The Education Table

In this special leadership edition of the Education Table with Katie Novak, we’ll explore what is a Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, or MTSS? I'll share a story about the importance of building a strong foundation, and dive into the research on implementation drivers and how effective execution helps to increase teacher satisfaction and reduce burnout. Plus, I’ll share right-now strategies for effectively implementing MTSS in y...

Let’s dive into the dynamic duo of UDL and DI! In this episode of the Education Table with Katie Novak, we’ll tackle the relationship between Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Differentiated Instruction (DI). We’ll look at each educational framework’s origin, why a traditional one-size-fits-all approach is not effective, and Katie will share concrete strategies for implementing UDL and DI. 

By the end of this episode, you’ll ...

In this Episode of The Education Table, Katie Novak tackles the question, is there evidence that inclusion is good for all learners? She discusses the importance of creating inclusive learning environments and highlights the benefits of an inclusive classroom setting for all students - including those with and without disabilities. She examines the stance on inclusion from the United Nations and dives into evidence from the Herir r...

In this episode of The Education Table, Katie Novak answers your burning question, How can you support student reflection in the classroom? She’ll explore the value of daily reflection and offer practical strategies that teachers can implement to help students build strong decision-making skills and become more capable of making informed choices. The goal is that by the end of this episode, listeners will be armed with the knowledg...

In this episode of The Education Table with Katie Novak, we’ll discuss the concept of building a more student-led classroom and share strategies for implementing this approach. The research and positive impact are clear, and we’re laying it all out on the table, including a story about how Katie transitioned her morning routine from a madhouse to a kid-led cafe. 

This episode is for teachers looking to find balance while students e...

In this episode of The Education Table with Katie Novak, we’ll examine the impact of grade-level standards and high expectations on student achievement. We’ll also review the importance of firm goals and teacher clarity, drawing from personal experiences and research, and, as always, share concrete strategies for implementation. This episode will highlight blended learning models, including station rotation, the power of UDL, a dis...

In this episode of The Education Table with Katie Novak, we’ll tackle the research behind learning styles (or the lack of it!) and dive into the subject of learner variability. By the end of the episode, you’ll walk away with strategies to use today to address learner variability in your learning environment.

This episode is for teachers who are looking to connect with their learners as well as for those looking to create inclusive...

In this Episode of The Education Table with Katie Novak, we’ll tackle the question, when designing instruction for our learners (our students, our staff, etc.), just how much choice is too much? We’ll cover what happens when we offer too much choice and we’ll take a look at the psychology and research behind the statistics as we outline the ideal number of choices we provide to our learners along with strategies to increase the out...

In the premiere episode of The Education Table, join me, Katie Novak, as I answer the question, what is Universal Design for Learning (UDL)? I'm going to answer this question in three parts, and in under 10 minutes. First, I'm going to tell you a story and share an anecdote about the value of UDL in our personal lives. Then I'm going to dive into the research and statistics so that you can understand how incredibly impo...

Welcome to The Education Table, a micro podcast that serves as a destination for insights into inclusive and innovative education, all in 10 minutes or less. Hosted by Katie Novak, a lifelong educator, author, and mother of four, the podcast is dedicated to fostering inclusive and innovative educational systems. Each episode offers a mix of stories, statistics, and strategies designed to establish balance for teachers and enhance o...