PBL Simplified for Teachers by Magnify Learning

Magnify Learning
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Education
  • Updated Biweekly

WHAT: Weekly episodes for PBL TEACHERS. Guest and solo episodes to answer your most significant PBL Need to Knows. We bring information AND inspiration! WHO: Brought to you by Magnify Learning, your customized PBL partner for over a decade. CALL TO ACTION: Subscribe for a PBL resource in every episode FREE RESOURCE: Go to WhatisPBL.com for your first free resource. —------------------------------ PBL Simplified for Teachers Helping You Teach Like You’ve Always Wanted You became a teacher to engage learners, spark curiosity, and make a real impact—not to just hand out worksheets and prep for tests. PBL Simplified for Teachers is here to help you bring Project Based Learning (PBL) to life in your classroom. Hosted by Ryan Steuer of Magnify Learning, this podcast is your go-to resource for practical PBL strategies, real teacher success stories, and expert insights to make your teaching more engaging, meaningful, and effective. Whether you’re new to PBL or looking to refine your practice, each episode delivers actionable tips to help you confidently create learner-centered, real-world experiences. If you’re ready to teach like you've always wanted to, hit subscribe and start teaching like you’ve always wanted!

  1. Jun 2

    Why Every Teacher Should Start a YouTube Channel | E21

    In this episode, Ryan Steuer explores why every teacher should consider starting a YouTube channel—not to become an influencer, but as a powerful, reflective tool for professional growth. By sharing regular videos, even just for yourself, you make your progress visible, force reflection, and ultimately enhance your teaching practice. Ryan offers encouragement, practical advice, and straightforward steps to get started, addressing common concerns such as time, perfectionism, and discomfort on camera. Main Points Reflection Drives Growth: Teachers improve not by doing more, but by seeing, reflecting, and refining. Making short videos helps you process your day and track progress over time. YouTube as a Reflective Tool: A YouTube channel acts like a visual teaching journal. Simple daily or weekly prompts—such as "What did I love today?" and "How am I going to get better?"—can jumpstart meaningful reflection. Start Imperfectly: Nobody’s first video is good! The point is to start with quick, unedited videos and not worry about views or comments. The YouTube algorithm will keep early content hidden unless people want to see it. Practical Tips: Use your phone and keep it under five minutes. Turn off comments if they worry you. Don’t overthink or over-edit; just focus on consistent posting and honest reflection. Live the PBL Life: Creating YouTube reflections models the project-based learning (PBL) process for your students—you’re reflecting, iterating, creating, and presenting, just as you expect your learners to do. Notable Quotes “Teachers don’t get better by doing more. Teachers get better by seeing, reflecting and refining.” “You don’t need a perfect classroom to start. You just need a real one.” Call to Action Ready to jump in? Start reflecting, recording, and growing! For more resources and inspiration, visit magnifypbl.com.

    12 min

  2. May 5

    Teach the Way You've Always Wanted | E20

    Episode Summary In this episode, Ryan Steuer reflects on the emotional journey of teaching and how a systems-based approach can help educators rediscover their passion and purpose. Drawing from personal teaching stories and the pain and joy inherent in the profession, Ryan details how Project Based Learning (PBL) can empower teachers and students alike. He breaks down actionable steps for integrating community partnerships and dynamic entry events into classroom practice, showing educators how they can start teaching in the way they've always dreamed. Main Points The Emotional Landscape of Teaching: Ryan shares the highs and lows teachers experience, noting the importance of both passion and effective systems in the classroom. Moving from Burnout to Empowerment: The episode emphasizes that student and teacher success is less about pouring out more emotional energy and more about building supportive classroom systems. Project Based Learning in Practice: Ryan gives practical tips—like leveraging community partners and organizing engaging entry events—to launch standards-based, meaningful PBL units. A Vision for Authentic Learning: The culminating story shows the impact of authentic audiences and community connections, inspiring teachers to reimagine what's possible in their classrooms. Quotes "What if your success in the classroom and your learner success is more about a system than you somehow pouring out more of yourself?" — Ryan Steuer "Entry event day is awesome. There’s so much energy and excitement. And now your PBL is launched! You’re going to tie in social studies, literacy, language arts standards, even math is going to fit into this PBL unit." — Ryan Steuer "You do not need to pour out more of yourself. You don’t have to find some kind of extra gear in your passionate teaching world. But there’s a system and there’s some steps that you can learn to figure this out." — Ryan Steuer Call to Action Ready to teach the way you’ve always wanted? Visit pblsimplified.com to register for free tips and YouTube videos that will guide you step-by-step on your Project Based Learning journey!

