The Education Table with Katie Novak, EdD

Feedback should never be a one-way street. In this episode of The Education Table Podcast, we’re diving into feedback—what it is, why it matters, and how to do it well. Katie Novak shares a personal story highlighting the pitfalls of unchecked praise and breaks down three types of research-backed feedback. Novak provides concrete strategies for delivering effective feedback, including being specific, ensuring two-way communication,...

Rubrics are essential tools for tracking progress and providing meaningful feedback. However, choosing the right rubric and managing it effectively—in a time-efficient manner—is crucial for benefiting both your students and yourself.! In this episode of The Education Table, Katie Novak will share the different types of rubrics, how AI can revolutionize rubric creation, and discuss how to use rubrics in the UDL framework to empower ...

Executive function is one of the most essential skills we can teach our students—it helps them plan, problem-solve, and navigate the world independently. These cognitive processes are critical for fostering purposeful, motivated learners. But here’s the thing: executive function skills don’t just develop on their own. They need to be explicitly taught and scaffolded—for both students and adults.

In this episode, Katie Novak dives in...

Today, we’re talking aboutdata—not just big data (such as test scores and report cards) but the small, everyday data that helps teachers adjust instruction, connect with students, and see the immediate impact of their work. 

Katie Novak will share how teachers can gather this data and then share three action steps that educators, at any grade level, can use to leverage both big and small data in the classroom to make a difference ev...

In today’s episode, we’re exploring the power of AI—not as a replacement for educators but as a game-changing tool to elevate our work.

Katie Novak shares three practical strategies she has used to leverage AI to amplify her efforts, build relationships, and foster inclusive learning environments. She also recounts a personal story about how AI helped her son overcome writer's block and highlights compelling research on the be...

Station rotations are one of the most powerful (and realistic) strategies for meeting the needs of diverse learners but knowing how to effectively implement it is crucial for its magic to shine through. In this episode, Katie Novak will share a helpful analogy to explain station rotations - a blended learning model that balances explicit instruction, collaboration, and digital learning to meet every student's needs -  how it works....

In this episode of The Education Table, Katie Novak breaks down the ins and outs of learning playlists, a powerful tool that can transform your classroom. We explore how to blend online and offline learning, leverage existing resources, and scaffold student success. We’ll uncover the secret to creating flexible and structured playlists that empower students to personalize their learning journey while staying on track with tasks and...

Discover how to elevate your school's instructional practices by empowering your teachers with Universal Design for Learning (UDL). In this episode, Katie Novak  explores the impact of teacher efficacy - not only on students but on staff as well. Novak shares  how to cultivate a culture of belief and competence among your staff while providing insights into effective professional development and support systems. 

Discover how perso...

Today, math is often still taught the same way it was decades ago, but our students’ needs have evolved, and their performance on standardized tests shows it. We now recognize that learners vary in countless ways, and the idea that “there’s only one way to teach math” no longer holds up. Research shows us that integrating Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles creates more accessible and engaging math classrooms. With UDL, ...

In this Episode of The Education Table with Katie Novak, we’ll tackle the question, how can I get my team on board with more inclusive practices and implementing  Universal Design for Learning (UDL)?  Katie has seen it all and knows how challenging transitions can be for all parties: the facilitators, teachers, administrators, and staff. Katie will share some practical tips and insights to help educators feel supported and engaged ...

In this episode of The Education Table, we’re answering the question, what's the difference between inclusion and inclusive practice. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they represent different aspects of creating effective learning environments for all students. Katie Novak will share insights on what sets them apart and discuss how educators can implement inclusive practices in their classrooms and learning environ...

In this episode of The Education Table, Katie Novak explores the differences between equality and equity in education,  and shares how learner agency is a missing piece in a lot of equity work.

By the end of this episode, you’ll see why implementing equity practices alone can feel overwhelming for educators. But don’t worry—we’re diving into strategies that make it more manageable while boosting outcomes for all learners. You’ll di...

In this Episode of The Education Table with Katie Novak, we’ll tackle the question, does it make sense to implement Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in the classroom when standardized tests don’t offer the same options to students? Katie will share a story, talk about some key statistics and research, and provide test-taking strategies that will help educators prepare their students for those standardized tests—without compromis...

In this Episode of The Education Table with Katie Novak, we’ll tackle the question, what is the difference between Multi-Tiered System of Supports and Response to Intervention or most commonly known as MTSS vs. RTI? These two frameworks are so often used interchangeably, but their distinct differences are important to understand. In this episode, Katie will share insights into each approach and discuss how they impact teaching and ...

In this Episode of The Education Table with Katie Novak, we’ll tackle the question, what is different about the updated version of the UDL Guidelines (UDL Guidelines 3.0)?, and we’ll discuss why these differences are important (for our learners, our teachers, our learning communities). Katie will share a story that illustrates the shift in focus from creating expert learners to cultivating learner agency (hint, a big focus of the u...

In this special edition of the Education Table with Katie Novak, we’ll explore the question, what is Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, or MTSS, from a Teacher’s perspective. Throughout the episode, Katie will provide practical strategies for enhancing Tier 1 instruction, including prioritizing professional learning, collaborating with colleagues, and embracing data collection and analysis. These practices have the potential to reduc...

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...