Right now I’m watching the NFL draft and I’m a little jealous about all the fanfare. I mean, when I was waiting for a phone call after my interview at Chelmsford Public Schools ten years ago, the only person watching me was my mother, who was floating around in the pool as I obsessively checked my phone every thirty seconds. Eric Fisher, on the other hand, had millions of people rooting for him to get the Chiefs gig.
So why do fans love football? I’m convinced it’s because the NFL encompasses many of the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). First, they embrace multiple means of representation. You can attend the live games, watch them on cable networks, Internet or your phone, or listen to the games on the radio. If there’s more than one team you follow, you can get the NFL Ticket, which allows you to watch every game in real time. They know their fan base varies, so they make the games accessible to everyone. Also, whether you’re a die-hard fan or watching a game for the first time, the announcers provide options for comprehension. During the games, they activate background knowledge by providing player history and team statistics. Also, during play analysis, they highlight formations and the patterns that players run to help all fans understand and appreciate the game.
They also provide multiple means of expression when they encourage their fans to convey their love of the game. Have you ever been to an NFL pro shop? They don’t just sell jerseys, lanyards, hats, sweatshirts, and jackets. Oh no, they know that some fans love such novelties such as team sandwich bags, Christmas ornaments, and candles. These options allow fans to communicate their passion for their team in countless ways.
Lastly, the NFL knows how to keep fans engaged. Commission Roger Goodell optimizes the value of the franchise by putting the best quality product on the field. He also fosters community by connecting fans to players. On the NFL.com, it says, “Football and community are the twin pillars of the NFL.” Players and coaches and are expected to connect with millions of fans each year through philanthropic work. This gives fans an opportunity to meet their favorite players, which makes the games more relevant to them.
So, even though I’ll never sign a $20 million contract, I’ll continue to apply the best of UDL to my classes with the hope that someday, education will have the same fan base as the NFL. A girl can dream, right? Go Pats!
