PBL Simplified for Teachers by Magnify Learning

By Magnify LearningEducation

PBL Simplified for Teachers by Magnify Learning episodes

October 06Can You Really Learn PBL From a Book? | E25
Join Ryan as he discusses supporting teachers who are new to Project Based Learning (PBL). He emphasizes practical tips and a wealth of resources to make PBL approachable and effective in the classroom. The discussion explores whether educators can truly start implementing PBL by using a book and highlighted the PBL Simplified book and its accompanying resources as valuable tools for educators at all experience levels.

Main Points
One concept discussed was the effectiveness of learning and launching project-based learning through self-guided resources, such as the PBL Simplified book, when supported with tools and examples.
A key theme that emerged was the power of collaborative learning—teachers were encouraged to find colleagues to work with as they implement PBL, though starting solo is also possible.
Several points were raised, including the importance of starting small with manageable PBL units, focusing on core standards, and utilizing available planning templates and rubrics.
The discussion explored the difference between training workshops and self-study, noting that while hands-on training is valuable, the book and free resources enable meaningful progress.
Resources like planning forms, driving question rubrics, group contracts, and assessment slide decks are readily available in the PBL Movement Community to help remove barriers for teachers.

Notable Quotes
“Can you use a book to start Project Based Learning in your classroom? I think you can.”
“You want to pick an authentic problem that your kids can solve because that's what brings engagement.”
“You can find a 2 to 3 week PBL unit that you can do very successfully right there in your community and get the engagement and the academic outcomes that you want for your learners.”

Call to Action
Ready to learn more and access a wealth of project-based learning resources? Visit magnifypbl.com to get started, explore training opportunities, and enhance your PBL journey.
18 min
September 01How to Make Learning Matter: Purpose, Story, and PBL With Trevor Muir | E24
In this episode, Ryan Steuer sits down with Trevor Muir, educator, author, and host of The Epic Classroom podcast, to dive into authentic, purpose-driven teaching and project-based learning (PBL). Trevor Muir shares his journey from a disengaged student to a passionate educator, and discusses how embedding story and purpose into schoolwork transforms both students’ and teachers’ experiences in the classroom. They explore the practicalities of getting started with PBL, embracing imperfection as a teacher, and the critical role purpose plays in education today.

Main Points
Purpose-Centered Education: Trevor Muir emphasizes the need to infuse meaning and real-world application into lessons, arguing that both students and teachers thrive when the work genuinely matters.
Project-Based Learning as Storytelling: Drawing parallels with the hero’s journey, Trevor Muir explains how impactful projects follow a story arc—students encounter a problem, gather knowledge, face challenges, and produce meaningful outcomes.
Accessible Innovation: Teachers don’t need to overhaul everything—starting with just one purposeful project or authentic problem can make a significant difference. Innovation means adding value, not replacing effective practices.
Learning from Failures: Both speakers discuss the importance of iteration, reflection, and giving educators permission to try, fail, and improve—underscoring that great projects often emerge from initial missteps.
Teacher Mindset and Well-being: Enjoyment in teaching rises when students are engaged in purposeful work. Trevor Muir champions the idea that teachers should regularly revisit and refresh their approach for renewed satisfaction and effectiveness.

Three Notable Quotes
“Humans want to know that the work they do in this world matters. We all do. It is built within our design to live and operate that way.” — Trevor Muir
“Innovation truly means adding value to the work that you’re doing. It doesn’t mean replacing, it means adding value.” — Trevor Muir
“If you can’t articulate what the purpose of learning this material is, I think it’s pretty important that we figure out what it actually is. I mean, I think that’s the litmus test.” — Trevor Muir

