The Balance, by Dr. Catlin Tucker

End-of-Year Engagement: Student-Led Learning with the 5Es Model

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 Learning Series, running June 2–6.

Related Blog Posts

• Blended Learning and the 5Es Instructional Model
• 5Es Student-Driven Inquiry Project: What Are YOU Curious About?

Heart, Mind, and Action: How Concept-Based Inquiry Positions Students to Make Meaning with Ruba Abi Saab

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 also reflects on our work together implementing Universal Design for Learning and blended learning models, and the impact these approaches have had on teacher practice and student engagement. If you’re looking to make learning more meaningful and inclusive, this conversation is full of insight and inspiration.

Asset-Based Language in Feedback and Rubrics

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 Asset-Based Feedback and Rubric Design

Revisited: The Modern Classrooms Project with Kareem Farah

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

Revisited: Antiracism and Universal Design for Learning with Andratesha Fritzgerald

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

 

Revisited: Sparking Engagement in Urban and Culturally Diverse Classrooms with Dr. Shaun Woodly

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 work with students to achieve balance.

Learn more about Dr. Shaun Woodly

• Teach Hustle Inspire
• Instagram @teachhustleinspire

AI with Intention: Dr. Tony Frontier on Leading, Teaching, and Learning in the Age of AI

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 for leveraging AI as a tool for teaching and learning—without sacrificing the human side of education.

Whether you're an administrator, instructional coach, or classroom teacher, this conversation offers insights into using AI to enhance, rather than replace, meaningful learning.

Related Articles:

• Taking a Transformative Approach to AI
• Deeper Learning, Not Passive Compliance

Get in Touch with Dr. Frontier

• X handle: @‌tonyfrontier
• Bluesky handle: @‌tonyfrontier.bsky.social
• Instagram handle: @‌presenttothemusic

From Insight to Action: Using Tier 1 Data to Drive Intervention & Enrichment

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 Tier 2 intervention—this episode is for you!

Related Blog: MTSS: Using Tier 1 Insights to Guide Intervention and Enrichment

Why EdTech Isn’t Transforming Learning—And How to Fix It

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 leverages technology strategically.

Three High-Impact Strategies for Effective Tier 1 Instruction

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 Paths to Strong Tier 1 Instruction