PBL Simplified for Administrators by Magnify Learning

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...

In this episode, Ryan Steuer interviews leadership coach Marianne Renner about her new book, Self Talk: 10 Stories You Tell Yourself That Hold You Back . They discuss the importance of self-talk in leadership, the impact of personal narratives on emotional well-being, and practical strategies for transforming negative self-talk into empowering narratives. Marianne shares her personal journey of ov...

In this episode of the PBL Simplified for Administrators podcast, host Ryan Steuer welcomes back Dr. Chad Dumas to discuss the importance of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) in enhancing Project Based Learning (PBL) environments. They explore the mindset and culture necessary for effective PLCs, the role of teacher team leaders, and strategies for creating a collaborative and safe env...

Key takeaways from this episode: Relationships are paramount in education: The strength of the relationship between teachers and students significantly impacts learning outcomes. Seeing each child: Educators should strive to understand and acknowledge each student's individual needs and experiences. The Importance of Nervous Systems: Educators should be aware of their own nervous system and how it...

This episode focuses on the benefits of Project Based Learning (PBL) for K-12 students. It explores how PBL can enhance academic achievement, social-emotional learning (SEL), and future readiness. Key Takeaways: PBL improves academic performance. Studies show that PBL can lead to significant gains in standardized test scores, AP exam scores, and literacy and numeracy skills. PBL supports social-em...

This episode of the PBL Simplified podcast features David Griffith , a content creator coach and former middle school teacher with over 1.2 million followers on TikTok . In this episode, Griffith discusses the importance of social media for school leaders and offers practical advice on how to use social media effectively to engage with the community. Key takeaways from the episode: School leaders...

Episode Summary: This episode explores the definition of Project Based Learning (PBL) from the perspective of three key audiences: students, teachers, and administrators. Host Ryan Steuer emphasizes the importance of tailoring the explanation of PBL to resonate with each group, highlighting the unique benefits they experience through its implementation. Key Takeaways: For Students: PBL fosters dee...

Ashley Green  is a versatile educator with 19 years of experience as a language arts teacher, curriculum coordinator, and principal.  She is the owner of Green Tree Educational Solutions , a consulting agency in Mississippi dedicated to helping individuals and organizations achieve their full potential.  She also serves as an adjunct professor, training and preparing future educator...

Podcast Summary: This episode provides three practical strategies for school administrators to gain momentum for project-based learning (PBL) in their schools. The three strategies are: Get started today. This means taking steps like visiting schools with successful PBL programs, engaging in book studies about PBL, or listening to podcasts on PBL for administrators. When visiting other schools, ad...