The Balance, by Dr. Catlin Tucker

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

SchoolAI: Helping Every Student Feel Seen and Heard with Caleb Hicks

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 both student learning and teacher effectiveness, transforming the classroom experience for all.

Related Blogs:

• SchoolAI Spaces: Creating Self-Paced and Personalized Learning Pathways
• How Teachers Can Use SchoolAI Spaces to Design Dynamic, Student-led Learning

Three Tips to Prepare for Strong Tier 1 Instruction

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.

Increasing Accessibility with AI: How NotebookLM Supports Inclusive Learning

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 new ways to help students engage with material, this episode offers practical strategies for leveraging AI to create more equitable and student-centered learning experiences.

Check out my blog for a step-by-step walkthrough of using NotebookLM.