Learn to Support, Encourage, and Motivate Educators as They Integrate UDL - Wherever They Are!
Professional Development
Novak Educational Consulting is the premier organization for designing and delivering high-quality, evidence-based professional development on multi-tiered systems of support, evidence-based tiered interventions, evidence-based literacy models, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and effective leadership practices. Our presenters are completely flexible and can design any type of presentation to meet your needs.
Online Courses
Without the proper supports, professional development, and resources, it can be difficult – if not impossible – to improve your teaching game. And even when professional development is available, it sometimes falls short. Our response is to provide universally designed online courses to help you better understand UDL, MTSS, and inclusive practice. Courses will provide you with the theory you need but will focus on practical methods for improving daily practice.
Meet Our Team
Novak Educational Consulting has a team of consultants who can help to introduce and scale the implementation of inclusive practices and Universal Design for Learning in your school or district. We have consultants who have spent their careers in urban, rural, and suburban districts, PreK-12 and higher ed. We offer in person and virtual professional learning, instructional coaching, and technical assistance.
Our Consultants
Novak Educational Consulting is the premier organization for designing and delivering high-quality, evidence-based professional development on multi-tiered systems of support, evidence-based tiered interventions, evidence-based literacy models, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and effective leadership practices.
Recent Posts
Fight or Flight: 5 Coping Skills to Assist in Remote Learning
5 coping skills to help students cope with stressors that can get in the way of learning.
How to Design Effective Canvas Modules
One of the best tools in the online teacher’s toolbox to support executive function (EF) skills is to use good learning Module design in a learning management system (LMS). Eric Moore outlines the best practices to effectively design canvas modules.
How to Address Barriers in Remote Learning
Learn how to address barriers and succeed in remote learning through Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
My Rookie Mistake in Special Education
Educator and Inclusion Advocate Zach Smith shares the rookie mistake he made in Special Education and how he learned from it through fostering relationships through Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
Testimonials
“Dr. Katie Novak and I first met when we created the #UDLchat on Twitter with Mindy Johnson, Kit Hard, and Elizabeth Stein. Since, we have collaborated closely working towards the common goal of implementing Universal Design for Learning in more classrooms through a network of supports. She is a leader that never sleeps, and I'm happy to say we have been friends and working colleagues for over five years now. Katie listens closely to the needs of teachers, administrators, and others, and the insights she gains from that is beautifully reflected through her books on Universal Design for Learning and her work in school districts nationwide.”
“Katie Novak is an engaging, dynamic facilitator of professional development. She does not present or direct, she facilities the learning of others. Through her experience as a teacher and administrator, Katie is able to provide practical examples of the application of UDL and is able to engage participants in exploring their own knowledge and experience to enhance their learning. Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporations (BCSC) has been privileged to partner with Katie as a UDL facilitator at the BCSC UDL Summer Institute for each of the last 4 years. Katie is one of the summer UDL facilitators who BCSC teachers seek out year after year. In addition to her "in person" work with BCSC, her book UDL Now! was purchased for all 750 BCSC teachers as a hands-on resource for UDL implementation. BCSC also has created the option of elearning days and used UDL in The Cloud as a guide in many of the aspects of online course development. Katie is exciting, engaging and practical, but most important Katie causes you to think and explore your own beliefs and practices.”
“Great teaching looks a lot like art. While there has been a great deal of attention lately to the "science" of teaching, it is the art of teaching that we most remembers and that strikes us with awe. And that is hard to describe or codify. Katie Novak is an artist when she teaches. I have seen her. She does things that awe and inspire; watching her is like watching a master sculptor at work. Everyone should have a chance to see her teach - and especially to see her bring UDL to life."”
“You will laugh, you will engage, and most importantly, you will learn. These experiences are ones to look forward to if you are fortunate enough to attend any professional development designed and delivered by Dr. Katie Novak. Katie practices what she preaches, and that is all things Universal Design for Learning (UDL). You might be asked to attend a dinner party in the 1970s or line dance with a room full of strangers, but will do so while thinking about how to meet the needs of every single learner in your district, school, or classroom. Be prepared to put your thoughts into action and plan for learning, development, and implementation regardless of your role in education. Katie has the ability to validate every single participant’s interests, viewpoints, and understandings. Whether there are twenty or two hundred people participating in a professional development session, she will make sure it will meet the individual learning needs of all. If you do not have the opportunity to participate in a learning session with Katie in person, be sure to check out her books as well. Reading any of Katie’s books is like having a casual conversation with a colleague and friend. No matter the learning method, you will not be let down!”
“Dr. Katie Novak has been a tremendous partner in our county’s focus on equity and inclusive practices. She has worked with us on developing our leaders and inspiring people to imagine possibilities for all students. She is highly engaging and relevant and customizes all her work to our local context. She lays a compelling case for redesigning our school environments to ensure all students can learn in an inclusive environment. Her message and style resonates with every educator and she inspires everyone to take action.”
“I have worked Katie in multiple capacities. As a co-presenter, she is amazing to collaborate with - her ideas and energy are endless and she pushes you to be your very best! I have also worked with Katie when I was an instructor in higher education. She delivered a keynote and workshop to our faculty and received rave reviews for the relevancy of her material and for her ability to model the UDL guidelines in her presentation.”
“Katie is an absolute wealth of knowledge on best practices to drive change in educational systems. Her strategic mind and years of experience have been an enormous asset to our program as she has worked with educational leaders to support and challenge them as they implement inclusive practices in their districts and schools. We can't say enough about how her enthusiasm, dedication, and depth of knowledge of inclusive practices has changed mindsets and inspired action among leaders in our program.”