June 2025 Highlights from the #InnovatorsMindset #Podcast

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

 Watch Clip 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

 Watch Clip 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 an