack what differentiation really looks like in practice and why it’s essential in today’s diverse classrooms. I share examples from elementary, middle, and high school to show how teachers can adjust content, process, product, and learning environment to make learning more accessible and engaging for every student. You’ll hear how small, intentional design choices can strengthen Tier 1 instruction, reduce the need for intervention, and make teaching more sustainable over time. Related Blog: Differentiation in Action: Why It Matters, What It Is, and How It Works
In this episode of The Balance, Jessica Vance joins me to discuss her new book, Evidence of Inquiry: Exploring, Questioning, and Documenting with Learning Walls. We explore what it means to “follow your learners” and how inquiry shifts the way teachers engage students around the topics and concepts at the center of the curriculum. Jessica unpacks the purpose and power of learning walls, explaining how they make student thinking visible, create space for collaborative meaning-making, and even serve as professional playgrounds for teachers themselves. Together, we reflect on the mindset, culture, and practical strategies that help both teachers and students embrace uncertainty, curiosity, and deeper learning. Episode Resources Jessica’s Instagram: @jess_vanceedu Evidence of Inquiry: Exploring, Questioning, and Documenting with Learning Walls Leading with a Lens of Inquiry: Cultivating Conditions for Curiosity and Empowering Agency
In this episode of The Balance, I tackle one of the biggest concerns teachers raise about the Station Rotation Model: can I really trust students to work independently while I’m at the teacher-led station? I share strategies for setting the stage for success, including co-creating class agreements, establishing a clear and consistent path of consequences, and teaching smooth transitions between stations. I also talk about how to set realistic grading expectations so you don’t burn out trying to collect work from every station. These routines and structures not only build trust and accountability but also make it possible for teachers to focus fully on their small groups, where the real magic of differentiation happens. Episode Resources The Station Rotation Model and UDL: Elevate Tier 1 Instruction and Cultivate Learner Agency [Template] Safe Space Reflection Form
In this episode of The Balance, I dig into why the teacher-led station is the heart of the Station Rotation Model. I share how I use this time with small groups for differentiated direct instruction, modeling sessions, and need-based instruction driven by real-time data. I also discuss how I facilitate rich discussions using Webb’s Depth of Knowledge questions and incorporate the feedback process into the classroom through formative feedback on work in progress. With concrete examples from math, reading, history, science, and writing, I show how the teacher-led station makes personalized learning and UDL feel doable and sustainable for teachers. The Station Rotation Model & UDL: Elevate Tier 1 Instruction & Cultivate Learner Agency
In this episode of The Balance, I talk with Shira Woolf Cohen, co-founder of Innovageous and author of Leading Future-Focused Schools: Engaging and Preparing Students for Career Success. With nearly three decades in education and workforce development, Shira shares why the gap between what students learn in school and the skills needed in today’s workplace demands urgent attention. We explore what it means to cultivate a future-focused mindset, why every teacher is a “career teacher,” and how schools can embed career-connected learning across grade levels and subject areas. Shira offers strategies for building on student strengths, examples of what this work looks like in practice, and actionable steps leaders can take to begin designing future-focused schools. Connect with Shira Woolf Cohen and learn more about her work. Leading Future-Focused Schools: Engaging and Preparing Students for Career Success http://innovageous.com https://www.instagram.com/innovageous/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/innovageous https://www.facebook.com/InnovageousSolutions/
In this episode, I’m digging into a challenge I hear about a lot: the tension between fidelity to an adopted curriculum and the need for teacher creativity. Too often, teachers feel pressured to follow lessons lockstep, leaving little room to respond to their students’ needs or bring their own expertise into the design. That rigidity can strip away joy and engagement for both teachers and students. I’ll share why schools adopt curriculum, the benefits and challenges these programs bring, and concrete shifts teachers can make to move from scripted compliance to creative engagement. We’ll also explore how leaders and instructional coaches can shift their messaging and support so teachers feel empowered to adapt curriculum with purpose. If your team is navigating the challenges of curriculum adoption, this episode will give you practical strategies and fresh ways to think about fidelity, differentiation, and engagement. If your team or teachers need support, feel free to contact me. Related Blog: From Scripted Compliance to Creative Engagement: Rethinking How We Use Adopted Curriculum
AI is transforming education, but I believe strong prompts are the key to unlocking its potential. In this episode, I share the REFINE acronym I developed to give educators a structured approach to writing effective AI prompts. I walk through each step—assigning AI a role, setting clear expectations, framing the context, specifying inclusions, defining nuance, and evaluating outputs—to show how this process keeps teachers in the driver’s seat. Whether you’re designing lessons, assessments, or scaffolds, REFINE can help you create more effective, inclusive, and responsive learning experiences with AI. Related blog: https://catlintucker.com/2025/08/refine-ai-prompting/
In this episode of The Balance, I chat with Sunil Gunderia, Chief Innovation Officer at Age of Learning, the company behind ABCmouse. Sunil is driving efforts to design AI-powered tools that personalize learning for young children while keeping safety and effectiveness at the center. We discuss how AI can support rather than replace teachers, the importance of guardrails and evidence-based best practices, and the role of personalized learning programs in helping young learners build strong foundations in reading and math. Sunil also shares how programs like My Reading Academy are helping thousands of pre-K students develop confidence, resilience, and a love of learning.
