Explore every episode of the podcast UDL in 15 Minutes

In this episode of UDL in 15 Minutes, host Loui Lord Nelson sits down with Patrick McGrath to discuss the organic growth of UDL in educational settings. Patrick shares insights from his work with a group of schools within the LEO Academy Trust that initially adopted a one-to-one technology approach without a formal UDL framework. As the schools embraced inclusive practices unintentionally, Patrick saw a transformation towards UDL principles, resulting in significant improvements in student outcomes and a reduction in special education needs registrations. The conversation delves into the shift towards redefining inclusion and the pivotal moment when UDL was formally introduced, leading to a more intentional and effective approach to pedagogy.

This is my chance to introduce you to another podcast. Think Inclusive is hosted by Tim Villegas and produced by the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education. While this podcast is not specifically about UDL, the ideas shared definitely align with the framework.

During this episode of Think Inclusive, Tim talks with DJ Nicholson. She is an experienced educator and advocate for inclusive education. She has a background in special education and has worked with students with disabilities for many years. DJ is passionate about finding innovative ways to support learners with disabilities and believes that technology, including AI, can play a crucial role in creating inclusive learning environments.

Elaina Fennell shares her journey of shifting her approach to delivering professional development by embracing Universal Design for Learning (UDL). In this episode, Elaina dives into the importance of learner variability, teacher efficacy, and intentional design to facilitate meaningful and accessible learning experiences.

Heather Avery and Anthony Carey share their experiences with UDL implementation in New Brunswick, focusing on the importance of asking, “Am I leaving anyone out?” Heather discusses their work in designing a professional learning program that prioritizes inclusivity and support for educators. Anthony emphasizes the importance of setting up systems for effective UDL implementation.

Chynel McCrink and Colin Syron, two primary school teachers from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, respectively, about their experiences with Universal Design for Learning (UDL). They discuss how the UDL framework has helped establish a shared language for teaching across Ireland and how it has transformed their approach to education. Chynel and Colin share their personal journeys with UDL, the differences in teacher professional development between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, and the impact of the partnership between the National Education Authorities, Microsoft, and Lasell University has had on teacher leaders in both regions. They also reflect on their a-ha moments during the UDL course and how UDL has empowered them as educators.

Arie continues to share her invaluable college, teacher college, and teaching experiences as someone diagnosed with Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and ADHD.

Arie Werder, a district educational technology district consultant teacher, bravely shares her K - 12 through college experiences as a learner with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and ADHD with a lead up to why UDL feels like home to her.

With a diverse student population, Burlington-Edison School District needed a common instructional framework. UDL was adopted and transformed Tracy’s understanding of instructional design and her PDs. During this podcast, she talks about shifting from the checklist mentality, embracing learner variability, expert learning and flexible goals as the tenets of UDL. She ends with a great story about the power of feedback loops.

Former guest Liz Hartmann from Lasell University and the Harvard Graduate School of Education shares how her understanding and implementation of the framework have evolved over time. She shares her thoughts on the dynamic nature of UDL and the need for educators to be flexible and open to growth.

Jana Nicol returns to UDL in 15 Minutes to share her experiences and growth through the use of the UDL framework. Her roles have changed over the last four years and have directly influenced her interpretation and application of the framework.

The principle of Engagement is entirely rooted in the nervous system. Anne Bishop and Chantill Lopez use their deep knowledge of the nervous system to help educators tap into that critical piece of UDL all while using UDL to develop their own instruction. This is the second podcast of a 2-part series.

Anne Bishop and Chantill Lopez share their backgrounds with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and movement education as well as their experiences of applying UDL to their business, The Embodied Business Institute. By leveraging brain-based learning, motivation science, and the nervous system, they help entrepreneurs and educators create meaningful and sustainable businesses. Stay tuned for Part Two to learn more about their approach.

Kelly Ackerman and Lisa Renz have collaboratively taught for 24 years and have taught 31 and 33 years respectively. They are also brand new to UDL. In this episode, share how they brought choice into their English II lessons and co-created rubrics with their learners. They also share their amazing results.

Kelly shares her experience of guiding students to create “Brain Stories”, which help them understand their own learning needs and the needs of others. She also shares the benefits and challenges of co-creating rubrics with her students, ensuring inclusivity and accountability in the learning process.

