The Balance, by Dr. Catlin Tucker

The Disengaged Teen: Understanding Why Students Check Out—and How We Reignite Their Drive to Learn

Why are so many teens tuned out, stressed out, or just going through the motions at school?

In this episode, I talk with journalist Jenny Anderson and education expert Rebecca Winthrop about their new book The Disengaged Teen, which breaks down four student engagement modes—Resister, Passenger, Achiever, and Explorer—and how each one impacts a young person’s learning and well-being.

We explore the systemic challenges that fuel disengagement, why boys tend to disconnect more than girls, and how AI and personalized learning can help students reconnect with curiosity. Whether you’re a teacher or a parent, this conversation is packed with insights and strategies to support teens as they learn better, feel better, and live more fully!

Highly recommend!👇🏻

The Disengaged Teen: Helping Kids Learn Better, Feel Better, and Live Better

Why Small Group Instruction Works: Supporting Multilingual Learners at the Teacher-Led Station (Part 2)

In this episode, I explore how small group instruction can transform learning experiences for multilingual learners.

You'll learn why the teacher-led station in a station rotation model is the ideal space to differentiate support, build confidence, and offer real-time feedback. I break down three high-impact strategies—I Do, We Do, Pairs Do, You Do, Concept Attainment, and Real-Time Formative Feedback—and explain why they work best in small groups. Whether you're working with early language learners or more advanced students, you'll walk away with ideas you can use.

Related Blog & Resources

• Differentiating Instruction for Multilingual Learners at the Teacher-Led Station
• The Station Rotation Model and UDL: Elevate Tier 1 Instruction and Cultivate Learner Agency
• Discounted Bulk Book Order Form (10+ books to same location)

Supporting Multilingual Learners: Why Station Rotation Works (Part 1)

In this first episode of my new series, I explore how the station rotation model can be a game-changer for multilingual learners.

I break down the barriers these students often face in whole-group instruction and explain how small-group, differentiated stations create more equitable learning experiences. You'll hear how this model can help build language skills, support self-direction, and shift the classroom from teacher-led to student-centered. Whether you're new to station rotation or looking to refine your practice, this episode lays the foundation for designing more accessible learning environments.

 

Related Blog

• https://catlintucker.com/2025/06/multilingual-learners-station-rotation-1/
• The Station Rotation Model and UDL: Elevate Tier 1 Instruction and Cultivate Learner Agency

Discounted Bulk Book Order Form (10+ books to same location)

From Curiosity to Curriculum: How Inquiry-Based Learning Boosts Student Engagement and Agency with Trevor MacKenzie

In this episode of The Balance, I chat with educator and author Trevor MacKenzie about how inquiry-based learning creates accessible entry points and personalized pathways that build student agency, curiosity, and deeper engagement.

Trevor shares practical strategies, unpacks the phases of the inquiry process, and offers guidance for aligning inquiry with curriculum goals. We also explore how AI can support questioning and deepen engagement. This is a powerful conversation for anyone looking to create more student-centered classrooms.

Connect with Trevor

• http://trevormackenzie.com
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-mackenzie-37103b261/

Check out Trevor’s Books!

• Inquiry Mindset: Questions Edition: Cultivating Curiosity and Creating Question Competence
• Inquiry Mindset: Nurturing the Dreams, Wonders, and Curiosities of Our Youngest Learners
• Inquiry Mindset Assessment Edition: Scaffolding a Partnership for Equity and Agency in Learning
  Dive into Inquiry: Amplify Learning and Empower Student Voice
  

Resources

• Full episode transcript available on my blog

Maximizing Personalization and Agency with Must-Do vs. May-Do Stations

In this episode, I dive into a powerful variation of the station rotation model designed to maximize personalization and student agency.

By using data to assign must-do stations and allowing students to choose from may-do options, teachers can tailor learning while giving students meaningful control over their experience. I share examples across subjects and tips for making this model work in your classroom. If you're ready to make your rotations more strategic, flexible, and student-centered, this one's for you.

Available now!

• The Station Rotation Model and Universal Design for Learning: Elevating Tier 1 Instruction and Cultivating Learner Agency
• Bulk orders of 10+

Related Blog

• The Station Rotation Model: Must-Do vs. May-Do Stations

The Station Rotation Model + UDL = Stronger Tier I Instruction

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

Bulk orders of 10+

Leading AI Implementation: Building an Inclusive, Integrated Approach to Emerging Tech in Schools with Dr. Brandee Ramirez

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

• Educational Entreprenuer
• LinkedIn
• Passion2Educate Website

Resources mentioned in the podcast

• Digital Promise
• EDSAFE AI
• Elevating Educational Design with AI
• Learn more about my Summer Learning Kickoff Series from June 2-6, 2025!

From Distraction to Transformation: 3 Ways to Use Tech to Truly Personalize Learning

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!

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.