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.
It's Women's History Month, and I'm particularly jazzed about this year's theme: Women who champion equity, diversity, and inclusion. To honor this, I would love to elevate the work of some incredible women who tirelessly dedicate themselves to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in education.
📖 Something to Read:
I had the opportunity to support the brilliant work of Dr. Christina Kishimoto, CEO of Voice4Equity when she was the superintendent of the Hawai'i Department of Education. This month, her blog on Women's History Month struck a chord (3 minute read). Here is a short excerpt:
I believe that every day is an opportunity for self-care, especially for women who often lead lives deeply rooted in service to others. This selflessness, however, stems from a learned belief that our families, communities, and workplaces demand our ceaseless effort and support. As Women’s History Month unfolds, I want to encourage you to reset and prioritize your well-being and that of the women in your life. This period is not only a celebration of the monumental achievements and contributions of women throughout history but also a time to honor the unsung heroines in our own lives who made things happen and paved the way for our successes. Remind each other that it is not only acceptable but necessary to take care of ourselves, embrace self-love, and lead lives filled with joy.
🔊 Something to Listen to:
Elena Aguilar's coaching work is brilliant and sets the standards for wellness and social-emotional educator support so they can show up as their best selves for students. I LOVE listening to her podcast. In this 37-minute episode, she shares her five-step process to eliminate resistance in coaching conversations. Use the same lens in conversations with learners, colleagues, and friends.
📺 Something to Watch:
I got a cameo in one of Shelley Moore's 5 Moore Minute videos. Bucket list, baby! As an advocate for including students with the most significant support needs, Shelley rocks my world and makes me laugh until my stomach hurts!
🛠️ Something to Do:
One of the world's leading experts on autism, Dr. Temple Grandin has a brilliant blog where she shares her life experiences and offers concrete tips for supporting neurodiverse students. As a taste, check out "Both Autism and ADHD Have Working Memory Problems" and learn more about the power of checklists. Then, make a checklist to support you in a complex task (2 minute read).
Crunched on time? Try Goblin Tools, a free AI solution that will create checklists for you! Be sure to click on the magic wand to generate!
💭 Something to Make You Think:
Tesha Fritzgerald, a UDL and equity expert is a dear friend and brilliant scholar. In a post, she wrote the following which I hope you read and reread.
Activism is not a choice for teachers. It is a way of life. Decision to decision. We become activists in teachers' lounges, IEP meetings, data conferences, and educational gatherings. Activism is both protest and protection.
😄 Something just for fun!
This is my Momma - my first and best teacher. She taught me the power of inclusion, of fighting for what I believe in, and for being grateful every day for the opportunity to live this beautiful life. It's a hell of a ride.
