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 learner identity and reduce barriers while still meeting firm goals, no matter the setting. Her message is clear: UDL isn’t just for classrooms: it’s for life.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Why UDL matters just as much in small groups, mentoring, and 1:1 interactions as it does in structured lessons
• Simple shifts adults can make to reduce stress, offer choice, and honor learner identity
• Practical ways to design interactions with variability in mind, even outside the classroom

Additional resources to explore:

• View episode transcript

• Read corresponding blog