PBL Simplified for Administrators by Magnify Learning

By Magnify Learning

WHAT: PBL Podcast for School Administrators

FREE RESOURCE: WhatisPBL.com for free PBL Resources for Administrators

PBL Simplified for Administrators

Helping School Leaders Launch Their PBL Vision

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· Education
· Self-Improvement
· Courses

4.7

2828 ratings

FAQs about PBL Simplified for Administrators by Magnify Learning:

How many episodes does PBL Simplified for Administrators by Magnify Learning have?

The podcast currently has 240 episodes available.

PBL Simplified for Administrators by Magnify Learning episodes:

September 02, 2025Optimism Is Radical: Leading Change with Jill Reilly | E238
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 about change in long-standing systems.
Key Takeaways from Jill Reilly:
The Power of Self-Permission: Jill's work, including her book "10 Permissions," is born out of experiences witnessing the challenges of big change and the need for individuals to grant themselves permission to act differently. This concept is crucial for school leaders feeling stuck between outdated expectations and 21st-century needs.
The Cost of Not Questioning Inherited Stories: Following prescribed paths, like the "get good grades, go to a good school, get a good job" narrative, can lead to irrelevance. This old logic often fails to equip young people with the self-awareness, self-efficacy, and agency necessary for a fluid world.
Redefining "Good Schools": Traditional metrics like test scores and extracurriculars, while valuable, no longer hold the same currency they once did. Jill emphasizes the need for schools to focus on developing agency, authority, and adaptability in learners, which she sees as critical capabilities for the future.
Permission to Go Astray: Leaders and teams need to feel safe trying new things that may not be "proven" locally. Change doesn't have to be radical; it can start with small, granular experiments that tap into individual agency. Jill encourages leaders to "work out loud" and model adaptive behaviors for their staff and students.
"Forget About the Future" (and Embrace Agility): Instead of rigid five-year plans based on controlling variables, Jill advocates for big intentions with "small attention." This means being present, pattern-spotting opportunities, and adapting to a rapidly changing world, especially with impacts like AI on the horizon. It's about shorter time frames and inductive approaches, allowing for flexibility and continuous learning.
"Traveling Light": Many in institutions carry a "heaviness" of responsibility and perceived expectations. Jill invites leaders to let go of what no longer serves them, including self-judgment and the need to constantly take on more. This creates space for agility and possibility, transforming change from "extra responsibility" to an invitation for conversation about what can be put down.
Building a "Fitness for Change": Instead of framing change as "problems to be solved," Jill suggests focusing on developing core capabilities and a "fitness for change." This involves taking small, iterative steps, earning experience in managing discomfort and fear, and building the "muscle" for making change.
Optimism is Radical: Believing in a better future is revolutionary, especially in times prone to pessimism. Optimism is the "lifeblood of all the best thinking and all the best action".
Connect with Jill:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillianreilly/
Website: https://tenpermissions.com/
TedTalk link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5V8ucQrP0j8
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetenpermissions/?hl=en
Pre-order the book: http://bit.ly/44GUoms
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58min
August 26, 2025A District Wide Project Based Learning Movement With Ashley Curtin | E237
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 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.
Conclusion
Ashley is bringing hope and joy to the teaching profession through PBL.
The podcast encourages teachers to rate and review the show.
PBL is helping teachers teach the way they have always wanted to teach.
Resources and links:
Ask a question or share a win: PBLShare.com
Join the PBL Online Community: https://magnifylearningin.com/join-the-online-community/
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41min
August 19, 2025How to Increase Student Engagement School-Wide | E236
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 classrooms.
    ◦ Leave positive Post-it notes for teachers; these can serve as powerful reminders that they are on the right track and encourage more of those actions.
    ◦ Share wins in faculty meetings (at the beginning and throughout) and in weekly newsletters.
    ◦ Celebrating wins tells everyone what is "awesome," aligns with the vision, and helps kids be engaged, implicitly encouraging others to follow suit. "What you focus on grows".
Protect Planning and Collaborative Time:
    ◦ Faculty meetings should not be boring updates that could be emails. Teachers often cite meetings as the one thing they would change in education.
    ◦ Use this rare collaborative time to model engagement strategies you want to see in the classroom, such as Project-Based Learning (PBL) moves, collaboration, voice, and choice.
    ◦ When you model "sit and get" in meetings, you are communicating that this is how teaching and learning are done. Instead, model empowered and engaged learning.
What NOT to Do: Don't Just Launch PBL Ineffectively:
    ◦ Avoid sending only one person to a PBL training and expecting them to train the entire staff or for others to instantly become innovators. This often leads to frustration and the abandonment of PBL.
    ◦ Effective PBL implementation requires a comprehensive approach, as seen in the Babcock Ranch model school in Florida, where everyone is PBL certified, they use structured processes (like the "PBL Simplified" book), and have PBL-certified coaches.
    ◦ PBL is a significant shift, especially for teachers accustomed to traditional teaching. Success comes when PBL becomes ingrained in the school's culture and daily operations.
Practical Steps for Implementation:
Start small but be consistent.
Audit current engagement by observing classrooms and identifying teachers who are already doing great things.
Find and "fuel" these teachers by lifting up their PBL-like actions (e.g., great entry events, community partners, voice and choice).
Build time into your schedule for discussing PBL and fostering staff collaboration.
Create engagement for your teachers so they can experience it firsthand and then model it for their students.
Once student engagement is achieved, "shout that from the rooftops".
Leadership Advice and Resources:
Don't lead alone. Leading is challenging, so build a team.
Consider starting a leadership team if you don't have one to help build a common vision.
For a full year or three-year plan for PBL implementation, including information on teacher retention and grant funding, visit pblwebinar.com.
• If this episode was helpful, please rate and review the show to help other leaders find it.
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23min
August 12, 2025The Future of Education: Integrating Technology and Hands-On Learning With Vanessa Myers | E235
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-on learning and how VR can enhance vocational training. The conversation also addresses the challenges of implementing VR in schools, the future of education technology, and the critical need for preparing students for employability in various trades.
Takeaways
Project-based learning is essential for engaging students in vocational education.

