PBL Simplified for Teachers by Magnify Learning

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]

PBL in Action: A District-Wide Movement with Ashley Curtin | E16

This episode features Ashley Curtin, a district coach from Calvert County, Maryland. Calvert County's PBL movement began in social studies and has expanded across subjects and schools. Ashley will share concrete examples of PBL units, discuss local context, authenticity, and the integration of CTE programs. PBL is bringing hope and joy to classrooms. Ashley's Work and PBL in Calvert County * Ashley is a district coach 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 connects teachers and suggests collaborations. * A key to her approach is meeting people where they are at with their mindset and comfort level with PBL. PBL Unit Examples * Eighth Grade Science & Culinary Arts: * An eighth-grade science teacher developed a project about invasive species, initially thinking about a cookbook. * The project shifted to educating the public about invasive fish in the Chesapeake Bay and Puxon River. * Students created posters, social media posts, and websites with QR codes to educate the community. * Culinary program seniors developed recipes for invasive fish, which were judged in a "Chopped" style competition. * The eighth graders then featured these recipes on their websites and in their outreach materials. * The project culminated in presentations to community partners, including the Department of Agriculture and local restaurant owners. * Third Grade Storybook Project: * A third-grade team created storybooks about different regions of the United States. * The project integrated science, social studies, and ELA standards. * Students recorded themselves reading the books, which were accessed via QR codes in the front covers. * They sold the books to families, and the project culminated in an author signing event with over 150 attendees. Roses, Buds, and Thorns * Rose (What’s going well): * The shift to CTE funding is a big win. * CTE programs already have authenticity, so the focus is on infusing pedagogical practices and PBL structures. * Bud (Promising practices): * PBL is now a strategic goal for the district. * There is work with math instructors, and an effort to reimagine education with PBL. * The adaptability of the PBL framework is allowing it to take shape in different ways. * Thorn (Challenges): * Ashley's capacity to support the growing PBL movement is limited. * There is a need to convince more decision-makers to invest in PBL and create core leadership positions. * Some teachers who signed up for training are reluctant to fully embrace the PBL mindset and implementation. * Ashley wants to encourage these teachers without making them feel like they are being dragged along. Addressing the Challenges (Thorns) * Capacity: The need for more resources and core leaders in buildings and across grade levels/content areas is a significant challenge. * Hesitant Teachers: * Invite teachers to observe successful PBL classrooms. * Invite teachers to participate in tuning protocols. * Provide opportunities for collaborative support and reflection. * Share a PBL newsletter to highlight best practices and provide resources. * Highlight teachers and their work in a positive way in order to give them affirmation. Getting Administrative Buy-In * Track data like student engagement, attendance, and discipline to show the impact of PBL. * Share positive stories from PBL classrooms with principals to improve community perception of the school. * Promote the idea of training coaches to implement PBL in individual schools. * Highlight that educators can learn from their own colleagues and don't necessarily need to travel to conferences. Optimism about Education * PBL is re-engaging teachers and showing them the power of their work. * It shifts teachers' views of students, moving away from negative assumptions. * PBL has the power to transform education and engage students long after the project is over. Resources PBLShare.com [pblshare.com] PBL Movement Online Community (PMOC) [https://magnifypbl.mykajabi.com/pmoc]