The Balance, by Dr. Catlin Tucker

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