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Dr. Catlin Tucker is a bestselling author, international trainer, and keynote speaker. She was named Teacher of the Year in 2010 in Sonoma County, where she taught for 16 years. Catlin earned her doctorate in learning technologies from Pepperdine University. Currently, Catlin is working as a blended learning coach, education consultant, and professor in a Masters of Arts in Teaching program. Catlin has published several books on blended learning, including The Shift to Student-led, The Complete Guide to Blended Learning, UDL and Blended Learning, and Balance with Blended Learning. She is active on Twitter @Catlin_Tucker and writes an internationally-ranked blog at CatlinTucker.com.
Episodes

2 hours ago
2 hours ago
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 more sustainable, effective approach. Whether you're just getting started or looking to make your rotations more impactful, this book will help you differentiate with confidence, strengthen Tier I instruction, and design more inclusive, student-centered learning experiences.
Available now! The Station Rotation Model and Universal Design for Learning: Elevating Tier 1 Instruction and Cultivating Learner Agency

Tuesday May 27, 2025
Tuesday May 27, 2025
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 into the fabric of education through existing policies and real-world connections.
Connect with Dr. Ramirez
Resources mentioned in the podcast

Tuesday May 20, 2025
Tuesday May 20, 2025
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
Learn more about my Summer Learning Kickoff Series from June 2-6, 2025!

Tuesday May 13, 2025
End-of-Year Engagement: Student-Led Learning with the 5Es Model
Tuesday May 13, 2025
Tuesday May 13, 2025
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

Tuesday May 06, 2025
Tuesday May 06, 2025
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.

Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
Asset-Based Language in Feedback and Rubrics
Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
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

Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
Revisited: The Modern Classrooms Project with Kareem Farah
Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
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.

Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
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

Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
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

Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
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:
Get in Touch with Dr. Frontier
- X handle: @tonyfrontier
- Bluesky handle: @tonyfrontier.bsky.social
- Instagram handle: @presenttothemusic