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...
Jul 08, 2025•23 min
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 longevit...
Jul 01, 2025•37 min
In this episode of the PBL Simplified podcast, host Ryan Steuer discusses the critical role of community partners in Project Based Learning (PBL) for school administrators. He outlines strategies for identifying, engaging, and building relationships with community partners to enhance student learning and real-world applicability. The conversation emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive ecosystem for community partnerships and offers practical tips for organizing engagement events. Tak...
Jun 24, 2025•15 min
Episode Summary: This episode features Jon Schwabish, an economist and data visualization expert, who discusses how school administrators can use data visualization to better understand and communicate data to improve their schools. Key Takeaways: Data visualization can help school administrators quickly understand their data and make better decisions. Visualizing data can reveal trends and patterns that might not be apparent from looking at raw data in spreadsheets. School administrators should...
Jun 10, 2025•36 min
In this episode of the PBL Simplified Podcast, host Ryan Steuer discusses the transformative power of Project Based Learning (PBL) in schools. He shares insights on how educators can empower themselves and their teams to create thriving educational environments. Through the success story of principal Cynthia Bruno, listeners learn about the impact of PBL on student engagement and achievement. Ryan emphasizes the importance of connecting with one's purpose, empowering teachers, and creating a pos...
May 27, 2025•21 min
This episode of the PBL Simplified Podcast features guest Matt Taylor, who leads the Noble Story Group, a consulting firm that focuses on emotional intelligence-based leadership development in education and nonprofits. Matt’s “Why” He had an epiphany while observing both urban district schools and charter schools that they either had teachers with great technical and instructional skills, but unhappy students and teachers or they were happy places where students weren’t being challenged. He beli...
May 13, 2025•38 min
This episode focuses on practical ways administrators can address teacher burnout and reignite their passion for teaching. Burnout is characterized by a disconnect from the joy of teaching, often stemming from a lack of autonomy and meaningful teaching opportunities. Project Based learning (PBL) is presented as a way to combat teacher burnout by fostering a student-centered approach that can revitalize teachers' love of teaching. This episode emphasizes that while quick fixes like hot chocolate ...
Apr 29, 2025•18 min
In this episode, Ryan Steuer interviews leadership coach Marianne Renner about her new book, Self Talk: 10 Stories You Tell Yourself That Hold You Back . They discuss the importance of self-talk in leadership, the impact of personal narratives on emotional well-being, and practical strategies for transforming negative self-talk into empowering narratives. Marianne shares her personal journey of overcoming depression and addiction, emphasizing the power of mindset and emotional awareness in achie...
Apr 15, 2025•34 min
In this episode of the PBL Simplified for Administrators podcast, host Ryan Steuer welcomes back Dr. Chad Dumas to discuss the importance of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) in enhancing Project Based Learning (PBL) environments. They explore the mindset and culture necessary for effective PLCs, the role of teacher team leaders, and strategies for creating a collaborative and safe environment for educators. Dr. Dumas emphasizes the significance of adult learning and the need for a suppor...
Apr 01, 2025•40 min
Key takeaways from this episode: Relationships are paramount in education: The strength of the relationship between teachers and students significantly impacts learning outcomes. Seeing each child: Educators should strive to understand and acknowledge each student's individual needs and experiences. The Importance of Nervous Systems: Educators should be aware of their own nervous system and how it impacts their students. They should also be mindful of their students' nervous systems and how they...
Mar 18, 2025•33 min
This episode focuses on the benefits of Project Based Learning (PBL) for K-12 students. It explores how PBL can enhance academic achievement, social-emotional learning (SEL), and future readiness. Key Takeaways: PBL improves academic performance. Studies show that PBL can lead to significant gains in standardized test scores, AP exam scores, and literacy and numeracy skills. PBL supports social-emotional learning. PBL provides opportunities for students to develop self-awareness, self-management...
Mar 04, 2025•19 min
This episode of the PBL Simplified podcast features David Griffith, a content creator coach and former middle school teacher with over 1.2 million followers on TikTok. In this episode, Griffith discusses the importance of social media for school leaders and offers practical advice on how to use social media effectively to engage with the community. Key takeaways from the episode: School leaders need to be on social media because that's where the attention is. People are spending more and more ti...
