Katie Novak
About Katie Novak
Speech topics
Empowering the Whole Child: Uniting UDL & SEL
Education is about so much more than being “book smart.” To succeed in the 21st century, students must know how to communicate, collaborate, problem solve, and think critically. To help learners develop these skills, we must nurture the whole child academically, behaviorally, socially, and emotionally. In this keynote, we will explore the transformative harmony of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Social Emotional Learning (SEL), creating a holistic approach that empowers every learner.
Speaking videos
Books by Katie Novak
“The Shift to Student-Led: Reimagining Classroom Workflows with UDL and Blended Learning” (2022)
Catlin Tucker and Katie Novak have worked with too many educators who are frustrated and disillusioned with the teaching profession. They know that teachers are drowning in work and unrealistic demands. Many are mentally and emotionally exhausted by the uncertainty and constant change created by the pandemic. In this follow-up to UDL and Blended Learning, the authors have set out to help teachers reimagine their approach to this work so that it is sustainable and rewarding. Each chapter in The Shift to Student-Led takes apart one traditional teacher-led workflow, examining the problems it presents teachers and students, what the research says versus what the reality in the classroom is, and how UDL and blended learning can free teachers from the “sage on the stage” role and place students at the center of their learning. These reimagined student-led workflows help students develop self-awareness, internal motivation, and self-regulation skills, which are critical to becoming expert learners. Intended for K–12 educators, instructional coaches, and school leaders who want to create academically robust, inclusive learning communities, this book is full of principles, strategies, and resources that can be put into practice right away and at any level.
“UDL Now!: A Teacher's Guide to Applying Universal Design for Learning” (2022)
In the third edition of UDL Now!, Katie Novak provides practical insights and savvy strategies for helping all learners succeed in a post-pandemic world using the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). This powerful guide for educators covers timely topics including: Supporting UDL within multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) UDL in the service of equity Recruiting and engaging learners as UDL partners How UDL and Differentiated Instruction (DI) work together The role of student choice and voice What learning expertise really means Preparing for standardized assessments the UDL way Novak presents examples throughout the book to make the content relevant and digestible. She concludes each chapter with reflection questions to help teachers apply key concepts to their work.UDL Now! is a fun and effective playbook for great teaching.
“Equity by Design: Delivering on the Power and Promise of UDL” (2020)
When it comes to the hard work of reconstructing our schools into places where every student has the opportunity to succeed, Mirko Chardin and Katie Novak are absolutely convinced that teachers should serve as our primary architects. And by "teachers" they mean legions of teachers working in close collaboration. After all, it’s teachers who design students’ learning experiences, who build student relationships . . . who ultimately have the power to change the trajectory of our students’ lives. Equity by Design is intended to serve as a blueprint for teachers to alter the all-too-predictable outcomes for our historically under-served students. A first of its kind resource, the book makes the critical link between social justice and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) so that we can equip students (and teachers, too) with the will, skill, and collective capacity to enact positive change.
“Innovate Inside the Box: Empowering Learners Through UDL and the Innovator's Mindset” (2019)
The answer to creating innovative teaching and learning opportunities lies within you. Every educator faces constraints—from budget restrictions to predetermined curriculum to “one-size-fits-all” mandatory assessments. The question is, how can you, as a teacher or administrator, ensure that regulations and limitations don’t impede authentic learning? In Innovate Inside the Box, George Couros and Katie Novak provide informed insight on creating purposeful learning opportunities for all students. By combining the power of the Innovator's Mindset and Universal Design for Learning (UDL), they empower educators to create opportunities that will benefit every learner. Couros and Novak show you how to . . . Leverage the Core of Innovative Teaching and Learning with a focus on developing meaningful relationships. Develop the 8 Characteristics of the Innovator’s Mindset in your students—and yourself. Use UDL to proactively design learning experiences that foster voice and choice while addressing barriers that impede learning. Create learner-driven, evidence-informed learning experiences that provide all students with options and choices to maximize success.
At a glanceKatie Novak
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