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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Onward.
Here are a few things to kick off your week.
📖 Something to Read:
Ted Lasso. If you haven't watched it, it's time to get inspired and start believing!
Jina Poirier, one of my co-authors for the newly released Universal Design for Learning in English/language arts, is an experienced Restorative Practices (RP) trainer with the International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP). Drawing inspiration from Ted Lasso, she wrote a blog sharing five RP strategies to enhance team bonds and overall well-being. If you haven't seen Ted Lasso - she embedded a short video clip, so you're in the loop :-)! Check the clip and article here.
🔊 Something to Listen to:
Since we're on the subject of Ted Lasso, I am SOOO lucky to know the show's coordinating producer, Chip Hamilton. He is brilliant, funny, honest, and genuine. If you LOVE Ted Lasso, listen to this podcast about how he connected with Jason Sudeikis and how they are "kindred spirits" (starts at 2:45)!
📺 Something to Watch:
Recently, someone got it hilariously wrong by quoting me as an advocate for 'one Universal Design for Learning,' defining it as 'Everyone gets the same thing.' Talk about missing the mark! Here's a quick, spicy TikTok reminder for everyone: 'one universal design' is the complete antithesis of what the framework is all about. It's irony at its finest.
P.S. After watching, let me know if you're Team Pepsi or Team Coke!
💠Something to Make You Think:
In the TED Lasso podcast linked above, Chip shares a sentiment that deeply resonates with me. I genuinely feel the same way. Do you?
I think the key to working - I guess hard, or for something - is simply just loving what you do. I always say this, "I am very very lucky. I look at myself as being blessed to be able to do what I do."
😄 Something just for fun!
In 2013, I wrote UDL Now. Never did I imagine that 10 years later, I would be celebrating the release of book #13 and over 250,000 book sales. It is so much more than I could have ever imagined. 🤯 I celebrated with my amazing local crew - including my daddy, who was my co-author for UDL in the Cloud.
I wouldn't have the opportunity to share my writing on such a large scale without my incredible co-authors and readers. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Your support and shared passion for inclusive education, the power of high expectations, and the belief that we can create something better continue to inspire me on this wild and beautiful journey. Thank you for being a part of this amazing adventure with me.