Strong classroom communities don’t happen by accident—they’re built through intentional, daily practices that prioritize connection. In this second episode of the Starting Strong series, Dr. Catlin Tucker explores how getting to know your students and creating a culture of belonging can transform your classroom environment. She shares practical strategies for learning names quickly, surfacing student identities, and building peer-to-peer relationships that last beyond the first week. Whether you're a new or veteran teacher, this episode offers tools to help you lead with relationships. Learn how you can go deeper with Catlin’s new self-paced course, Starting Strong. Episode Resources Blog: Back-to-School: Prioritizing Relationships and Building Community Learn how you can go deeper with Catlin’s new self-paced course, Starting Strong. Click here to register today
Before diving into lesson planning, classroom setup, and organizing all the things, there’s one essential step too many teachers skip—reflection. In this first episode of the Starting Strong series, Dr. Catlin Tucker explores why thoughtful reflection on last year’s wins, challenges, and habits can lead to more intentional, energized teaching. She shares three practical strategies to help educators pause, process, and reset before launching into planning mode. Whether you’re a veteran teacher or new to the classroom, this episode will help you build a stronger foundation for the school year ahead. Learn how you can go deeper with Catlin’s new self-paced course, Starting Strong.
I discovered Evalaurene Jean-Charles on Instagram and was instantly drawn to her joyful, honest, and unfiltered reflections on life as an educator. Her posts tackle hard truths about teaching and school systems, but always with a sense of hope, purpose, and joy. In the second episode of our conversation, Eva and I explore what it really takes to build the classroom culture we want; one where students feel safe, empowered, and ready to take ownership of their learning. From consistency and routines to compassion and courage, Eva reminds us that if we want something different for our classrooms, we have to be willing to do things differently. Resources @BlackonBlackEd on IG @BlackonBlackED on Tik Tok Join the Liberation Library: https://black-on-black-ed.kit.com/products/liberationlibrarycommunity Join the Ten Toes Down Summer Mastermind: https://black-on-black-ed.kit.com/products/the-ten-toes-down-summer-mastermind
I discovered Evalaurene Jean-Charles on Instagram and was instantly drawn to her joyful, honest, and unfiltered reflections on life as an educator. Her posts tackle hard truths about teaching and school systems, but always with a sense of hope, purpose, and joy. In this first part of our two-part conversation, Eva shares why self-awareness is essential, not just for students but for educators navigating the emotional complexity of classroom life. We talk about tuning into what we’re feeling, how it shows up in our practice, and how cultivating that awareness helps us teach in ways that feel good, do good, and bring us joy. Resources @BlackonBlackEd on IG @BlackonBlackED on Tik Tok Join the Liberation Library: https://black-on-black-ed.kit.com/products/liberationlibrarycommunity Join the Ten Toes Down Summer Mastermind: https://black-on-black-ed.kit.com/products/the-ten-toes-down-summer-mastermind
In this final episode of the four-part series, I explore how the Station Rotation Model can nurture self-regulation, metacognition, and agency in multilingual learners. I share practical routines—like weekly goal setting, thinking routines, and strategy choice boards—that help students reflect, monitor progress, and advocate for their needs. These routines don’t just support language acquisition; they cultivate confident, strategic learners ready to lead their own learning. If you're designing stations that prioritize learner agency and scaffold independence over time, this episode is for you. Related Blog Post with Resources: Cultivating Self-Regulated and Strategic Multilingual Learners with the Station Rotation Model (Part 4)
In this episode, I explore how intentional design can help multilingual learners thrive at the online and offline stations in a rotation model. I share seven practical strategies—from using visuals and sentence frames to building predictable routines and peer supports—that build student confidence and autonomy. You'll hear how we can move from co-regulated learning to true self-direction by gradually releasing responsibility and fostering a safe, inclusive environment. If you're striving to design station tasks that are both accessible and empowering, this episode is for you. Related Blog Post Designing for Independence: Supporting Multilingual Learners at the Online and Offline Stations (Part 3)
Why are so many teens tuned out, stressed out, or just going through the motions at school? In this episode, I talk with journalist Jenny Anderson and education expert Rebecca Winthrop about their new book The Disengaged Teen, which breaks down four student engagement modes—Resister, Passenger, Achiever, and Explorer—and how each one impacts a young person’s learning and well-being. We explore the systemic challenges that fuel disengagement, why boys tend to disconnect more than girls, and how AI and personalized learning can help students reconnect with curiosity. Whether you’re a teacher or a parent, this conversation is packed with insights and strategies to support teens as they learn better, feel better, and live more fully! Highly recommend!👇🏻 The Disengaged Teen: Helping Kids Learn Better, Feel Better, and Live Better
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 learners or more advanced students, you'll walk away with ideas you can use. Related Blog & Resources Differentiating Instruction for Multilingual Learners at the Teacher-Led Station The Station Rotation Model and UDL: Elevate Tier 1 Instruction and Cultivate Learner Agency Discounted Bulk Book Order Form (10+ books to same location)
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 to refine your practice, this episode lays the foundation for designing more accessible learning environments. Related Blog https://catlintucker.com/2025/06/multilingual-learners-station-rotation-1/ The Station Rotation Model and UDL: Elevate Tier 1 Instruction and Cultivate Learner Agency Discounted Bulk Book Order Form (10+ books to same location)
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 create more student-centered classrooms. Connect with Trevor http://trevormackenzie.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-mackenzie-37103b261/ Check out Trevor’s Books! Inquiry Mindset: Questions Edition: Cultivating Curiosity and Creating Question Competence Inquiry Mindset: Nurturing the Dreams, Wonders, and Curiosities of Our Youngest Learners Inquiry Mindset Assessment Edition: Scaffolding a Partnership for Equity and Agency in Learning Dive into Inquiry: Amplify Learning and Empower Student Voice Resources Full episode transcript available on my blog