Carol Ann Tomlinson: How to Differentiate for Real Classrooms (Not Ideal Ones)
Mon Feb 02 2026
In this wide-ranging conversation, Carol Ann Tomlinson reflects on her unconventional path into teaching and the classroom realities that led her to redefine differentiation—not as a set of tactics, but as an ethical stance toward learners.
Key Themes & Takeaways:
Differentiation ≠ multiple lesson plans: It’s about common goals with multiple pathways, supports, and timelines.
Choice builds agency: Students learn more deeply when they can choose how they engage and demonstrate understanding.
Scaffolding is for everyone: Advanced learners need support too—challenge without scaffolding isn’t rigor.
AI as a support, not a substitute: Translation, organizers, and access tools can expand equity when used intentionally.
Second-order change: Differentiation only works when aligned with learning environment, curriculum, assessment, instruction, and classroom leadership.
Safety precedes learning: Trust, belonging, and relevance are prerequisites—not “extras.”
Who This Episode Is For:Teachers, coaches, school leaders, and anyone rethinking instruction in a post-COVID, AI-influenced world who wants learning to be human-centered, rigorous, and just.
Where to Learn More:Carol Ann Tomlinson - ASCD
The Differentiated Classroom Book
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In this wide-ranging conversation, Carol Ann Tomlinson reflects on her unconventional path into teaching and the classroom realities that led her to redefine differentiation—not as a set of tactics, but as an ethical stance toward learners. Key Themes & Takeaways: Differentiation ≠ multiple lesson plans: It’s about common goals with multiple pathways, supports, and timelines. Choice builds agency: Students learn more deeply when they can choose how they engage and demonstrate understanding. Scaffolding is for everyone: Advanced learners need support too—challenge without scaffolding isn’t rigor. AI as a support, not a substitute: Translation, organizers, and access tools can expand equity when used intentionally. Second-order change: Differentiation only works when aligned with learning environment, curriculum, assessment, instruction, and classroom leadership. Safety precedes learning: Trust, belonging, and relevance are prerequisites—not “extras.” Who This Episode Is For:Teachers, coaches, school leaders, and anyone rethinking instruction in a post-COVID, AI-influenced world who wants learning to be human-centered, rigorous, and just. Where to Learn More:Carol Ann Tomlinson - ASCD The Differentiated Classroom Book