PBL Simplified for Administrators 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 Project Based Learning (PBL) isn’t just for classrooms—it’s a transformative school-wide approach that starts with leadership. Hosted by Ryan Steuer, founder of Magnify Learning, this podcast is designed exclusively for school administrators, principals, and district leaders who are ready to implement and sustain PBL in their schools. Each episode breaks down real-world leadership strategies to help you build a thriving PBL culture, from crafting a clear vision to supporting teachers and engaging your community. Tune in for solo episodes with Ryan packed with actionable insights, as well as guest interviews with top educational leaders who share their challenges, wins, and best practices in making PBL a success. If you're ready to shift from traditional instruction to authentic, learner-driven education, this is the podcast for you. 🎧 Subscribe now and start leading the PBL movement in your school!
Episodes
When the building is quiet but the work isn’t done, what should leaders actually be doing? In this episode, Ryan Steuer breaks down how top-tier school leaders use those “in-between” days—when students and teachers are gone, but administrators are still on contract—to create clarity, momentum, and renewal.
Rather than reacting to email or busywork, high...
In this episode of PBL Simplified for Administrators, Ryan Steuer breaks down how school and district leaders can intentionally plan and sustain a Project Based Learning (PBL) movement—without waiting for the “perfect time” or burning out their staff. This is a practical, leadership-focused roadmap for turning PBL ...
What separates a top 10% school from the other 90%? In this episode, Ryan lays out the habits, systems, and mindsets that high-performing, innovative schools share—and the traps they refuse to touch. You’ll hear why visiting model PBL schools is a game-changer, what visionary principals actually
In this episode, Ryan shares the honest, often-overlooked reasons school leaders struggle to launch Project Based Learning—even when everyone knows it works. Whether you’re wrestling with teacher buy-in, traditional systems, or shifting school culture, this episode breaks down the five biggest barriers and gives you practical ways to overcome them.
What We Cover
1. Wrong ...
Simon Holzapfel, the CFO and Co-founder of Leaf Lab, joins the podcast to share his experience in education, leadership, and business, describing himself as a "PBL fanboy". Simon asserts that PBL was the heart of education because it caused the learning to bond to something other than just the head, such as the body or heart, making the subject matter truly matter. He clarifies the crucial d...
In this episode, Ryan shares his firsthand experience visiting Calvert County’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, where Project-Based Learning (PBL) and hands-on technical education intersect to create incredible outcomes for students. The visit highlights how authentic projects, structured pedagogy, an...
In this inspiring leadership episode, Ryan Steuer talks with Amy Balsbaugh, principal and researcher on joy and well-being in school leadership. Together, they unpack practical ways school leaders can protect their joy, model balance, and lead with gratitude—even in high-deman...
In this episode, Ryan Steuer breaks down why employability skills—communication, collaboration, problem solving, and agency—are what truly prepare students for life beyond school. Drawing from his business background and classroom experience, Ryan connects how PBL builds the exact skills employers and communities s...
In this leadership episode of the PBL Simplified Podcast for Administrators, host Ryan Steuer sits down with David Richards — founder of Growth Public Schools, Changemaker Micro Schools, and host of the Changemaker EDU Read more
In this episode, Ryan tackles a question that’s been floating around education circles: “Is Project Based Learning too hard?”
Spoiler: No—it’s not too hard when done the right way.
Drawing from over a decade of work in schools across ...
In this powerful leadership episode, host Ryan Steuer sits down with Matt DeHart, founder of Teach from DeHart Academy and Teach from DeHart Foundation, to explore what it looks like to build a school model that transforms both stu...
In this episode, Ryan Steuer unpacks the concept of “random acts of STEM” and explains how Project Based Learning (PBL) provides the structure, authenticity, and engagement needed to make STEM meaningful. Instead of relying on flashy experiments to capture attention, Ryan shows how PBL connects science, math, and i...
Today's podcast discusses three solutions that Project-Based Learning (PBL) brings to Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.
Key Resources & Connections
- PBL Networks: Administrators and staff members fired up about PBL should check out pblnetworks.com. This pl...
In this conversation, Marsha Enright discusses her journey from Montessori education to founding Reliance College, emphasizing the importance of independent learning and the development of autonomous, self-directed individuals. She shares insights on how Montessori principles can be adapted for higher education, the significance of real-world applications, and the need for effective teacher training. The...
In this episode, Ryan Steuer of Magnify Learning details a five-year implementation plan for launching a Project-Based Learning (PBL) movement in a large district, specifically focusing on 13 middle schools. While the example is niche, the process is designed to be customizable and scalable for districts of any size. The episode emphasizes the impo...
In this conversation, Dr. Josh McConkey discusses the importance of leadership in education, emphasizing the need for accountability, resilience, and mentoring in preparing youth for the future. He shares insights from his experiences in the military and healthcare, highlighting the significance of empowering teachers and students alike. The discussion also covers the challenges of change management in e...
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 administr...
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 relat...
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 ...
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