The Balance, by Dr. Catlin Tucker

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.

Mini-episode: Making Time for Tier 2 Support and Enrichment

In this mini-episode, I explore strategies like the station rotation model, playlists, choice boards, and inquiry cycles that help educators design self-directed, meaningful learning experiences while creating time to address Tier 2 needs. I’ll discuss how formative assessment and progress monitoring tools help educators identify students' needs and provide targeted support and enrichment.

Additional Resources:

• MTSS: Instructional Strategies to Make Time for Tier 2 Support and Extension
• Formative Assessment is Key to Being Responsive

Meeting Every Learner's Needs with Robert Barnett

In this episode, I chat with Robert Barnett, co-founder of The Modern Classrooms Project and author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs: Redesigning Instruction So All Learners Can Succeed. We dive into the power of self-paced learning—even for young students—explore how digitizing direct instruction can free teachers to focus on deeper connections with learners, and address the common concern of maintaining the human element in tech-supported

Designing for Inclusion: Strategies to Support Every Learner

In this episode, I explore the shift toward inclusive classrooms, where students with diverse needs, including IEPs and unique learning profiles, learn side-by-side with their peers.

What does it take to create equitable and effective learning environments?
I discuss the foundational role of differentiated Tier 1 instruction and the power of the MTSS framework in providing targeted support and meaningful extensions. Learn how strategies like station rotation, playlists, and choice boards can empower teachers to meet the needs of every student while fostering a true sense of belonging.

Whether you’re a teacher or school leader, this episode offers actionable insights to reimagine inclusive instruction.

Breaking Through Barriers: The Immunity to Change Model in Education

In this mini-episode, Dr. Catlin Tucker explores the Immunity to Change model and its potential to transform education. Discover how this powerful framework can help educators and leaders identify hidden barriers, confront competing commitments, and unlock personal and professional growth.

For more, you can read Dr. Tucker’s blog titled, "Why Teachers Struggle to Change—and How the Immunity to Change Model Can Help.“

Preview of Elevating Educational Design with AI

In this mini-episode, Dr. Tucker reads the introduction of her newest book with Dr. Katie Novak, Elevating Educational Design with AI: Making Learning Accessible, Inclusive, and Equitable.

Find out what inspired the book, who the book is for, how it is structured, and how Dr. Tucker and Dr. Novak hope it will help educators design learning experiences that meet the needs of all students.

Human Intelligence in an AI World: Cultivating Essential Skills for the Future with Dr. Michelle Ament

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Michelle Ament, the co-founder of the Human Intelligence Movement. We discuss why it’s essential to move beyond content coverage and standardized testing to prioritize creativity, empathy, and critical thinking—skills that empower students to succeed in a rapidly advancing AI-driven world.

Designing for Equity and Engagement: A Preview of Elevating Educational Design with AI

In this mini-episode, I provide a peak into my new book Elevating Educational Design with AI: Making Learning Accessible, Inclusive, and Equitable.

If you’re a teacher feeling frustrated because your lessons aren’t meeting students’ diverse needs or leading to the engagement and progress you hope for, this book is for you. I’ll show you how to design learning experiences that are more effective, equitable, and student-centered—while also freeing up your valuable time to focus on the most rewarding parts of teaching.

Tune in for a quick preview of how AI can be your partner, not your replacement, in reimagining learning design.

Elevate Tier 1 Instruction–The Equity Advantage of Small Groups

In this mini-episode, I explore the benefits of presenting Tier 1 instruction in small group, differentiated instructional sessions. Small groups are not just beneficial for targeted support and intervention; they can elevate Tier 1 instruction, reducing the need for Tier 2 and 3 interventions. When teachers provide instruction on a foundational concept or skill that may be complex or challenging, presenting it in small groups and adjusting the instruction creates a more equitable experience for students.

Sticky Notes and Viral Stories: Matt Eicheldinger Shows How Small Moments Have a Big Impact

In our 100th episode of The Balance, I sit down with educator and bestselling author Matt Eicheldinger, whose heartwarming and relatable stories about small, everyday moments as a teacher have gone viral on Instagram and TikTok.

Matt shares his journey from classroom teacher to published author, offering insights into how these seemingly simple experiences have resonated with a wide audience and sparked meaningful conversations about education. Check out this episode to hear Matt’s inspiring story and discover how his experiences are making a big impact.

You can find all of Matt’s books on Amazon!

• Matt Sprouts and the Curse of the Ten Broken Toes (Volume 1)
• Matt Sprouts and the Day Nora Ate the Sun (Volume 2)
• Sticky Notes: Memorable Lessons from Ordinary Moments.