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

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

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

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

PBL Unit Examples

Roses, Buds, and Thorns

Addressing the Challenges (Thorns)

Getting Administrative Buy-In

Optimism about Education

Resources

PBLShare.com

PBL Movement Online Community (PMOC)

In this episode of the PBL Simplified Podcast, host Ryan Steuer discusses the critical role of reflection in Project Based Learning (PBL). He emphasizes that reflection is not just a final step but an ongoing process throughout the PBL unit. Ryan shares practical strategies for incorporating reflection into the classroom, ensuring all voices are heard, and managing feedback effectively. He also highlights the importance of teacher reflection for personal growth and creating a reflective culture among students. The episode concludes with actionable tips for fostering reflection in both teaching practices and student learning.

Takeaways

Resources and links:

Share a win or ask a question: pblshare.com

In this episode of the PBL Simplified for Teachers podcast, host Ryan Steuer talks with two passionate educators, Joanna Clark and Angela Stein, who are jumping into Project Based Learning for the first time and absolutely loving it.

Joanna, a 7th-grade science teacher with a PhD in chemistry, and Angela, an 8th-grade math and algebra teacher with a background in construction management, bring a wealth of experience and fresh perspective to their new PBL journey. They share how their first and second PBL units brought engagement, creativity, and empowerment to their middle schoolers—yes, even the ones who usually “don’t care”.

Takeaways:

Why middle school is a pivotal time for launching PBL

Two engaging PBL units: designing bath bombs and redesigning learning spaces

How real-world partnerships and student voice elevated the learning

Honest reflections from teachers just starting out with PBL

Student stories that prove PBL brings hidden talents to the surface

Why it’s way more fun to grade PBL projects than quizzes!

Whether you’re new to PBL or looking for ideas to refresh your classroom, this episode will leave you encouraged, energized, and maybe even smiling like our guests.

Resources and links:

whatispbl.com

In this episode of the PBL Simplified Podcast, Ryan Steuer discusses the critical role of inquiry in Project Based Learning (PBL). He emphasizes the importance of driving questions that spark curiosity and engagement among students. The conversation explores strategies for teaching students to ask better questions, embracing uncertainty in the learning process, and the significance of community partners in enhancing inquiry-based learning. The episode provides practical insights for educators looking to implement PBL effectively in their classrooms.

Takeaways

In this PBL Showcase, we welcome the fifth-grade team from Southside Elementary to share their incredible Project Based Learning (PBL) journey. These rockstar educators are transforming their classrooms by integrating PBL with leadership development and student empowerment—and the results are inspiring!

💡 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

Listen in to hear:

Get Your Free PBL Resources:
Visit whatispbl.com for a free set of PBL resources to kickstart your journey!

In this episode of PBL Simplified, Ryan Steuer discusses the importance of building a winning classroom culture through project-based learning (PBL). He emphasizes the need for strong core values, authentic learning experiences, accountability, risk-taking, and celebrating both successes and failures. By fostering a supportive environment, educators can enhance student engagement and intrinsic motivation, ultimately leading to a more impactful learning experience.

Takeaways

Resources and links:

whatispbl.com

pblpress.com

Email [email protected] for protocol links.

In this conversation, Ryan Steuer and Marianne Renner discuss the importance of self-talk and its impact on personal and professional growth. Marianne shares her journey of writing a book on self-talk, the challenges she faced, and how she overcame personal struggles with depression and addiction. They explore the SEAR process for changing negative stories, the significance of reframing situations, and strategies for managing emotions. The discussion emphasizes the universal nature of self-doubt and the power of vulnerability in leadership. Ryan and Marianne explore the themes of vulnerability in leadership, the importance of self-talk, and the development of positive habits. They discuss how leaders can show vulnerability to connect with their teams, the ongoing journey of personal growth, and the significance of building a supportive community. The conversation emphasizes the need for authentic communication and the power of storytelling in fostering emotional intelligence and resilience.

Takeaways

Resources and links:

mariannerenner.com

Get Marianne's book

In this episode of the PBL Simplified podcast, Ryan Steuer addresses the intersection of Project Based Learning (PBL) and state testing, a topic of both frustration and opportunity for educators. The conversation busts common myths, provides actionable insights, and highlights examples of how PBL can support state test success without sacrificing engagement or real-world relevance.

Myths about PBL and State Testing:

How PBL Supports State Testing Success:

Examples of PBL Projects Aligned with State Testing:

Elementary School: Design a lemonade stand that incorporates math skills such as addition, subtraction, and data visualization. (See Episode 164 of the PBL Simplified for Administrators podcast for more information.)

Language Arts: Create a class book, addressing numerous language arts standards through real-world application.

Middle School:

High School:

Key Takeaways:

Call to Action:

Next Episode: