PBL Simplified for Administrators by Magnify Learning

Magnify Learning
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WHAT: PBL Podcast for School Administrators FREE RESOURCE: WhatisPBL.com for free PBL Resources for Administrators PBL Simplified for Administrators Helping School Leaders Launch Their PBL Vision Project Based Learning (PBL) isn’t just for classrooms—it’s a transformative school-wide approach that starts with leadership. Hosted by Ryan Steuer, founder of Magnify Learning, this podcast is designed exclusively for school administrators, principals, and district leaders who are ready to implement and sustain PBL in their schools. Each episode breaks down real-world leadership strategies to help you build a thriving PBL culture, from crafting a clear vision to supporting teachers and engaging your community. Tune in for solo episodes with Ryan packed with actionable insights, as well as guest interviews with top educational leaders who share their challenges, wins, and best practices in making PBL a success. If you're ready to shift from traditional instruction to authentic, learner-driven education, this is the podcast for you. 🎧 Subscribe now and start leading the PBL movement in your school!

  1. 2D AGO

    A District Wide Project Based Learning Movement With Ashley Curtin | E237

    Today on the PBL Simplified for Administrators podcast we have Ashley Curtin. Ashley is a district coach in Calvert County Maryland 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. Conclusion Ashley is bringing hope and joy to the teaching profession through PBL. The podcast encourages teachers to rate and review the show. PBL is helping teachers teach the way they have always wanted to teach. Resources and links: Ask a question or share a win: PBLShare.com Join the PBL Online Community: https://magnifylearningin.com/join-the-online-community/

    41 min

  2. AUG 19

    How to Increase Student Engagement School-Wide | E236

    Key Moves to Increase Student Engagement:  Appreciate Teachers' "Why" and Connect to Your Vision:     ◦ Leaders should share their vision often and loudly, connecting it with teachers' personal "why". Your teachers look to you for vision.  Celebrate Small Wins Loudly and Often:     ◦ Publicly acknowledge positive things you see happening in classrooms.     ◦ Leave positive Post-it notes for teachers; these can serve as powerful reminders that they are on the right track and encourage more of those actions.     ◦ Share wins in faculty meetings (at the beginning and throughout) and in weekly newsletters.     ◦ Celebrating wins tells everyone what is "awesome," aligns with the vision, and helps kids be engaged, implicitly encouraging others to follow suit. "What you focus on grows".  Protect Planning and Collaborative Time:     ◦ Faculty meetings should not be boring updates that could be emails. Teachers often cite meetings as the one thing they would change in education.     ◦ Use this rare collaborative time to model engagement strategies you want to see in the classroom, such as Project-Based Learning (PBL) moves, collaboration, voice, and choice.     ◦ When you model "sit and get" in meetings, you are communicating that this is how teaching and learning are done. Instead, model empowered and engaged learning.  What NOT to Do: Don't Just Launch PBL Ineffectively:     ◦ Avoid sending only one person to a PBL training and expecting them to train the entire staff or for others to instantly become innovators. This often leads to frustration and the abandonment of PBL.     ◦ Effective PBL implementation requires a comprehensive approach, as seen in the Babcock Ranch model school in Florida, where everyone is PBL certified, they use structured processes (like the "PBL Simplified" book), and have PBL-certified coaches.     ◦ PBL is a significant shift, especially for teachers accustomed to traditional teaching. Success comes when PBL becomes ingrained in the school's culture and daily operations. Practical Steps for Implementation:  Start small but be consistent.  Audit current engagement by observing classrooms and identifying teachers who are already doing great things.  Find and "fuel" these teachers by lifting up their PBL-like actions (e.g., great entry events, community partners, voice and choice).  Build time into your schedule for discussing PBL and fostering staff collaboration.  Create engagement for your teachers so they can experience it firsthand and then model it for their students. Once student engagement is achieved, "shout that from the rooftops". Leadership Advice and Resources:  Don't lead alone. Leading is challenging, so build a team. Consider starting a leadership team if you don't have one to help build a common vision. For a full year or three-year plan for PBL implementation, including information on teacher retention and grant funding, visit pblwebinar.com. • If this episode was helpful, please rate and review the show to help other leaders find it.

