The Balance, by Dr. Catlin Tucker

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.

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.“