Hands-on learning experiences can significantly boost student confidence and success.

Virtual reality can replicate real-world scenarios for vocational training.

Safety and cost-effectiveness are key considerations for implementing VR in schools.

Success stories highlight the effectiveness of VR in enhancing learning outcomes.

Employability skills are increasingly important in education.

Integrating technology into the curriculum can improve student engagement.

Collaboration with industry partners can enhance vocational training programs.

Educators should focus on aligning technology with learning outcomes.

Continuous practice and exposure to real-world skills are crucial for student success.

Resources and links:
interplaylearning.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-myers-5066879/
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31min
August 05, 2025Top Three Mistakes School Leaders Make in PBL | E234
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 insights on how to create a sustainable PBL environment that fosters student engagement and ownership.
Takeaways
PBL should be part of a leader's legacy.
Starting with the 'why' is crucial for buy-in.
Cultural change is a complex process that requires time.
Empowerment of teachers leads to better student outcomes.
Leaders must model the change they want to see.
Creating a collective 'why' strengthens the initiative.
Cultural change involves mindset shifts, not just protocols.
Teachers need voice and choice in their professional development.
PBL can be adapted to fit various educational contexts.
Avoid imposing rigid models; allow for customization.
Resources and links:
Register for the webinar: pblwebinar.com
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20min
July 29, 2025Emotional Intelligence in Education: A New Approach With Doug Noll | E233
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 individuals and fostering connection. Doug shares insights on how to apply these techniques in educational settings, highlighting the need for emotional intelligence among educators and students alike. The episode concludes with practical advice for administrators on how to implement these strategies in their schools.
Takeaways
Fights and arguments between human beings are unnecessary.

Human beings are driven by emotions, not rationality.

Affect labeling is a technique to de-escalate anger.

Listening to emotions rather than words is crucial.

De-escalation must occur before problem-solving.

Students often act out due to a lack of connection.

Emotional abuse in families affects student behavior.

Affect labeling can create emotional safety in classrooms.

Teachers can learn to help students self-regulate emotions.

Cultural programming often devalues emotional expression.
Resources and links:
Share a PBL win or ask a question: pblshare.com
Connect with Doug:
https://dougnoll.com/school-de-escalation-training/
https://dougnoll.com/de-escalation-skills-resources/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougnoll/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doug.noll.52/
https://www.facebook.com/DouglasNoll
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dougnoll
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/douglasenoll/
DN YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtAHXdBT1Y0Pl7SGrM_HcFw
EC YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLMgSgzfVqHdriHEN3MiIKA
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/b990204361f85f4a8ac1a25a9a0920
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39min
July 22, 2025Turn Grant Funding into PBL Success | E232
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 tracking success through data and stories. The conversation provides actionable insights for educational leaders looking to create lasting change in their schools.
Takeaways
Invest in your people to sustain PBL culture.
Shift focus from programs to building belief.
Coaching is essential for successful implementation.
Professional development should include all leadership levels.
Marketing your PBL initiatives is crucial for buy-in.
Align grant objectives with educational outcomes.
Track both quantitative and qualitative data.
Create a grassroots movement for PBL.
Use grant funds to build internal systems.
Make the grant a movement, not just a moment.
Resources and links:
pblwebinar.com
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22min
July 15, 2025Becoming Epic: A Leadership Journey with Dr. Matt Kutz | E231
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 emphasizes the significance of self-awareness and the impact of leadership on others, while also introducing the idea of "3D thinking freefall" as a method to unlock creativity. The episode concludes with practical advice on managing and developing one's future self.
Takeaways
Leadership is the lid of the work that happens in schools.

