Bio: Barb Novak

Barb Novak is a literacy consultant for the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). Having attended public schools from kindergarten (suburban Milwaukee and Eau Claire) through college (UW-Stevens Point) and graduate degrees (UW-Oshkosh and UW-Madison), Barb is the proud product of and an advocate for Wisconsin's public school system. Prior to joining the DPI in November 2012, Barb served as a literacy coach, reading interventionist, and reading teacher. She prides herself on being a bit of a professional matchmaker by helping the incredible literacy leaders she meets throughout Wisconsin form relationships to improve professional practice. When she isn't working, Barb enjoys eating, drinking, traveling, reading, and laughing.