    22 min

  3. AUG 12

    The Future of Education: Integrating Technology and Hands-On Learning With Vanessa Myers | E235

    In this episode of PBL Simplified, host Ryan Steuer interviews Vanessa Myers, Senior Director of Education and Workforce Development at Interplay Learning. They discuss the transformative power of Project Based Learning (PBL) in vocational education, particularly through the integration of virtual reality (VR) technology. Vanessa shares personal stories that highlight the importance of hands-on learning and how VR can enhance vocational training. The conversation also addresses the challenges of implementing VR in schools, the future of education technology, and the critical need for preparing students for employability in various trades. Takeaways Project-based learning is essential for engaging students in vocational education. Hands-on learning experiences can significantly boost student confidence and success. Virtual reality can replicate real-world scenarios for vocational training. Safety and cost-effectiveness are key considerations for implementing VR in schools. Success stories highlight the effectiveness of VR in enhancing learning outcomes. Employability skills are increasingly important in education. Integrating technology into the curriculum can improve student engagement. Collaboration with industry partners can enhance vocational training programs. Educators should focus on aligning technology with learning outcomes. Continuous practice and exposure to real-world skills are crucial for student success. Resources and links: interplaylearning.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-myers-5066879/

    30 min

  4. AUG 5

    Top Three Mistakes School Leaders Make in PBL | E234

    In this episode, Ryan Steuer discusses the importance of Project-Based Learning (PBL) and outlines three common mistakes that leaders make when implementing PBL in schools. He emphasizes the need to start with the 'why' of PBL, the significance of cultural change, and the importance of empowering teachers rather than controlling them. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, Ryan provides insights on how to create a sustainable PBL environment that fosters student engagement and ownership. Takeaways PBL should be part of a leader's legacy. Starting with the 'why' is crucial for buy-in. Cultural change is a complex process that requires time. Empowerment of teachers leads to better student outcomes. Leaders must model the change they want to see. Creating a collective 'why' strengthens the initiative. Cultural change involves mindset shifts, not just protocols. Teachers need voice and choice in their professional development. PBL can be adapted to fit various educational contexts. Avoid imposing rigid models; allow for customization. Resources and links: Register for the webinar: pblwebinar.com

    20 min

  5. JUL 29

    Emotional Intelligence in Education: A New Approach With Doug Noll | E233

    In this episode of the PBL Simplified podcast, host Ryan Steuer talks with Doug Noll, a former trial lawyer turned peacemaker, to discuss effective strategies for de-escalating conflicts with angry parents, students, and teachers. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding emotions in conflict resolution, introducing the concept of affect labeling as a powerful tool for calming individuals and fostering connection. Doug shares insights on how to apply these techniques in educational settings, highlighting the need for emotional intelligence among educators and students alike. The episode concludes with practical advice for administrators on how to implement these strategies in their schools. Takeaways Fights and arguments between human beings are unnecessary. Human beings are driven by emotions, not rationality. Affect labeling is a technique to de-escalate anger. Listening to emotions rather than words is crucial. De-escalation must occur before problem-solving. Students often act out due to a lack of connection. Emotional abuse in families affects student behavior. Affect labeling can create emotional safety in classrooms. Teachers can learn to help students self-regulate emotions. Cultural programming often devalues emotional expression. Resources and links: Share a PBL win or ask a question: pblshare.com Connect with Doug: https://dougnoll.com/school-de-escalation-training/ https://dougnoll.com/de-escalation-skills-resources/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougnoll/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doug.noll.52/ https://www.facebook.com/DouglasNoll Twitter: https://twitter.com/dougnoll Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/douglasenoll/ DN YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtAHXdBT1Y0Pl7SGrM_HcFw EC YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLMgSgzfVqHdriHEN3MiIKA Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/b990204361f85f4a8ac1a25a9a0920

