PBL Simplified for Teachers by Magnify Learning

Why Every Teacher Should Start a YouTube Channel | E21

In this episode, Ryan Steuer explores why every teacher should consider starting a YouTube channel—not to become an influencer, but as a powerful, reflective tool for professional growth. By sharing regular videos, even just for yourself, you make your progress visible, force reflection, and ultimately enhance your teaching practice. Ryan offers encouragement, practical advice, and straightforward steps to get started, addressing common concerns such as time, perfectionism, and discomfort on camera. Main Points * Reflection Drives Growth: Teachers improve not by doing more, but by seeing, reflecting, and refining. Making short videos helps you process your day and track progress over time. * YouTube as a Reflective Tool: A YouTube channel acts like a visual teaching journal. Simple daily or weekly prompts—such as "What did I love today?" and "How am I going to get better?"—can jumpstart meaningful reflection. * Start Imperfectly: Nobody’s first video is good! The point is to start with quick, unedited videos and not worry about views or comments. The YouTube algorithm will keep early content hidden unless people want to see it. * Practical Tips: Use your phone and keep it under five minutes. Turn off comments if they worry you. Don’t overthink or over-edit; just focus on consistent posting and honest reflection. * Live the PBL Life: Creating YouTube reflections models the project-based learning (PBL) process for your students—you’re reflecting, iterating, creating, and presenting, just as you expect your learners to do. Notable Quotes * “Teachers don’t get better by doing more. Teachers get better by seeing, reflecting and refining.” * “You don’t need a perfect classroom to start. You just need a real one.” Call to Action Ready to jump in? Start reflecting, recording, and growing! For more resources and inspiration, visit magnifypbl.com. [https://magnifypbl.com/]

Teach the Way You've Always Wanted | E20

Episode Summary In this episode, Ryan Steuer reflects on the emotional journey of teaching and how a systems-based approach can help educators rediscover their passion and purpose. Drawing from personal teaching stories and the pain and joy inherent in the profession, Ryan details how Project Based Learning (PBL) can empower teachers and students alike. He breaks down actionable steps for integrating community partnerships and dynamic entry events into classroom practice, showing educators how they can start teaching in the way they've always dreamed. Main Points * The Emotional Landscape of Teaching: Ryan shares the highs and lows teachers experience, noting the importance of both passion and effective systems in the classroom. * Moving from Burnout to Empowerment: The episode emphasizes that student and teacher success is less about pouring out more emotional energy and more about building supportive classroom systems. * Project Based Learning in Practice: Ryan gives practical tips—like leveraging community partners and organizing engaging entry events—to launch standards-based, meaningful PBL units. * A Vision for Authentic Learning: The culminating story shows the impact of authentic audiences and community connections, inspiring teachers to reimagine what's possible in their classrooms. Quotes "What if your success in the classroom and your learner success is more about a system than you somehow pouring out more of yourself?" — Ryan Steuer "Entry event day is awesome. There’s so much energy and excitement. And now your PBL is launched! You’re going to tie in social studies, literacy, language arts standards, even math is going to fit into this PBL unit." — Ryan Steuer "You do not need to pour out more of yourself. You don’t have to find some kind of extra gear in your passionate teaching world. But there’s a system and there’s some steps that you can learn to figure this out." — Ryan Steuer Call to Action Ready to teach the way you’ve always wanted? Visit pblsimplified.com [https://pblsimplified.com/] to register for free tips and YouTube videos that will guide you step-by-step on your Project Based Learning journey!

How One Chemistry Teacher Brought PBL to Life | E19

This episode of the PBL Simplified Podcast for Teachers features an engaging conversation between host Ryan Steuer and guest educator Ronni, a high school chemistry teacher from Maryland. Ronni shares her unexpected journey into education, from aspiring accountant to passionate science teacher, and how project-based learning (PBL) transformed her classroom. She explains how she had always leaned toward hands-on, project-driven instruction, but discovering formal PBL helped her amplify student engagement and connect learning to real-world impact. A standout story highlights her students redesigning a nuclear emergency flyer for their community—work that led to actual improvements by the power company. Ronni emphasizes that authentic audience and community involvement increase student accountability, motivation, and pride. She also shares how PBL shifted disengaged students into active learners and helped build critical presentation skills that extend beyond the classroom. The conversation offers practical advice for teachers at any stage of their PBL journey: start small, incorporate real-world audiences, and don’t fear failure—iteration is part of the process. Ronni’s biggest takeaway is simple yet powerful: just try it. The rewards for both teachers and students are immediate and lasting. MAIN TOPICS OF DISCUSSION * Ronni’s journey into education and teaching chemistry [1:26] * Discovering and expanding project-based learning practices [2:34] * Real-world impact: nuclear power plant flyer project [3:35] * Student transformation through authentic learning experiences [8:16] * First steps for teachers new to PBL (start small, add audience) [9:07] * Building presentation skills and long-term student success [11:49] * Navigating challenges, admin support, and teacher buy-in [13:54] * Encouragement to take risks and iterate with PBL [18:05]   Community & Calls to Action * Explore free PBL resources at whatispbl.com [https://whatispbl.com] * Join the PBL community [https://www.skool.com/pbl-magnify-learning-8687/about] for support, courses, and collaboration * Try one small PBL shift in your classroom this week * Rate and review the podcast to support other educators

Helping Your Students Master Their First Job with Jacob Karnes | E18

In this episode of the PBL Simplified Podcast, host Ryan Steuer interviews Jacob Karnes, founder of Waves Business Coaching and author of Master Your First Job. They discuss the significance of first jobs in shaping students' careers, the importance of feedback, building a personal brand, and strategies to combat apathy in the classroom. Jacob shares insights from his decade-long experience at Chick-fil-A and emphasizes the need for intentionality in students' first job experiences. The conversation highlights practical advice for educators to empower students and help them navigate their early career paths effectively. Takeaways * Feedback should be constructive and specific. * Building a personal brand starts early in one's career. * Community helps combat apathy in students. * Intentionality in first jobs can lead to long-term success. * Students should learn to advocate for themselves in the workplace. * Understanding business values can help in career growth. * A positive work environment fosters better performance. * Teaching students about feedback can enhance their learning experience. * Real-world projects increase student engagement and learning. Resources and links: Free ebook: masteryourfirstjob/free [https://masteryourfirstjob.com/free] Jacob's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacobkarnes/ [https://www.instagram.com/jacobkarnes/] Jacob's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobkarnes/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobkarnes/] Share a win or ask a question: pblshare.com [https://www.pblshare.com]

School Turnarounds With Ashley Green | E17

In this episode, host Ryan Steuer chats with Ashley Green, a seasoned educator, turnaround expert, and founder of Green Tree Educational Solutions. Ashley shares wisdom from nearly two decades in education, including her experience as an ELA teacher, principal, curriculum coordinator, and adjunct professor. Ashley brings optimism, practical strategies, and a deep commitment to student-centered learning. She shares how educators can be part of the solution in school turnarounds by embracing culture shifts, intentional communication, and celebrations of success—no matter how small. What you'll learn: * The power of student feedback and how it's transforming classrooms * Encouraging practices to keep teachers optimistic in challenging times * Three keys to success for teachers in turnaround schools: culture, communication, and celebration * Real success stories from collaborative, student-driven classrooms * How to approach obstacles with purpose and positivity * Steps for helping traditional teachers begin their PBL journey * The role teachers can play in whole-school transformation Connect With Ashley: greentreesolutions.org [https://www.greentreesolutions.org] Facebook: Facebook Profile [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095130807131] LinkedIn: LinkedIn Profile [http://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-green-ab7116b7]