Inspiration is the driving force behind effective leadership.

The Epic Framework includes excellence, perception, inspiration, and compassion.

Perfectionism hinders excellence and should be avoided.

Self-awareness is crucial for effective leadership.

Compassion for oneself leads to compassion for others.

Inspiration often strikes outside of work environments.

3D thinking freefall enhances creativity and problem-solving.

Leaders should model the behavior they want to see in others.
Resources and links:
https://drmattkutz.com/
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36min
July 08, 2025Building Sustainable PBL in Your School | E230
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, ultimately creating a culture of innovation and empowerment in schools.
Takeaways
Project-based learning (PBL) is essential for transforming school culture.
Sustainability in PBL requires a long-term commitment, not just one-off workshops.
Leadership and teacher training must occur in parallel for effective PBL implementation.
Coaching is critical for successful PBL implementation and teacher support.
Real-world projects engage students and enhance learning outcomes.
PBL should be integrated into the school's culture, not treated as an isolated initiative.
Community involvement is key to successful PBL projects.
A three-year model allows for deepening practice and leadership in PBL.
PBL can empower students and help them find their purpose in learning.
The journey to a sustainable PBL culture starts with a clear vision and commitment.
Resources and links:
pblwebinar.com
...more
24min
July 01, 2025The Power of Meditation for Busy School Leaders With Jeff Patterson | E229
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 positions.
Meditation can help reduce stress and prevent burnout, enabling leaders to have longevity in their careers.
Meditation is practiced by high-performing athletes in other fields, such as boxing and basketball, to improve performance.
Jeff Patterson's "Five Regulations" of Meditation:
Regulating the body: Paying attention to skeletal alignment, muscle tension, and movement. This includes maintaining muscle structure and flexibility, consuming healthy nutrients, and getting adequate sleep.
Regulating the breath: There are hundreds of breathing strategies, which can be categorized as yin (deeper, inward energy) or yang (aggressive, outward energy). Yin breathing involves longer inhales and shorter exhales. Yang breathing may involve tension in the breath and audible exhales.
Regulating the mind: Meditation does not require a quiet mind, as distractions are normal. Meditation involves recognizing distractions and using posture, breath, and movement to regain focus.
Regulating the energy: Once the body, breath, and mind are regulated, one can learn to direct energy inward, outward, or circulate it to achieve different outcomes in meditation.
Regulating the spirit: This is a profound concept toward which meditation masters work their entire lives.
Benefits of Meditation:
Increased focus and productivity
Enhanced emotional regulation
Improved communication skills and the ability to "yield"
Physical yielding: Getting out of the way of a force to respond with less effort. Requires being well rooted, having a strong and flexible lower body, a relaxed body, calm breath, and a present mind.
Mental yielding: Recognizing imbalances in a conversation and adjusting the conversation to lead it to a harmonious place.
Emotional yielding: Stepping back from interpersonal conflicts to make a more educated decision.
Integrating Meditation into a Busy Schedule:
Ritual Practice: A dedicated time, such as 20 minutes per day, to meditate without distractions.
Active Practices: Integrating practices throughout the day, even for as little as 60 seconds.
Philosophical Practices: Integrating the philosophy of meditation into active and ritual practices.
Jeff Patterson's Three Considerations for Starting a Meditation Practice:
Motivation: Identify your motivation for wanting to meditate. Consider how your life will change if you accomplish your meditation goals.
Consistency: Practice consistently to reap the benefits of meditation. Consistency develops discipline, integrity, and patience.
Guidance: Find a guide to save time and improve your practice.
Resources:
Website: theyieldingwarrior.com
Free Book: theyieldingwarrior.com/book
Social Media: Search "The Yielding Warrior" on social media channels
Call to Action: Consider how meditation could benefit you and commit to practicing it regularly.
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37min

FAQs about PBL Simplified for Administrators by Magnify Learning:

How many episodes does PBL Simplified for Administrators by Magnify Learning have?

The podcast currently has 240 episodes available.

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PBL Simplified for Administrators by Magnify Learning

FAQs about PBL Simplified for Administrators by Magnify Learning:

How many episodes does PBL Simplified for Administrators by Magnify Learning have?

PBL Simplified for Administrators by Magnify Learning episodes:

FAQs about PBL Simplified for Administrators by Magnify Learning:

How many episodes does PBL Simplified for Administrators by Magnify Learning have?