    18 min
  3. How One Chemistry Teacher Brought PBL to Life | E19

    Apr 7

    How One Chemistry Teacher Brought PBL to Life | E19

    This episode of the PBL Simplified Podcast for Teachers features an engaging conversation between host Ryan Steuer and guest educator Ronni, a high school chemistry teacher from Maryland. Ronni shares her unexpected journey into education, from aspiring accountant to passionate science teacher, and how project-based learning (PBL) transformed her classroom. She explains how she had always leaned toward hands-on, project-driven instruction, but discovering formal PBL helped her amplify student engagement and connect learning to real-world impact. A standout story highlights her students redesigning a nuclear emergency flyer for their community—work that led to actual improvements by the power company. Ronni emphasizes that authentic audience and community involvement increase student accountability, motivation, and pride. She also shares how PBL shifted disengaged students into active learners and helped build critical presentation skills that extend beyond the classroom. The conversation offers practical advice for teachers at any stage of their PBL journey: start small, incorporate real-world audiences, and don’t fear failure—iteration is part of the process. Ronni’s biggest takeaway is simple yet powerful: just try it. The rewards for both teachers and students are immediate and lasting. Main Topics of Discussion Ronni’s journey into education and teaching chemistry [1:26] Discovering and expanding project-based learning practices [2:34] Real-world impact: nuclear power plant flyer project [3:35] Student transformation through authentic learning experiences [8:16] First steps for teachers new to PBL (start small, add audience) [9:07] Building presentation skills and long-term student success [11:49] Navigating challenges, admin support, and teacher buy-in [13:54] Encouragement to take risks and iterate with PBL [18:05]   Community & Calls to Action Explore free PBL resources at whatispbl.com Join the PBL community for support, courses, and collaboration Try one small PBL shift in your classroom this week Rate and review the podcast to support other educators

    24 min
  4. Helping Your Students Master Their First Job with Jacob Karnes | E18

    07/29/2025

    Helping Your Students Master Their First Job with Jacob Karnes | E18

    In this episode of the PBL Simplified Podcast, host Ryan Steuer interviews Jacob Karnes, founder of Waves Business Coaching and author of Master Your First Job. They discuss the significance of first jobs in shaping students' careers, the importance of feedback, building a personal brand, and strategies to combat apathy in the classroom. Jacob shares insights from his decade-long experience at Chick-fil-A and emphasizes the need for intentionality in students' first job experiences. The conversation highlights practical advice for educators to empower students and help them navigate their early career paths effectively. Takeaways Feedback should be constructive and specific. Building a personal brand starts early in one's career. Community helps combat apathy in students. Intentionality in first jobs can lead to long-term success. Students should learn to advocate for themselves in the workplace. Understanding business values can help in career growth. A positive work environment fosters better performance. Teaching students about feedback can enhance their learning experience. Real-world projects increase student engagement and learning. Resources and links: Free ebook: masteryourfirstjob/free Jacob's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacobkarnes/ Jacob's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobkarnes/ Share a win or ask a question: pblshare.com

    39 min
  5. School Turnarounds With Ashley Green | E17

    07/15/2025

    School Turnarounds With Ashley Green | E17

    In this episode, host Ryan Steuer chats with Ashley Green, a seasoned educator, turnaround expert, and founder of Green Tree Educational Solutions. Ashley shares wisdom from nearly two decades in education, including her experience as an ELA teacher, principal, curriculum coordinator, and adjunct professor. Ashley brings optimism, practical strategies, and a deep commitment to student-centered learning. She shares how educators can be part of the solution in school turnarounds by embracing culture shifts, intentional communication, and celebrations of success—no matter how small. What you'll learn: The power of student feedback and how it's transforming classrooms Encouraging practices to keep teachers optimistic in challenging times Three keys to success for teachers in turnaround schools: culture, communication, and celebration Real success stories from collaborative, student-driven classrooms How to approach obstacles with purpose and positivity Steps for helping traditional teachers begin their PBL journey The role teachers can play in whole-school transformation Connect With Ashley: greentreesolutions.org Facebook: Facebook Profile LinkedIn: LinkedIn Profile

