PBL Simplified for Administrators by Magnify Learning

In this episode, Ryan Steuer challenges the conventional wisdom that leaders need full buy-in before initiating meaningful change. He explores how the quest for consensus often slows down momentum and argues that true buy-in develops from progress, not from waiting for unanimous agreement. Drawing from real-life examples and experience guiding educational leaders, Ryan outlines actionable strategi...

In this episode of PBL Simplified for Administrators, Ryan Steuer, CEO of Magnify Learning, addresses the common challenges educational leaders face when implementing Project Based Learning (PBL). The episode explores why PBL can feel overwhelming for teachers and ineffective for students, identifying system gaps and mindset issues as main causes. The discussion emphasizes the importance of sustai...

In this episode, Ryan Steuer addresses a common challenge faced by school leaders: “We’ve already done Project Based Learning (PBL), but it’s not working.” Drawing on real case studies and over a decade of experience, Ryan explores why initial PBL efforts often stall and what it takes to create a sustainable, high-quality PBL system. He discusses the difference between surface-level implementation...

In this leadership guest episode, Frank Oldani and Matt Fry from Belvidere School District 100 in Illinois share their insight on doing school differently and advancing career readiness in K-12 education. The conversation covers building strong community partnerships, redefining career pathways beyond traditional college, and practical steps for sustainability in student programs. Listeners will f...

In this episode of PBL Simplified , host Ryan welcomes Dr. Jim Van Allan, co-author of Energy Bus for Schools , to explore how school culture drives meaningful transformation. Jim shares the origin story behind adapting Jon Gordon’s Energy Bus framework for education and explains why culture—not programs—is the foundation of successful schools. The conversation dives into the difference between au...

This episode of the PBL Simplified Podcast centers on the transformative power of professional networks in driving successful Project Based Learning (PBL) implementation. Host Ryan Steuer introduces the launch of PBL Networks, a platform designed to connect innovative educational leaders who are actively working to reshape schools through PBL. He emphasizes that while conferences provide valuable...

This episode of the PBL Simplified Podcast for Administrators features Dr. Jeremy Qualls, Director of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center in Williamson County, Tennessee. Jeremy shares how his district is redefining Career and Technical Education (CTE) by blending workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, and real-world problem solving into a dynamic, student-centered model. Moving beyond outd...

In this leadership episode, Ryan sits down with Mitch Weisburgh to explore Mind Shifting — a brain-based framework designed to help educators and leaders develop resourcefulness, resilience, and constructive collaboration. If you lead a school or district, this episode digs into: Emotional regulation under pressure Conflict resolution styles Brain science behind stress and decision-making How to c...

What if student behavior problems, burnout, and disengagement aren’t discipline issues… but brain issues? In this powerful leadership episode, Ryan sits down with Dr. Lisa Riegel —author, neuroscientist, and education innovator—to explore how brain science, motivation, and belonging intersect with Project Based Learning. Lisa explains why today’s students seem “different,” how stress shuts down le...

What happens when Career and Technical Education stops operating in silos and starts acting like a true regional partner? In this leadership conversation, Jason Lucia shares how he is redesigning CTE to expand access, strengthen district collaboration, and connect students directly to meaningful, high-wage career pathways. From innovative shared-campus programs to deep industry partnerships, this...

As the year comes to a close, great leaders don’t just move on—they pause, reflect, and intentionally prepare for what’s next. In this episode, Ryan Steuer shares a powerful four-bucket reflection protocol used at Magnify Learning to help leadership teams identify what’s working, what’s broken, what’s confusing, and what truly mattered most. This simple but effective structure can be used at the e...

When the building is quiet but the work isn’t done, what should leaders actually be doing? In this episode, Ryan Steuer breaks down how top-tier school leaders use those “in-between” days—when students and teachers are gone, but administrators are still on contract—to create clarity, momentum, and renewal. Rather than reacting to email or busywork, high-performing leaders use this rare space to pl...