Call to Action
Ready to add purpose and project-based learning to your classroom?Visit magnifypbl.com to find tools, resources, and inspiration to start your PBL journey today!
37 min
August 04The Entry Event is Everything...And You're Probably Rushing It | E23
In this episode, Ryan Steuer dives into the critical role of the entry event in Project-Based Learning (PBL). He discusses how a well-designed entry event sets the stage for student engagement, authentic inquiry, and real-world connection throughout a PBL unit. Sharing practical insights and examples, Ryan Steuer emphasizes why teachers should invest time and creativity into crafting compelling entry events to maximize student involvement and drive meaningful learning outcomes.
Main Points
The entry event is foundational to sparking student curiosity and engagement right from the start of a PBL unit.
Strong entry events offer students clarity, purpose, and a sense of importance in their project, making standards and academic work more meaningful.
Community partners and real-world problems elevate authenticity and emotional connection, distinguishing effective entry events from mere scenarios.
A weak entry event often leads to surface-level questions and low buy-in, but teachers can refine and relaunch for better results.
Teachers should avoid over-explaining; let curiosity and inquiry emerge naturally through the event’s activities and design.
Collaboration among grade or department teams can enhance entry event quality through feedback and tuning protocols.
Notable Quotes
"Your Entry event is really the foundation of engagement, purpose and clarity."
"If you have a powerful entry event, it is creating curiosity... there should be an emotional connection that you build if there’s a really great entry event."
"When you have a great entry event, you don’t have to tell your learners why it matters. You’ve designed an entry event where they're experiencing that."
Call to Action
Want more resources and support for creating impactful PBL experiences? Visit magnifypbl.com today!
12 min
July 07The Permission Slip Every PBL Teacher Needs | E22
In this episode, Ryan Steuer shares personal stories and actionable advice to empower teachers to embrace Project Based Learning (PBL) without waiting for external approval.
From candid recollections of classroom struggles to the transformative power of PBL, this episode is a rallying cry for educators to start teaching the way they've always wanted. Listeners will find encouragement, practical tips, and permission to take the first step toward more engaging, student-centered learning.
Main Points
You Don't Need Permission: Ryan stresses that teachers shouldn't wait for perfect conditions or administrative approval to begin PBL—permission comes from within.
Learn Through Action: Initial attempts at PBL (and pre-PBL methods like service learning) might be messy or even fail, but each step is valuable for learning and growth.
Small Steps Matter: Teachers can integrate PBL practices into traditional classrooms without overhauling everything—bringing in community partners, using collaborative protocols, and offering more voice and choice are effective starting points.
Iterate and Improve: Every strong PBL classroom started somewhere imperfect. Being transparent with students about what works and what doesn’t fosters a collaborative and adaptive environment.
Impact Beyond Content: True fulfillment in teaching comes from seeing broader student transformation—not just from delivering content but by changing lives and creating opportunities.
Notable Quotes
"Waiting for permission is the fastest way to stay stuck."
"You're not waiting to become a PBL teacher. You become one by starting. So here is your permission to teach inspired."

Call To Action
Ready to start your PBL journey? Get practical resources, videos, and weekly inspiration at magnifypbl.com. Don’t wait for permission—make the change today!
18 min
June 02Why 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.
13 min
May 05Teach 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 to register for free tips and YouTube videos that will guide you step-by-step on your Project Based Learning journey!
18 min
April 07How 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
Join the PBL community for support, courses, and collaboration
Try one small PBL shift in your classroom this week
Rate and review the podcast to support other educators
24 min
July 29, 2025Helping 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
Jacob's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacobkarnes/
Jacob's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobkarnes/
Share a win or ask a question: pblshare.com
40 min
July 15, 2025School 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
Facebook: Facebook Profile
LinkedIn: LinkedIn Profile
28 min
July 01, 2025PBL 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
PBL Movement Online Community (PMOC)
42 min

About PBL Simplified for Teachers by Magnify Learning

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WHAT: Weekly episodes for PBL TEACHERS. Guest and solo episodes to answer your most significant PBL Need to Knows. We bring information AND inspiration!

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PBL Simplified for Teachers by Magnify Learning

PBL Simplified for Teachers by Magnify Learning episodes

About PBL Simplified for Teachers by Magnify Learning