In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, host George Couros welcomes thought leaders in education—Dr. Catlin Tucker, Brett Vogelsinger, and Dale Alexander—for powerful conversations about instructional practices, writing across the curriculum, and financial literacy. Each guest offers insights that educators, leaders, and lifelong learners won’t want to miss.
Guest Segments
Dr. Catlin Tucker – Elevating Tier 1 Instruction
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In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, host George Couros welcomes thought leaders in education—Dr. Catlin Tucker, Brett Vogelsinger, and Dale Alexander—for powerful conversations about instructional practices, writing across the curriculum, and financial literacy. Each guest offers insights that educators, leaders, and lifelong learners won’t want to miss.
Guest Segments
Dr. Catlin Tucker – Elevating Tier 1 Instruction
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Dr. Catlin Tucker breaks down Tier 1 supports within the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) and explains how Tier 2 and Tier 3 differ. She emphasizes the importance of universal learning and how teachers can strategically design whole group vs. small group instruction using station rotation models.
Key terms: Tier 1 instruction, MTSS, station rotation, instructional design
Explore how to elevate Tier 1 learning and enhance student engagement across content areas.
Brett Vogelsinger – Writing as a Process, Not Just a Product
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English teacher and author Brett Vogelsinger joins to explore how writing fosters critical thinking and creativity across all disciplines. He discusses his book Artful AI in Writing Instruction, offering guidance on integrating AI thoughtfully while still prioritizing the messiness and reflection inherent in the writing process.
Key terms: writing across the curriculum, AI in education, reflective learning, writing instruction
Discover tips for teaching writing in every subject and check out Vogelsinger’s book for practical AI integration strategies.
Dale Alexander – “Make 70 Your 100” Rule & Financial Literacy
Clip coming soon
Motivational speaker Dale Alexander shares his signature “70% Rule” for building financial freedom early in life. This segment covers practical money tips from his book The Talk (About Money)—ideal for students, young professionals, and families alike.
Key terms: financial literacy, budgeting tips, youth finance, the 70% rule
Learn how to build healthy money habits and explore Alexander’s full episode for actionable strategies and resources.
Intro
TBD
Description & Time Codes:
0:00 Intro with George Couros
TBD Intro Music
TBD Dr. Catlin Tucker
TBD Brett Vogelsinger
TBD Dale Alexander
Dr. Catlin Tucker
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rV8bh0Bi0A
In this clip from The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, Dr. Catlin Tucker defines tier 1 supports and explains what we are considering when we are thinking about tier 1 in relation to the multi-tiered system of support. Dr. Tucker and George Couros reflect on what it means when we are providing tier 1 and how that relates to being the core, or the universal, learning in a classroom. Dr. Tucker also elaborates on what tier 2 and tier 3 are and how they differ from tier 1. As Dr. Tucker continues sharing her thinking, she shares how this is connected to station rotations. When Dr. Tucker refers to “elevating tier 1 instruction,” she encourages teachers to really consider what they are planning to introduce in whole group and what they will introduce in small group. Be sure to check out this clip and then the full episode for even more great ideas from Dr. Tucker!
Brett Vogelsinger
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzTpMQYxCoE
In this clip from The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros and Brett Vogelsinger reflect on the importance of the writing process in all subject areas, while advocating for an emphasis on the development and messiness of writing, rather than just the final product. Vogelsinger and Couros also share personal reflections that illustrate how writing can be a tool for thought development and learning across various content areas and professions, not just writing. Vogelsinger’s book, Artful AI in Writing Instruction, offers insights and principles for teachers of any subject while providing methods to help both students and teachers navigate the writing process without fully relying on AI. Be sure to check the links below to grab a copy of Vogelsinger’s new book and check out the full episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast for even more great AI reflections.
Dale Alexander
TBD
In this clip of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, Dale Alexander and George Couros review the 70% rule, and Alexander shares just what he means when he talks about making “70 your 100.” If you watch or listen to this clip after you have already started your first job and did not consider making your 70 your 100, be sure to watch the full episode to hear what Alexander suggests you do next. This podcast with Alexander is a great episode for all ages because it shares some powerful financial strategies based on the book, ‘The Talk (About Money).’ Be sure to check the links below for even more great resources from Alexander, including his website and YouTube channel.