    28 min
  6. PBL in Action: A District-Wide Movement with Ashley Curtin | E16

    07/01/2025

    PBL in Action: A District-Wide Movement with Ashley Curtin | E16

    This episode features Ashley Curtin, a district coach from Calvert County, Maryland. Calvert County's PBL movement began in social studies and has expanded across subjects and schools. Ashley will share concrete examples of PBL units, discuss local context, authenticity, and the integration of CTE programs. PBL is bringing hope and joy to classrooms. Ashley's Work and PBL in Calvert County Ashley is a district coach working with PBL teachers. The PBL initiative started in social studies to increase engagement and has spread across the district. Ashley is now under Career Technical Education (CTE) funding and is building relationships with CTE instructors. She connects teachers and suggests collaborations. A key to her approach is meeting people where they are at with their mindset and comfort level with PBL. PBL Unit Examples Eighth Grade Science & Culinary Arts: An eighth-grade science teacher developed a project about invasive species, initially thinking about a cookbook. The project shifted to educating the public about invasive fish in the Chesapeake Bay and Puxon River. Students created posters, social media posts, and websites with QR codes to educate the community. Culinary program seniors developed recipes for invasive fish, which were judged in a "Chopped" style competition. The eighth graders then featured these recipes on their websites and in their outreach materials. The project culminated in presentations to community partners, including the Department of Agriculture and local restaurant owners. Third Grade Storybook Project: A third-grade team created storybooks about different regions of the United States. The project integrated science, social studies, and ELA standards. Students recorded themselves reading the books, which were accessed via QR codes in the front covers. They sold the books to families, and the project culminated in an author signing event with over 150 attendees. Roses, Buds, and Thorns Rose (What’s going well): The shift to CTE funding is a big win. CTE programs already have authenticity, so the focus is on infusing pedagogical practices and PBL structures. Bud (Promising practices): PBL is now a strategic goal for the district. There is work with math instructors, and an effort to reimagine education with PBL. The adaptability of the PBL framework is allowing it to take shape in different ways. Thorn (Challenges): Ashley's capacity to support the growing PBL movement is limited. There is a need to convince more decision-makers to invest in PBL and create core leadership positions. Some teachers who signed up for training are reluctant to fully embrace the PBL mindset and implementation. Ashley wants to encourage these teachers without making them feel like they are being dragged along. Addressing the Challenges (Thorns) Capacity: The need for more resources and core leaders in buildings and across grade levels/content areas is a significant challenge. Hesitant Teachers: Invite teachers to observe successful PBL classrooms. Invite teachers to participate in tuning protocols. Provide opportunities for collaborative support and reflection. Share a PBL newsletter to highlight best practices and provide resources. Highlight teachers and their work in a positive way in order to give them affirmation. Getting Administrative Buy-In Track data like student engagement, attendance, and discipline to show the impact of PBL. Share positive stories from PBL classrooms with principals to improve community perception of the school. Promote the idea of training coaches to implement PBL in individual schools. Highlight that educators can learn from their own colleagues and don't necessarily need to travel to conferences. Optimism about Education PBL is re-engaging teachers and showing them the power of their work. It shifts teachers' views of students, moving away from negative assumptions. PBL has the power to transform education and engage students long after the project is over. Resources PBLShare.com PBL Movement Online Community (PMOC)

    41 min
  7. Reflection Transforms Classrooms | E15

    06/17/2025

    Reflection Transforms Classrooms | E15

    In this episode of the PBL Simplified Podcast, host Ryan Steuer discusses the critical role of reflection in Project Based Learning (PBL). He emphasizes that reflection is not just a final step but an ongoing process throughout the PBL unit. Ryan shares practical strategies for incorporating reflection into the classroom, ensuring all voices are heard, and managing feedback effectively. He also highlights the importance of teacher reflection for personal growth and creating a reflective culture among students. The episode concludes with actionable tips for fostering reflection in both teaching practices and student learning. Takeaways Reflection is key to turning experience into insight. Evaluated experiences lead to deeper learning. Reflection should be integrated throughout the PBL process. Creating a safe space for feedback is essential. Use protocols to ensure all voices are heard during reflection. Manage negativity during reflection sessions effectively. Responding to feedback thoughtfully fosters a positive environment. Teacher reflection is crucial for professional growth. Building a reflective culture enhances student learning. Resources and links: Share a win or ask a question: pblshare.com

    17 min
  8. PBL Showcase: Middle School PBL Launch | E14

    06/03/2025

    PBL Showcase: Middle School PBL Launch | E14

    In this episode of the PBL Simplified for Teachers podcast, host Ryan Steuer talks with two passionate educators, Joanna Clark and Angela Stein, who are jumping into Project Based Learning for the first time and absolutely loving it. Joanna, a 7th-grade science teacher with a PhD in chemistry, and Angela, an 8th-grade math and algebra teacher with a background in construction management, bring a wealth of experience and fresh perspective to their new PBL journey. They share how their first and second PBL units brought engagement, creativity, and empowerment to their middle schoolers—yes, even the ones who usually “don’t care”. Takeaways: Why middle school is a pivotal time for launching PBL Two engaging PBL units: designing bath bombs and redesigning learning spaces How real-world partnerships and student voice elevated the learning Honest reflections from teachers just starting out with PBL Student stories that prove PBL brings hidden talents to the surface Why it’s way more fun to grade PBL projects than quizzes! Whether you’re new to PBL or looking for ideas to refresh your classroom, this episode will leave you encouraged, energized, and maybe even smiling like our guests. Resources and links: whatispbl.com

    31 min
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About

WHAT: Weekly episodes for PBL TEACHERS. Guest and solo episodes to answer your most significant PBL Need to Knows. We bring information AND inspiration! WHO: Brought to you by Magnify Learning, your customized PBL partner for over a decade. CALL TO ACTION: Subscribe for a PBL resource in every episode FREE RESOURCE: Go to WhatisPBL.com for your first free resource. —------------------------------ PBL Simplified for Teachers Helping You Teach Like You’ve Always Wanted You became a teacher to engage learners, spark curiosity, and make a real impact—not to just hand out worksheets and prep for tests. PBL Simplified for Teachers is here to help you bring Project Based Learning (PBL) to life in your classroom. Hosted by Ryan Steuer of Magnify Learning, this podcast is your go-to resource for practical PBL strategies, real teacher success stories, and expert insights to make your teaching more engaging, meaningful, and effective. Whether you’re new to PBL or looking to refine your practice, each episode delivers actionable tips to help you confidently create learner-centered, real-world experiences. If you’re ready to teach like you've always wanted to, hit subscribe and start teaching like you’ve always wanted!

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