Co-teachers Kyanne Obrock and Carrie McSwain share how they saw a significant increase in student effort and motivation when they started designing lessons that shifted from planning for individual students to planning for learner variability. They created a learning environment where students worked individually, in groups, and checked-in at prescribed time so they could receive individualized feedback.

Gayle Hines, principal at Matoaca Middle School in Richmond, Virginia, shares how she prepares her staff to learn about UDL and the strategies she uses to make UDL PD effective and enticing to her staff.

Beth Stark and Jérémie Rostan, the co-creators of the AI tool LUDIA, share how educators can use the process of “tell, tinker, tweak, and transfer” to enhance their journey with Universal Design for Learning. We dispel common myths about AI and listeners will walk away with clear next steps to use LUDIA as part of their toolbox.

Doug Smith, an adapted physical education specialist, discusses his journey with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and how he applies it in his work. During our conversation, he explains that adapted physical education is required by law for students who have difficulty accessing the physical education curriculum. Doug emphasizes the importance of creating an engaging environment, modifying the physical space, and establishing a predictable schedule to support all learners. He also shares his three big E’s as a way he’s introduced UDL to his colleagues.

Kade Friedman, an adjunct professor at New York University, shares their journey in education and how they use UDL to create inclusive learning spaces for adults. They discuss the importance of using UDL not only in teaching students, but also in designing courses and facilitating meetings. Kade emphasizes the value of sharing power with students and colleagues, providing choices and options, and acknowledging and addressing their emotional needs. They also highlight the benefits of using collective note-taking and assigning roles in meetings and classrooms. Kade encourages educators to consider affinity groups and honor diverse cultures and languages in their teaching and interactions.

Shannon Costley and Megan Babb discuss how they have used a combination of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), shared unit planning, and a focus on Power Standards to guide their middle school learners back to the face-to-face classroom after the pandemic shutdown.

Kyle Carlin and Andrea Wichers from the West Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative discuss how they have implemented a UDL-aligned flexible digital tool, Read and Write, and how it has improved students' engagement and expression.

Jeremy Miller, the principal of Pike Valley Junior/Senior High School, and Stephanie Jensen, a Resource Teacher at the same school, discuss their school's journey with Universal Design for Learning (UDL). They highlight the importance of both instructional and technical leadership skills in implementing UDL effectively. Jeremy and Stephanie share how they have created structures and provided support to help their staff embrace UDL. They also discuss the integration of UDL with other statewide requirements and their plans for the future.

In this episode, Loui Lord Nelson interviews Nicole Glynn and Nicole Peters about their experiences with UDL and their facilitation of the Kansas Interstate book study. They discuss their journey with UDL, the design of the book studies, and the activities they provided for high-level thinking during the discussions. They also talk about the professional development standards they incorporated into the book studies and their plans for future book studies. ​

Key Takeaways: ​ 1. The Kansas Interstate book study was initiated by the state Infinitec program and expanded to include participants from both Kansas and Illinois. 2. The book studies were designed to provide examples of UDL and promote high-level thinking among participants. 3. The discussions were framed around the professional development standards and included activities and small group discussions to engage participants. 4. The book studies will continue in the next school year with a focus on "The Shift to Student Led" book by Catlin Tucker.

Cindy Malone of Kansas Infinitec shares how a statewide system of UDL Professional Learning Communities and coaching have shifted technology use across Kansas.

Brandon shares how he used his Tell me about UDL bulletin board to empower his learners to learn about UDL and become strong self-advocates.

Mary Waldron and Michaela Clancy of Washington share how equity work and MTSS were Clover Park School District’s springboard into the UDL.

Sara Lucero and Cassie Stevens return for part 2 of their story about how inclusion became a central part of Olympic View Elementary School.

This episode continues our journey with the Inclusionary Practices Project in Washington. Sara Lucero, the principal of Olympic Park Elementary School, shares the steps she took to shift away from self-contained environments to inclusive classrooms and how UDL influenced that shift. Cassie Stevens shares how the project supported Sara’s vision and actions.

The ultimate UDL question is “what does UDL look like?” Loui shares how her new tool, The UDL Gears, helps UDL users in all fields and around the world shift that question to, "What are the consistencies of UDL application?" In this episode, guest host Dakota Hudelson (from episode 8) is asking the questions and Loui is the guest!

