The Balance, by Dr. Catlin Tucker

Start Strong: Why Teacher Reflection Should Come Before Back-to-School Planning

Before diving into lesson planning, classroom setup, and organizing all the things, there’s one essential step too many teachers skip—reflection.

In this first episode of the Starting Strong series, Dr. Catlin Tucker explores why thoughtful reflection on last year’s wins, challenges, and habits can lead to more intentional, energized teaching. She shares three practical strategies to help educators pause, process, and reset before launching into planning mode. Whether you’re a veteran teacher or new to the classroom, this episode will help you build a stronger foundation for the school year ahead.

Learn how you can go deeper with Catlin’s new self-paced course, Starting Strong.

Creating the Classroom You Want: Culture, Ownership, and Doing Things Differently with Evalaurene Jean-Charles (Part 2)

I discovered Evalaurene Jean-Charles on Instagram and was instantly drawn to her joyful, honest, and unfiltered reflections on life as an educator. Her posts tackle hard truths about teaching and school systems, but always with a sense of hope, purpose, and joy.

In the second episode of our conversation, Eva and I explore what it really takes to build the classroom culture we want; one where students feel safe, empowered, and ready to take ownership of their learning. From consistency and routines to compassion and courage, Eva reminds us that if we want something different for our classrooms, we have to be willing to do things differently.

Resources

• @‌BlackonBlackEd on IG
  @‌BlackonBlackED on Tik Tok
• Join the Liberation Library: https://black-on-black-ed.kit.com/products/liberationlibrarycommunity
• Join the Ten Toes Down Summer Mastermind: https://black-on-black-ed.kit.com/products/the-ten-toes-down-summer-mastermind

Teaching with Self-Awareness: Finding Joy and Purpose in the Classroom with Evalaurene Jean-Charles (Part 1)

I discovered Evalaurene Jean-Charles on Instagram and was instantly drawn to her joyful, honest, and unfiltered reflections on life as an educator. Her posts tackle hard truths about teaching and school systems, but always with a sense of hope, purpose, and joy.

In this first part of our two-part conversation, Eva shares why self-awareness is essential, not just for students but for educators navigating the emotional complexity of classroom life. We talk about tuning into what we’re feeling, how it shows up in our practice, and how cultivating that awareness helps us teach in ways that feel good, do good, and bring us joy.

Resources

• @‌BlackonBlackEd on IG
  @‌BlackonBlackED on Tik Tok
• Join the Liberation Library: https://black-on-black-ed.kit.com/products/liberationlibrarycommunity
• Join the Ten Toes Down Summer Mastermind: https://black-on-black-ed.kit.com/products/the-ten-toes-down-summer-mastermind

Cultivating Metacognition and Self-Regulation in Multilingual Learners with the Station Rotation Model (Part 4)

In this final episode of the four-part series, I explore how the Station Rotation Model can nurture self-regulation, metacognition, and agency in multilingual learners. I share practical routines—like weekly goal setting, thinking routines, and strategy choice boards—that help students reflect, monitor progress, and advocate for their needs. These routines don’t just support language acquisition; they cultivate confident, strategic learners ready to lead their own learning.

If you're designing stations that prioritize learner agency and scaffold independence over time, this episode is for you.

Related Blog Post with Resources:

• Cultivating Self-Regulated and Strategic Multilingual Learners with the Station Rotation Model (Part 4)

Designing for Independence: How to Support Multilingual Learners at Online and Offline Stations (Part 3)

In this episode, I explore how intentional design can help multilingual learners thrive at the online and offline stations in a rotation model.

I share seven practical strategies—from using visuals and sentence frames to building predictable routines and peer supports—that build student confidence and autonomy. You'll hear how we can move from co-regulated learning to true self-direction by gradually releasing responsibility and fostering a safe, inclusive environment.

If you're striving to design station tasks that are both accessible and empowering, this episode is for you.

Related Blog Post

• Designing for Independence: Supporting Multilingual Learners at the Online and Offline Stations (Part 3)

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