Feb 18, 2025•35 min
Episode Summary: This episode explores the definition of Project Based Learning (PBL) from the perspective of three key audiences: students, teachers, and administrators. Host Ryan Steuer emphasizes the importance of tailoring the explanation of PBL to resonate with each group, highlighting the unique benefits they experience through its implementation. Key Takeaways: For Students: PBL fosters deep content knowledge by providing context and real-world applications for core subjects. It cultivate...
Feb 04, 2025•17 min
Ashley Green is a versatile educator with 19 years of experience as a language arts teacher, curriculum coordinator, and principal. She is the owner of Green Tree Educational Solutions, a consulting agency in Mississippi dedicated to helping individuals and organizations achieve their full potential. She also serves as an adjunct professor, training and preparing future educators. Green's "why" is to help people, including teachers, students, and leaders, reach their full potential. Keys to a Su...
Jan 21, 2025•26 min
Podcast Summary: This episode provides three practical strategies for school administrators to gain momentum for project-based learning (PBL) in their schools. The three strategies are: Get started today. This means taking steps like visiting schools with successful PBL programs, engaging in book studies about PBL, or listening to podcasts on PBL for administrators. When visiting other schools, administrators should bring along key stakeholders like assistant principals, teachers, community part...
Jan 07, 2025•18 min
Transform your faculty meetings into the highlight of the semester! Imagine your teachers leaving every session not only informed but inspired and ready to implement Project Based Learning in their classrooms. This episode will equip you with the tools to revolutionize your meetings by shifting away from mundane announcements and passive professional development. Say goodbye to the old "sit and get" approach and usher in vibrant, interactive gatherings that truly reflect the teaching excellence ...
Jan 01, 2025•15 min
What if the key to unlocking unparalleled success lies in the tiny, everyday habits we often overlook? Uncover the transformative potential of habit stacking through insights drawn from James Clear's "Atomic Habits" and BJ Fogg's "Tiny Habits." This episode will equip you with practical strategies for seamlessly integrating new habits into your routines, ensuring they become second nature. From overcoming imposter syndrome to aligning daily actions with your professional and personal aspirations...
Dec 25, 2024•16 min•Season 7Ep. 214
What if you could harness the power of strategic goal-setting to revolutionize your 2025? Join us as we unlock secrets to mastering intentional goals, setting you up for success well before the year even begins. We’re unveiling strategies that go beyond the mundane, helping you craft goals with purpose and vision. Our upcoming 2025 podcast offerings are designed to be your guiding light, whether you're leading the charge in a Project Based Learning movement or enhancing your classroom techniques...
Dec 18, 2024•18 min•Season 7Ep. 213
Former educator Matt Eyler shares his inspiring journey from the classroom to the dojo, revealing how martial arts became a beacon of hope and resilience during the turbulent times of the COVID pandemic. In our conversation, Matt opens up about his unique teaching approach, which intertwines character education and self-regulation with martial arts, creating a nurturing environment that promotes personal growth and leadership. You'll hear how his passion for martial arts from a young age guided ...
Dec 11, 2024•36 min•Season 7Ep. 212
Unlock the secrets to enhancing your Project Based Learning (PBL) experience with five guaranteed community partners eager to support educators everywhere. From the bustling corridors of the Indianapolis Children's Museum to the nurturing environments of local martial arts studios, discover how these partners can transform your curriculum. We'll share how large museums and zoos are ready to provide extensive curriculum support and immersive field trip opportunities, even in a virtual format. Lea...
Dec 04, 2024•18 min•Season 7Ep. 211
Unlock the transformative power of gratitude and purpose in your educational journey with our latest episode! Discover how embracing thankfulness can revolutionize your classroom experience, as we explore the profound impact of recognizing and celebrating student achievements. You'll learn actionable strategies to identify and acknowledge student successes, helping to create a more positive learning environment. By understanding your "why" in education, you'll find renewed motivation and passion...
