A Webinar Series Sponsored by Goalbook
In this webinar series featuring renowned special education experts, we address the most important challenges faced by special education administrators in today's environment.
The nationally recognized speakers will provide real-world guidance based on research, best practices, and compliance to help you navigate the unique circumstances of the 2024–25 school year.
You’ll walk away from each session with fresh ideas, key concepts, and practical takeaways that you can implement with your educators and providers to help every student succeed.
Who should attend?
- Directors of Special Education/Special Services
- Supervisors of Special Education/Special Services
What is the cost?
It’s free! The Spotlight Series for Special Education Administrators is sponsored by Goalbook as part of our commitment to support the special education community and provided at no cost to you.
July 15, 2025
Using UDL to Support New Teachers in Designing Instruction for All Learners
Featured Presenters
Andratesha Fritzgerald, Ed.S.
District Administrator and author of Antiracism and Universal Design for Learning
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Andratesha Fritzgerald is a former teacher, curriculum specialist, and administrator who is now the Director of Human Resources, Diversity and Equity in a large urban school district. As an international speaker, presenter, and facilitator, Andratesha exhibits audacious perseverance calling on organizations to evolve into inclusive antiracist safe zones for all learners. She is the founder of Building Blocks of Brilliance Educational Consulting Firm, and the author of Antiracism and Universal Design for Learning: Building Expressways to Success.
Katie Novak, Ph.D.
Former Assistant Superintendent and author of Equity by Design
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Dr. Katie Novak is an internationally renowned education consultant, author, adjunct professor, and former Assistant Superintendent of Schools. Katie has more than 19 years of experience in teaching and administration and has written eight books, including UDL Now!, Equity By Design, and UDL and Blended Learning. Katie helping districts across the country implement Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), and universally designed leadership. Katie's work is featured in many publications, including Edutopia, AMLE Magazine, the Huffington Post, ASCD Education Update, and School Administrator.
Using UDL to Support New Teachers in Designing Instruction for All Learners
All teachers play a critical role in supporting students with disabilities, yet many new educators enter the field without the necessary tools to design instruction that removes barriers and fosters meaningful access to learning. Join Dr. Katie Novak in this session to explore how special education administrators can leverage the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework to support new teachers—helping them proactively design instruction that works for students with the most significant support needs. Learn how to integrate UDL into teacher onboarding, provide practical resources to new teachers, and equip school leaders with tools to support all learners. During this session, you’ll gain:
- A deeper insight into the UDL framework and how Special Education Administrators can leverage it to empower all teachers to proactively design for students with disabilities.
- Strategies, tools, and resources for embedding UDL into district onboarding plans and ongoing professional development to set new teachers up for success.
- Guidance on using UDL look-fors to help administrators support and coach teachers in implementing inclusive instructional practices.
Rethinking Behavior: Moving Beyond Compliance by Designing for Engagement with UDL
Traditional behavior management in schools often prioritizes compliance and control while often failing to address the root causes of behavioral challenges, leaving administrators and educators stuck in reactive cycles. This session will challenge special education administrators to rethink behavior through the lens of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), shifting from a discipline-first approach to a proactive, instructional approach that supports engagement, self-regulation, and executive functioning. By identifying environmental barriers and implementing UDL-aligned strategies, administrators can foster more inclusive, predictable, and supportive learning spaces that reduce behavioral incidents and empower students. By attending, you’ll learn:
- Key environmental and instructional barriers that contribute to behavioral challenges.
- Turnkey UDL principles that can be applied to behavior support, moving beyond compliance to engagement.
- Concrete strategies for fostering student self-regulation and autonomy.
- Proven tools and conversation starters to support teachers in redesigning learning environments to better meet student needs.
Quick Registration
Please click each session that interests you and register for each session separately.