You know you’ve got a strong design when other districts want to visit and learn from you. Janelle, Heidi, and Emily share some #UDL-driven student-specific stories in Part 2 of their podcast about Castlerock Early Childhood Learning Center in Wenatchee School District.

Janelle Bersch, Emily Wilgus, and Heidi Schroeder share how they’re using UDL to create classrooms where all students have access to what they need. Period.

Finding the time and energy to get going with UDL (and to keep going) takes focus. Kelly Correio from ESD 123 and Laurie Sarver from Kennewick School District in Washington share an honest story of how they’ve put theory into practice to move the idea of UDL into practice across the district.

The Highland School District began their journey with UDL in 2019. In just three years, they’ve made measurable strides by adopting the 1% change concept. Small changes over time lead to big growth. Kathleen Lenihan and Courtney Sund share the steps they've taken during this journey.

Lindsey Hicks Frazier, an inclusionary practice project lead who works through ESD 101, shares how Valley District's leadership aligned around inclusive practices and how their professional development includes everyone, from teachers to bus drivers.

We know that choice is important for all learners, so when building leaders embed choice in building PD, engagement goes up! Ann and Victoria share how they wove in choice and authentic learning and the incredible outcomes staff achieved at Blue Heron Middle School.

Gahlya and Liza share how Ocean Beach School District has used administrative PLCs to look at LRE data and student report data on their sense of belonging, make decisions, and affect significant change in their schools around inclusion and instruction.

Jenny Parker, the regional administrator for special programs and professional development with ESD 113 in  the state of Washington brings us the overarching ideas that can help teachers start with UDL: replicating the practice of others who are more experienced, co-planning, and self-reflection using video recording.

The second episode in the Association of Educational Service District’s (AESD) Inclusionary Practices Project series.

The Inclusionary Practices Project in the state of Washington has had a statewide impact that every educator needs to hear about. This is the first podcast in a series that shares how these educators have improved inclusive practices across the state and it all started during covid lockdown!

Current principal Katie Day and former principal Brett Boezeman share how Schmitt Elementary's inclusion of students with significant disabilities in general education settings has grown over the years through the implementation of UDL.

As principal of Northside Middle School in Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation, Evan uses his leadership to guide his staff to include all students in the general education setting, including students with significant disabilities.

Betty Lou Rowe shares the work she and UDL coordinators at Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation are doing to truly and fully include all learners. Hear about a tool they created that communicates who as student is, strengths, and how to support that student from day 1.

The role of UDL Coordinator has matured over the past 14 years in Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation and Rhonda Laswell and Tina Greene have helped shape that role. During this episode, they describe what changes have occurred over time as well as the resources and supports so BCSC’s teachers can become more invested in designing UDL-aligned lessons and environments.

This episode kicks off a special series about UDL in Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation in Columbus, Indiana. During this episode, George Van Horn, their Director of Special Education, offers the history of how they got started with UDL and the supports they put in place for themselves along the way.

This episode shares how kindergarten teacher Melanie Smith used the UDL framework to rework her unit in the moment to bridge the social-emotional gap her students were experiencing so they could access the academic content.

Tara Courchaine of CAST talks about two programs that directly support classroom educators: The Accessible Educational Materials Center (the AEM Center) and the Center on Inclusive Technology & Education Systems (CITES).

Sue Hardin, a veteran educator of over 30 years, lends her voice to the Fraser Public School series. Sue has been a partner with Fraser since the beginning of their journey. She shares her insights about planning for variability, systems change, and a new tool called the UDL School Implementation and Certification Criteria.

Principal Keith Tonn of Eisenhower Elementary share his school’s journey with UDL as part of the Fraser Public Schools Implementation Series.

Continuing the series about UDL implementation in Fraser Public Schools, Kelly Zombo shares details and a classroom story about her role as a 21st Century Teacher and Coach and how she supports Fraser’s UDL focus.

Carrie shares how Fraser Public School's UDL implementation is guided by their Strategic Plan and their specific Portrait of a Graduate plan.

Jarod McGuffey, a 21st Century teacher in Fraser, Michigan, shares how he used his knowledge of the UDL mindset, his gift of listening, and knowledge from a fellowship to create Trusted Voices, a nonpartisan advocacy group of educators who establish partnerships with legislators to ensure vetted information is shared to inform policy. Hear more about his journey into this work, how Trusted Voices has grown, and tips of what to do if you love the idea but you don’t live in Michigan.