The PBL Network Podcast

Magnify Learning

WHAT: Podcast episodes for K–12 educational leaders growing high-quality Project Based Learning in their schools. Interviews and leadership insights that connect you to real stories, practical strategies, and the community at pblnetworks.com. WHO: Brought to you by Magnify Learning, your customized PBL partner for over a decade. CALL TO ACTION: Subscribe for leadership insights and connection opportunities. FREE RESOURCE: Visit pblnetworks.com to connect with other K–12 leaders and access your first free PBL leadership resource.

Episodes

  1. Jun 16

    From Nuclear Power Plants to Space Junk: PBL in Action with Ronni Morrissey

    In this episode of the PBL Network Podcast, Ashley sits down with Ronni, an inspiring STEM and Pathway to Engineering teacher in Southern Maryland. Together, they discuss Ronni’s journey into Project Based Learning (PBL), how she’s integrated it into Career and Technical Education (CTE), and the ways her projects have impacted both students and the local community. Highlights include project examples like students creating emergency preparedness materials for a local nuclear power plant and tackling real-world problems such as space junk with authentic industry partnerships. The conversation explores the alignment between PBL and CTE, teacher and student transformation, and advice for educators and leaders considering PBL for their programs. Main Points PBL as an Engine for CTE: Ronni shares how PBL transitioned from being an “add-on” to becoming the core structure that drives learning in her classroom, connecting STEM content directly to real community needs. Authentic Industry Partnerships: Through collaborations with local engineers, the nuclear power plant, and even international thought partners, Ronni’s students gain tangible exposure to industry standards and work-based skills. Student Empowerment: PBL fosters deeper student agency, independence, and critical 21st-century skills like creativity, collaboration, and professionalism, preparing learners for both college and career pathways. Teacher Transformation: Ronni credits PBL training and collaborative planning for reinvigorating her teaching practice and building community among colleagues. Advice for Leaders and Teachers: The conversation offers practical strategies for CTE leaders, including starting with a core group of eager teachers, building out supportive structures and partnerships, and fostering a culture where taking risks and learning from experimentation is celebrated. Notable Quotes “If you get them into the right project, if you just propose something that is at all engaging to them, they're gonna go on their own. It's amazing.” — Ronni Morrissey “If you're thinking about it… find those teachers that are willing to jump off the deep end and they're willing to just swim. I think if you start there, you could really… watch it flourish.” — Ronni Morrissey Call to Action Interested in building powerful PBL experiences for your students or growing your leadership network? Join the conversation, access resources, and connect with a community of innovative educators at pblnetworks.com.

    1h 15m

  2. Apr 21

    Connecting Project Based Learning and CTE

    This episode explores how Project Based Learning (PBL) can strengthen Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs by increasing authenticity, improving instructional design, and deepening real-world learning experiences. Host Ashley Curtin sits down with Carrie, a CTE director and principal in southern Maryland, to discuss how her district is integrating PBL into career pathway programs and what that looks like in practice. The conversation highlights how intentional project design, authentic community partnerships, and student-driven inquiry can transform CTE classrooms from “doing activities” into powerful learning environments that prepare students for real careers and real problems. Learn More To continue the conversation around Project Based Learning leadership and collaboration, explore the PBL Networks community at: pblnetworks.com

    45 min
  • 2 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

About

WHAT: Podcast episodes for K–12 educational leaders growing high-quality Project Based Learning in their schools. Interviews and leadership insights that connect you to real stories, practical strategies, and the community at pblnetworks.com. WHO: Brought to you by Magnify Learning, your customized PBL partner for over a decade. CALL TO ACTION: Subscribe for leadership insights and connection opportunities. FREE RESOURCE: Visit pblnetworks.com to connect with other K–12 leaders and access your first free PBL leadership resource.

Information

  • Creator
    Magnify Learning
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    2
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Magnify Learning
  • Show Website
    The PBL Network Podcast