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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
Tuesday Sep 09, 2025
Tuesday Sep 09, 2025
In this episode, I’m digging into a challenge I hear about a lot: the tension between fidelity to an adopted curriculum and the need for teacher creativity.
Too often, teachers feel pressured to follow lessons lockstep, leaving little room to respond to their students’ needs or bring their own expertise into the design. That rigidity can strip away joy and engagement for both teachers and students. I’ll share why schools adopt curriculum, the benefits and challenges these programs bring, and concrete shifts teachers can make to move from scripted compliance to creative engagement.
We’ll also explore how leaders and instructional coaches can shift their messaging and support so teachers feel empowered to adapt curriculum with purpose. If your team is navigating the challenges of curriculum adoption, this episode will give you practical strategies and fresh ways to think about fidelity, differentiation, and engagement.
If your team or teachers need support, feel free to contact me.
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8 months ago
Hello, as an instructional coach for over 5 years, navigating and supporting the necessary changes demanded by science of reading and supporting the development of this knowledge for practicing teachers (including myself) I’m frustrated and disappointed that the content ignored the complexity for a practicing, veteran teacher of aligning practices without a core curriculum. I am not adept enough yet to implement big impact practices and neither are many of the educators I support. We need to get honest and humble about what we don’t know no matter how long we’ve been teaching. Curriculum can support this and fidelity - or integrity, helps support better practices for kids learning to read. Good try but I recommend touching on this.