The Education Table with Katie Novak, EdD

In this episode of The Education Table , Dr. Katie Novak responds to a question many educators wrestle with: Can you make instructional adjustments to support learners without being seen as out of alignment with the curriculum? Drawing on research, classroom examples, and her own experiences supporting schools, she explores the common tension between implementing high-quality instructional materia...

In this episode of The Education Table , Dr. Katie Novak centers the powerful role instructional coaches play in helping schools shift from teacher-centered to learner-centered practice. She is clear from the start: coaching is not about fixing teachers. It is about partnering with skilled professionals who are committed to continual growth, refinement, and impact. Drawing on research, real-world...

In this episode of The Education Table , Dr. Katie Novak focuses on how faculty meeting time is often used for logistics, announcements, and information that could be shared asynchronously, rather than for the kind of collaborative learning that supports instructional improvement. The episode invites leaders to reconsider how this limited and valuable time is structured. Dr. Novak explains how fac...

In this episode of The Education Table , Dr. Katie Novak reframes the commonly cited “80% rule” in MTSS. Rather than treating it as a hard benchmark or accountability threshold, she positions it as a temperature check - one data point that helps leaders pause and ask better questions about Tier 1 instruction. Dr. Novak explains that when a large percentage of students require intervention, the res...

In this episode of The Education Table , Dr. Katie Novak speaks directly to school and district leaders and instructional coaches who want to better understand how Universal Design for Learning is showing up across classrooms. She introduces the UDL focus areas as a tool for noticing, naming, and supporting instructional practices that educators are already building, while also clarifying where in...

In this episode of The Education Table, Dr. Katie Novak examines a common concern with choice: students gravitating toward what is perceived as the “easy” option. She explains that this often happens for two reasons. Either the options are not truly aligned to grade-level standards, or students have not been explicitly taught how to use the options or supported with appropriate scaffolds. Drawing...

In this episode of The Education Table , Dr. Katie Novak explores how Universal Design for Learning extends far beyond whole-class teaching. She emphasizes that UDL is a mindset for every interaction, regardless of whether you are a teacher, paraeducator, specialist, or counselor. Katie shares practical ways adults can create emotionally safe, predictable, and flexible interactions that honor lear...

In this episode of  The Education Table , Dr. Katie Novak spotlights the essential role paraeducators play in supporting inclusive classrooms. She shares practical ways paras can support learners without building dependency. Grounded in UDL principles, the conversation emphasizes that when paraeducators shift from “helping individuals” to “supporting the classroom ecosystem,” all students benefit....

In this episode of The Education Table , Dr. Katie Novak explores one of the most common questions educators face when implementing Universal Design for Learning (UDL): How do I know if it’s actually working? Through stories, research, and practical strategies, Katie unpacks how to assess growth and improvement in inclusive classrooms. She emphasizes that UDL isn’t about perfection—it’s about stea...

If you’ve ever lost the first 10 minutes of class to chaos, stress, or blank stares you’re not alone. In this episode of The Education Table Podcast, Katie Novak,EdD shares how you can get started transitioning your classroom with Universal Design for Learning by starting small. You’ll learn one routine you can redesign right now.  Novak shares her personal experiences with Do Nows as a middle sch...

Scaffolds are not always temporary, in fact for many, they are essential for building student confidence and skills. In this episode of The Education Table, Katie Novak, EdD⁠ discusses the importance of scaffolding in education, particularly how to increase the effectiveness of scaffolds by utilizing them within the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework. Novak shares personal anecdotes and...

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 speci...

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 rubri...

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. I...

Today, we’re talking about data —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...

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 highli...

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 eve...

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 w...

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 a...

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 e...

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 ed...

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 t...

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...

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 s...

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 di...