In this episode of PBL Simplified for Administrators , Ryan Steuer breaks down how school and district leaders can intentionally plan and sustain a Project Based Learning (PBL) movement—without waiting for the “perfect time” or burning out their staff. This is a practical, leadership-focused roadmap for turning PBL from a few isolated classrooms into a lasting system-wide shift. 🔑 Key Topics Cove...

What separates a top 10% school from the other 90%? In this episode, Ryan lays out the habits, systems, and mindsets that high-performing, innovative schools share—and the traps they refuse to touch. You’ll hear why visiting model PBL schools is a game-changer, what visionary principals actually do differently, and how you can start moving your school into that top tier without waiting for summer...

In this episode, Ryan shares the honest, often-overlooked reasons school leaders struggle to launch Project Based Learning—even when everyone knows it works. Whether you’re wrestling with teacher buy-in, traditional systems, or shifting school culture, this episode breaks down the five biggest barriers and gives you practical ways to overcome them. What We Cover 1. Wrong pitch, wrong audience Most...

Simon Holzapfel, the CFO and Co-founder of Leaf Lab, joins the podcast to share his experience in education, leadership, and business, describing himself as a "PBL fanboy". Simon asserts that PBL was the heart of education because it caused the learning to bond to something other than just the head, such as the body or heart, making the subject matter truly matter. He clarifies the crucial distinc...

In this episode, Ryan shares his firsthand experience visiting Calvert County’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program , where Project-Based Learning (PBL) and hands-on technical education intersect to create incredible outcomes for students. The visit highlights how authentic projects, structured pedagogy, and real-world experiences are transforming student engagement and post-graduation su...

In this inspiring leadership episode, Ryan Steuer talks with Amy Balsbaugh , principal and researcher on joy and well-being in school leadership. Together, they unpack practical ways school leaders can protect their joy, model balance, and lead with gratitude—even in high-demand environments. Amy shares her research on the 10 strategies that help principals sustain joy despite the challenges of mo...

In this episode, Ryan Steuer breaks down why employability skills —communication, collaboration, problem solving, and agency—are what truly prepare students for life beyond school. Drawing from his business background and classroom experience, Ryan connects how PBL builds the exact skills employers and communities say they need. He challenges school leaders to move beyond test prep and toward prep...

In this leadership episode of the PBL Simplified Podcast for Administrators , host Ryan Steuer sits down with David Richards — founder of Growth Public Schools, Changemaker Micro Schools, and host of the Changemaker EDU podcast. David shares his journey from corporate banking to education entrepreneurship, his “why” rooted in serving students who don’t fit the traditional model, and how micro scho...

In this episode, Ryan tackles a question that’s been floating around education circles: “Is Project Based Learning too hard?” Spoiler: No—it’s not too hard when done the right way. Drawing from over a decade of work in schools across the country, Ryan breaks down why some districts struggle to sustain PBL, how Magnify Learning is helping schools build internal capacity, and what it really takes to...

In this powerful leadership episode, host Ryan Steuer sits down with Matt DeHart , founder of Teach from DeHart Academy and Teach from DeHart Foundation , to explore what it looks like to build a school model that transforms both students and families . Matt shares how his personal “why” is rooted in generations of educators, how travel and real-world experiences elevate academics, and how his two...

In this episode, Ryan Steuer unpacks the concept of “random acts of STEM” and explains how Project Based Learning (PBL) provides the structure, authenticity, and engagement needed to make STEM meaningful. Instead of relying on flashy experiments to capture attention, Ryan shows how PBL connects science, math, and inquiry to real-world problems, community partners, and long-term engagement. What Yo...

Today's podcast discusses three solutions that Project-Based Learning (PBL) brings to Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. Key Resources & Connections PBL Networks: Administrators and staff members fired up about PBL should check out pblnetworks.com . This platform investigates issues and expands great ideas around PBL and CTE , PBL and maker spaces, and PBL and STEM, bringing togeth...

In this conversation, Marsha Enright discusses her journey from Montessori education to founding Reliance College, emphasizing the importance of independent learning and the development of autonomous, self-directed individuals. She shares insights on how Montessori principles can be adapted for higher education, the significance of real-world applications, and the need for effective teacher traini...