Nov 27, 2024•9 min•Season 7Ep. 210
What if the key to unlocking student potential lies in transforming traditional teaching methods? We explore this question with the innovator, Lauran Kerr-Heraly, Ph.D., from Houston Community College, who is revolutionizing classrooms through active learning, Project Based Learning (PBL), and gamification. Lauran shares her approaches that bring history to life, illustrating how smaller class sizes at her college provide the perfect environment for creative experimentation. Her techniques, incl...
Nov 20, 2024•32 min•Season 7Ep. 209
Join us for an eye-opening episode where Jared and Jen, the dynamic co-founders of Forget the Rankings, challenge the traditional perceptions of college selection. They push back against the prestige-driven mindset, urging us to reconsider what truly matters in the college search. Through their engaging conversation, you'll learn about a values-based approach that prioritizes personal happiness and fulfillment. Jared shares a memorable anecdote illustrating why we should celebrate every student'...
Nov 13, 2024•34 min•Season 7Ep. 208
Unlock the full potential of Project Based Learning (PBL) and transform the way students prepare for college. Discover how PBL not only equips learners with essential skills like collaboration and self-awareness but also empowers them to navigate the challenges of university life with confidence. Join us as Ryan Steuer, CIO of Magnify Learning, shares his insights and experiences from the classroom, illustrating how PBL bridges the gap between high school and the daunting college lecture halls o...
Nov 06, 2024•21 min•Season 7Ep. 207
What if transforming the educational landscape was simpler than we thought? Drawing from my extensive decade-long journey with PBL, this episode offers insights into how educators can harness this methodology to not only engage their students more effectively but also invigorate their own teaching practices. We explore how PBL addresses educational challenges, providing opportunities that traditional methods often miss, and how this approach fits into Simon Sinek's innovation curve. By understan...
Oct 30, 2024•20 min•Season 7Ep. 206
Can Project Based Learning (PBL) truly change the trajectory of a student's life? Join Ryan Steuer, CIO of Magnify Learning as we explore the answer through inspiring stories on the PBL Simplified Podcast. Meet Skyler, whose journey from disengagement to discovery highlights the profound impact PBL can have on students. Raised in a low socioeconomic background, Skyler found his education transformed when it connected to real-world applications. Hear how meaningful projects, like aiding parents w...
Oct 23, 2024•18 min•Season 7Ep. 205
Transform education by mastering the art of Project Based Learning (PBL) with us. Discover how to effectively integrate PBL into your school's educational framework by addressing critical questions every leader should consider. We will unveil the power of community support through the PBL Movement online community, offering you access to virtual and in-person conferences, on-demand courses, and an expansive project library. Learn how principals can nurture passionate teachers by embedding them i...
Oct 16, 2024•21 min•Season 7Ep. 204
Ever wondered how Project Based Learning can transform your school? Join me, Ryan Steuer, on the PBL Simplified Podcast as we unlock the secrets to transforming educational environments with innovative methodologies. This episode will guide you through the essential steps to get started with PBL, emphasizing the unique experiences that can be found at a PBL conference. With an upcoming virtual conference on October 16th, you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in PBL concepts and join a vibra...
Oct 09, 2024•19 min•Season 7Ep. 203
Are you ready to transform your school's approach to learning? Tune in to the PBL Simplified Podcast as we spotlight Perry Township District in Indianapolis and uncover the secrets behind their thriving Project Based Learning (PBL) system. As the fifth largest district in Indiana, Perry Township has successfully integrated PBL across a 22,000-student population. We break down three game-changing strategies: training administrators by modeling the process, training teachers by modeling the proces...
Oct 02, 2024•21 min•Season 7Ep. 202
Ready to revolutionize your school's approach to learning? In our 200th episode celebration, we unveil the top 10 tips for administrators eager to embark on the Project Based Learning (PBL) journey. Learn how to build a dedicated learning team and gain invaluable insights from visits to successful PBL schools. Discover how to create a grassroots movement that transforms your school culture organically, starting with a strong foundation and a clear vision. Transform your faculty meetings into pow...
Sep 25, 2024•24 min•Season 7Ep. 201
