PBL Simplified for Administrators by Magnify Learning

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...

In this episode, Ryan Steuer of Magnify Learning details a five-year implementation plan for launching a Project-Based Learning (PBL) movement in a large district , specifically focusing on 13 middle schools. While the example is niche, the process is designed to be customizable and scalable for districts of any size. The episode emphasizes the importance of systematic, structural change, sta...

In this conversation, Dr. Josh McConkey discusses the importance of leadership in education, emphasizing the need for accountability, resilience, and mentoring in preparing youth for the future. He shares insights from his experiences in the military and healthcare, highlighting the significance of empowering teachers and students alike. The discussion also covers the challenges of change manageme...

In this episode, Ryan Steuer sits down with Jill Reilly, author of the book, "10 Permissions." Jill shares her journey and insights on navigating profound change, both personally and within organizations, offering a fresh perspective for school leaders looking to innovate. This conversation is particularly relevant for school and district administrators, coaches, and anyone trying to bring ab...

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 co...

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 classr...

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-...

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...

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 in...

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 tra...

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 emphas...

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, ultimatel...

Jeff Patterson has been practicing martial arts for 36 years. He has trained with masters from seven countries and has achieved a black belt equivalency in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Eskrima, Muay Thai, Kenpō, Tai Chi, and Qigong. Patterson believes in the power of meditative arts to enhance life experiences. Why Meditation for Educational Leaders? Educational leaders are in high-stress, high-visibility...

In this episode of the PBL Simplified podcast, host Ryan Steuer discusses the critical role of community partners in Project Based Learning (PBL) for school administrators. He outlines strategies for identifying, engaging, and building relationships with community partners to enhance student learning and real-world applicability. The conversation emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive...

Episode Summary: This episode features Jon Schwabish, an economist and data visualization expert, who discusses how school administrators can use data visualization to better understand and communicate data to improve their schools. Key Takeaways: Data visualization can help school administrators quickly understand their data and make better decisions. Visualizing data can reveal trends and patter...

In this episode of the PBL Simplified Podcast, host Ryan Steuer discusses the transformative power of Project Based Learning (PBL) in schools. He shares insights on how educators can empower themselves and their teams to create thriving educational environments. Through the success story of principal Cynthia Bruno, listeners learn about the impact of PBL on student engagement and achievement. Ryan...

This episode of the PBL Simplified Podcast features guest Matt Taylor , who leads the Noble Story Group , a consulting firm that focuses on emotional intelligence-based leadership development in education and nonprofits. Matt’s “Why” He had an epiphany while observing both urban district schools and charter schools that they either had teachers with great technical and instructional skills, but un...

This episode focuses on practical ways administrators can address teacher burnout and reignite their passion for teaching.  Burnout is characterized by a disconnect from the joy of teaching, often stemming from a lack of autonomy and meaningful teaching opportunities.  Project Based learning (PBL) is presented as a way to combat teacher burnout by fostering a student-centered approach th...