What are People Saying about Innovate Inside the Box?
“INNOVATE INSIDE THE BOX is a hard-headed guide to infusing innovation into the classroom. Couros and Novak show how to adopt an innovator’s mindset — and then offer page after page of intriguing ideas and catalysts for action. If you’re looking to bring creativity to student learning amid all the constraints educators face, this is the book for you.”
– Daniel Pink, author of WHEN, DRIVE, and A WHOLE NEW MIND
An incredible book! Innovate Inside the Box speaks to educators who are the change agents in their sphere of influence. The insight provided by Novak and Couros, provided through relatable anecdotes, with multiple opportunities to reflect, make this book a valuable resource for readers who are seeking to ‘be the [proverbial] change.’
–Sarah Thomas, PhD, Founder of EduMatch
Innovate Inside the Box
Innovate Inside the Box is organized in three main parts:
- Introduction: Because of a Teacher
- Part 1: The Core of Innovative Teaching and Learning
- Part 2: The 8 Characteristics of the Innovator’s Mindset
- Part 3: The Innovators Mindset and UDL
The first section written by George Couros focuses on the importance of relationships and taking the time to make positive interactions school wide. The “core” of the book, Parts 1 and 2, is where Katie Novak comes in to share her expertise with UDL (Universal Design for Learning) and to make the connection between UDL and The Innovator’s Mindset. The two authors switch off sharing stories from innovative students, innovative educators and other innovative professionals who are empathetic, problem finders and solvers, risk takers, networked, observant, creators, resilient and reflective. The last two chapters of the book serves two additional purposes that are important for you to note – one for each chapter – chapter 13 encourages you to reflect on the influence you have on yourself and others, chapter 14 serves as a reminder to take care of yourself and to remind you that you are valued as a person and as a professional!
Throughout the entire book, George and Katie encourage readers to “…think of both how you can shine your light on the world and, as our profession encourages, how you can encourage others—your colleagues and your students—to shine their lights as well.” Please share your thoughts and ideas to #InnovateInsideTheBox! Like the last line of the book reminds you, “we need you.”