PBL Simplified for Administrators by Magnify Learning

In this episode of the PBL Simplified Podcast for Administrators, Ryan Steuer sits down with Dr. Will Darter, Superintendent of Everton School District in Southwest Missouri and author of The Empowered Rural Education Leader . Dr. Darter shares how rural school leaders can move beyond a scarcity mindset, build strong community partnerships, and create meaningful opportunities for students even wit...

In this episode of the PBL Simplified podcast for administrators, Ryan Steuer dives deep into the challenges and strategies involved in rolling out project-based learning (PBL) across an entire district. Drawing on 15 years of experience, Ryan Steuer outlines why both top-down mandates and purely organic approaches often fall short, and explains how applying the innovation curve leads to sustainab...

In this episode, host Ryan Steuer welcomes Rachel Crawford from Babcock Ranch Neighborhood School in Florida to discuss her journey and research around implementing Project Based Learning (PBL). As a Magnify Learning Model School in the nation's first solar-powered town, Babcock Ranch's instructional model and culture have evolved over a decade of growth and learning. Rachel Crawford delve...

In this episode, Ryan Steuer explores what truly makes project based learning (PBL) successful and sustainable in schools and districts. Drawing on over a decade of experience across a variety of school settings, Ryan emphasizes the critical role of systems—rather than just individual enthusiasm or resources—in embedding PBL at a structural and leadership level. The discussion unpacks the key elem...

In this episode of the mini series, Ryan tackles the often-heard myth that Project Based Learning (PBL) "just doesn't work" for some schools. Rather than blaming teachers, training, or resources, Ryan dives into the need for a sustainable system and highlights why passion alone isn’t enough for lasting change. Listeners are guided through building leadership teams, establishing suppo...

In this episode, Ryan Steuer explores the misconception that resources and materials are the key factors in implementing effective project based learning (PBL). He addresses common reasons why PBL initiatives may fail in schools and explains why lasting change depends on more than just having the right tools. By highlighting the essential roles of skills, mindset, and systems, Ryan Steuer provides...

In this episode, Ryan delves into the common myth that failed Project Based Learning (PBL) implementations are simply the result of ineffective teacher training. He explores the deeper systemic and leadership factors that can make or break successful adoption of PBL in schools. Listeners will gain insight into why training often fails to make lasting change, what distinguishes authentic PBL from s...

In this first episode of the miniseries, Ryan Steuer explores why Project Based Learning (PBL) may have failed in your school or district. Challenging the commonly held belief that teachers are the root cause, Ryan Steuer discusses the importance of system-level change, supporting teachers, and building sustainable models for PBL. The episode introduces a multi-part series aimed at uncovering the...

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...