Welcome to Something to Read, to Watch, to Hear, a monthly newsletter by me, Katie Novak, with a focus on inclusive practices, education news, helpful resources, and life! I'm so glad you're here.
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đź“– Something to Read:
Trying something new always comes with a learning curve—testing, troubleshooting, and figuring it out until you finally promise you’ll never go back. AI is no exception! But let’s be real: educators don’t have time to sort through all the trial and error, which is why some schools have even banned AI altogether.
That’s why Catlin Tucker and I teamed up (for our fourth book!) to do the heavy lifting for you. We’ve created a clear, practical guide to using technology and AI to boost engagement, empower students, streamline workflows, and build deeper, more meaningful relationships.
Pre-orders are available now! To celebrate, pre-order by January 14th and get two bonus chapters delivered to your inbox.All the details and more here.
🔊 Something to Listen to:
If you want to personalize learning for your students and haven’t tried the playlist model yet, this episode is for you. And if you’ve used playlists but haven’t seen the results you hoped for, try these tips to make them more effective! Tune in to Episode 19 of The Education Table to learn more (plus, there is a template and blog!)
đź“ş Something to Watch:
My colleague, Chris Bronke, shared this incredible video with me, and I absolutely LOVE it. In "How to Give & Get Constructive Feedback," Adam Grant offers some brilliant tips that are perfect for anyone in education—especially the idea of a "second score." It's a must-watch! (10 minutes).
🛠️ Something FREE to Do:
Join me on Saturday, January 18, 2025 for the 2025 Thriving Educators Summit presented by Organized Binder. I’ll be presenting on UDL. This is a free, 2-hour online summit offered to all educators. RSVP to learn more about the summit and reserve your spot!
đź’ Something to Make You Think:
Here’s the reality: UDL isn’t about adding more to your plate—it’s about shifting your focus. Instead of carrying all the weight, UDL empowers educators to involve students in the learning process. So, remember - UDL isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing what matters most: equipping students with the skills and agency they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Why am I mentioning this? Because I’m all in on UDL—and if you’re ready to go all in too, George Couros and I are launching a graduate certification program in Universal Design for Learning with UPenn Graduate School of Education this January. Interested? Learn more here.
❤️ Something From the Heart
As the daughter of two teachers and a lifelong educator, I know firsthand how much work educators do—especially the work that goes far beyond the job requirements. My greatest hope for you this season is that you set that vacation reminder on your email (peace out, work emails!) and truly take the time to do whatever brings you joy. For me, that’s spending time with my family, skiing, and creating my annual end-of-year slideshow—a New Year’s Eve tradition I’ve grown to love. Whatever "fun" looks like for you, I hope you embrace it fully. You’ve earned it. Wishing you rest, laughter, and moments that fill your cup. ❤️❄️