    39 min

  6. JUL 22

    Turn Grant Funding into PBL Success | E232

    In this episode of the PBL Simplified Podcast, Ryan Steuer discusses how district leaders can effectively use grant funds to establish a sustainable project-based learning (PBL) culture that extends beyond the life of the grant. He emphasizes the importance of investing in people rather than programs, the necessity of professional development and coaching, and the significance of marketing and tracking success through data and stories. The conversation provides actionable insights for educational leaders looking to create lasting change in their schools. Takeaways Invest in your people to sustain PBL culture. Shift focus from programs to building belief. Coaching is essential for successful implementation. Professional development should include all leadership levels. Marketing your PBL initiatives is crucial for buy-in. Align grant objectives with educational outcomes. Track both quantitative and qualitative data. Create a grassroots movement for PBL. Use grant funds to build internal systems. Make the grant a movement, not just a moment. Resources and links: pblwebinar.com

    21 min

  7. JUL 15

    Becoming Epic: A Leadership Journey with Dr. Matt Kutz | E231

    In this episode of the PBL Simplified Podcast, host Ryan Steuer talks with leadership expert Matt Kutz to discuss the essence of leadership, the importance of inspiration, and the framework outlined in Kutz's upcoming book, Becoming Epic. They explore the concepts of excellence, perception, and the need for leaders to recharge and find inspiration outside of work. The conversation emphasizes the significance of self-awareness and the impact of leadership on others, while also introducing the idea of "3D thinking freefall" as a method to unlock creativity. The episode concludes with practical advice on managing and developing one's future self. Takeaways Leadership is the lid of the work that happens in schools. Inspiration is the driving force behind effective leadership. The Epic Framework includes excellence, perception, inspiration, and compassion. Perfectionism hinders excellence and should be avoided. Self-awareness is crucial for effective leadership. Compassion for oneself leads to compassion for others. Inspiration often strikes outside of work environments. 3D thinking freefall enhances creativity and problem-solving. Leaders should model the behavior they want to see in others. Resources and links: https://drmattkutz.com/

    36 min

  8. JUL 8

    Building Sustainable PBL in Your School | E230

    In this episode of the PBL Simplified podcast, Ryan Steuer discusses the importance of making project-based learning (PBL) sustainable within school cultures. He outlines a three-year model for implementing PBL that emphasizes leadership, teacher training, and community involvement. Through real-life examples, he illustrates how PBL can transform student engagement and learning outcomes, ultimately creating a culture of innovation and empowerment in schools. Takeaways Project-based learning (PBL) is essential for transforming school culture. Sustainability in PBL requires a long-term commitment, not just one-off workshops. Leadership and teacher training must occur in parallel for effective PBL implementation. Coaching is critical for successful PBL implementation and teacher support. Real-world projects engage students and enhance learning outcomes. PBL should be integrated into the school's culture, not treated as an isolated initiative. Community involvement is key to successful PBL projects. A three-year model allows for deepening practice and leadership in PBL. PBL can empower students and help them find their purpose in learning. The journey to a sustainable PBL culture starts with a clear vision and commitment. Resources and links: pblwebinar.com

    23 min
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WHAT: PBL Podcast for School Administrators FREE RESOURCE: WhatisPBL.com for free PBL Resources for Administrators PBL Simplified for Administrators Helping School Leaders Launch Their PBL Vision Project Based Learning (PBL) isn’t just for classrooms—it’s a transformative school-wide approach that starts with leadership. Hosted by Ryan Steuer, founder of Magnify Learning, this podcast is designed exclusively for school administrators, principals, and district leaders who are ready to implement and sustain PBL in their schools. Each episode breaks down real-world leadership strategies to help you build a thriving PBL culture, from crafting a clear vision to supporting teachers and engaging your community. Tune in for solo episodes with Ryan packed with actionable insights, as well as guest interviews with top educational leaders who share their challenges, wins, and best practices in making PBL a success. If you're ready to shift from traditional instruction to authentic, learner-driven education, this is the podcast for you. 🎧 Subscribe now and start leading the PBL movement in your school!

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