Earn Your Graduate Certificate in Universal Design for Learning UPenn

Earn a certificate in Universal Design for Learning from The Penn Literacy Network of The University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education. In these courses, we'll share the power and promise of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and the Innovator’s Mindset and provide learners with options, choices, and opportunities to reflect, create, connect, and innovate. This certificate program consists of 2 courses, each worth 1.13 Course Units = 4.5 Continuing Education Graduate Credits. Courses are provided in cooperation with The Penn Literacy Network of The University of Pennsylvania's GSE, Novak Education, and George Couros.

Fall 2025 - PLN 41B

September 16, 2025 - December 17, 2025

1.13 Course Units = 4.5 Continuing Education Graduate Credits

This course will introduce the key concepts of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and give you the knowledge you need to approach planning through the lens of UDL, regardless of your learning environment. Whether you teach students, adult learners, or are in higher education, the principles of UDL will support the development of learning experiences that allow all learners to access high-quality teaching and learning that is empowering, innovative, culturally sustaining, and linguistically appropriate. Whether you teach face-to-face, in a hybrid environment, or remotely, proactively identifying barriers and eliminating them through design will help to create more equitable learning environments for all learners. Each module will include a variety of resources to increase options for representation and increase engagement throughout the course. Additionally, there will be numerous options for action and expression so all course assignments are relevant, authentic, and meaningful.

Spring 2025 | PLN 41A

January 12, 2026 - April 20, 2026

1.13 Course Units = 4.5 Continuing Education Graduate Credits

The course will provide an overview of skills and competencies needed to support implementation of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in the learning communities we serve. With a focus on the four components of the core of teaching and learning, modeled after the best-selling book, Innovate Inside the Box: Empowering Learners Through UDL and the Innovator's Mindset, the course is designed to help to scale the core through the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

Each module will include a variety of resources to increase options for representation and increase engagement throughout the course. Additionally, there will be numerous options for action and expression so all course assignments are relevant, authentic, and meaningful.

"The courses have allowed me to immerse myself in the MTSS Framework& UDL Guidelines while embedding these practices into my role as a trainer."

"This course has completely shifted my mindset about inclusion. This course gave me the confidence and the tools to implement small changes in my school. The resources have been incredible!"

"Highly recommend the Couros/Novak/UPenn combo for those interested in UDL upskilling and implementation tips from these masters of Design, innovation, and change management."

"It has been empowering. I had many a-ha moments. I learned from my classmates. I reflected on who I am as a teacher and as a person. What I learned helped me feel positive, hopeful, and energized. I originally wondered if I could juggle this class amidst the demands of teaching; I’m so glad I did."

"PLN41 firmly sits amongst the top three professional development/learning experiences I’ve had as a teacher in seventeen years. That’s not just a function of the content—it’s a function of the strong teaching and support. Anyone in education should take this class!" Lori Hahn

I genuinely enjoyed this thoughtful and thought-provoking course. It allowed me to think about different opportunities and ways to work with staff (those eager and not so eager) in implementation. Looking forward to the second course! Lori Hahn

The learning and growth I have experienced from taking this course under the incredible guidance of Katie Novak cannot be underestimated. Although UDL is something I strive to implement in my daily practice, Katie has created a program that stretches even the most seasoned educators. I have been given opportunities to engage, represent, and express my learning in ways which are meaningful to my context. Finally, the feedback Katie gives is goal-oriented and has challenged me to further improve my practice.

GEORGE COUROS

George Couros is an “Innovative Teaching, Learning, and Leadership Consultant”, speaker, as well as the author of “The Innovator’s Mindset” and “Innovate Inside the Box.” Formerly, George was the Division Principal of Innovative Teaching and Learning with Parkland School Division, located in Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada. George has over 20 years of experience as an educator, in a myriad of roles from K-12. He is passionate about distributed leadership and believes that creating a collaborative environment with all stakeholders will help to ensure that we meet the best needs of all children.

Katie novak

Katie Novak, Ed.D. is the founder of Novak Education Consulting, an internationally renowned education consultant, host of The Education Table podcast and a former Assistant Superintendent of Schools in Massachusetts. With over 20 years of experience in teaching and administration, an earned doctorate in curriculum and teaching, and sixteen published books, Katie designs and presents workshops both nationally and internationally focusing on the implementation of inclusive practices, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), and universally designed leadership.

Quick Facts

How many credits do I receive for the program?

4.5 continuing education graduate credits/course - or 9 credits total for the full program. (Semester credits).

Do I need to take both courses?

If you are looking to earn the graduate certificate in Universal Design for Learning, then yes! If not, then no - just choose which course you are interested in and sign up! Please note, if you decide to take PLN41B first, there is no guarantee that the PLN41A will be offered as it is contingent on registrations.

I live in another time zone/my schedule is unpredictable right now, will that be an issue?

There are synchronous and asynchronous lessons within the course. Each live session (2 per course) is between 60-90 minutes and is recorded and shared within the course platform within 48 hours of the session. There is no penalty for missing a live session.

Do you offer group pricing?

Yes - you will receive a discount of $100 off per person for groups of 20 or more for each course (or $200 off/person for the certificate program).

Does it matter which class I take first?

The certificate program is structured to be taken in sequence, with PLN41A preceding PLN41B.

Are there any prerequisites or required reading for the course(s)?

PLN41A Required Text - Innovate Inside the Box: Empowering Learners through UDL
PLN41B Required Text - Elevating Educational Design with AI: Making Learning Accessible, Inclusive, and Equitable
All other materials are linked freely within the course modules.

Please review the course syllabus for course expectations and course policy information.

Earn Your Graduate Certificate in Universal Design for Learning

Upcoming Program Courses

Implementing Universal Design for Learning in Today’s Classrooms

Fall 2025 - PLN 41B

Building a Strong Foundation for Universal Design for Learning and Innovation

Spring 2025 | PLN 41A

Course Facilitators

GEORGE COUROS

Katie novak

Quick Facts

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