PBL Simplified for Administrators by Magnify Learning

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 educational settings and the vital role of ordinary actions in mentoring and teaching. Takeaways Empowering youth is essential for future leadership.Resiliency is crucial for overcoming modern challenges.Accountability must be upheld at all levels of leadership.Mentoring can significantly impact youth development.Every action taken by educators influences their students.Change management is necessary for evolving educational practices.Ordinary moments can have profound effects on students.Ownership in learning fosters student engagement.Complacency in leadership can hinder progress.Continuous improvement is vital in education. Resources and links: whatispbl.com Connect with Dr. McConkey: Website: www.weightbehindthespear.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshmcconkeymd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joshua.mcconkey LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-mcconkey-md/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/mcconkey007 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drjoshmcconkey IMDB: https://www.imdb.me/joshmcconkey

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: 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 This concept is crucial for school leaders feeling stuck between outdated expectations and 21st-century needs. 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. 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 in learners, which she sees as critical capabilities for the future. 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 that tap into individual agency. Jill encourages leaders to "work out loud" and model adaptive behaviors for their staff and students. Instead of rigid five-year plans based on controlling variables, Jill advocates for 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. Many in institutions carry a "heaviness" of responsibility and perceived expectations. Jill invites leaders to , 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. Instead of framing change as "problems to be solved," Jill suggests focusing on 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. 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=5V8ucQrP0j8https://www.instagram.com/thetenpermissions/?hl=enPre-order the book: http://bit.ly/44GUoms

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 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.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 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.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.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) : The need for more resources and core leaders in buildings and across grade levels/content areas is a significant challenge.: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://magnifypbl.mykajabi.com/pmoc

Key Moves to Increase Student Engagement: ◦ Leaders should share their vision often and loudly, connecting it with teachers' personal "why". Your teachers look to you for vision. ◦ 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". ◦ 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. ◦ 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: . by observing classrooms and identifying teachers who are already doing great things. by lifting up their PBL-like actions (e.g., great entry events, community partners, voice and choice). for discussing PBL and fostering staff collaboration. so they can experience it firsthand and then model it for their students. Once student engagement is achieved, . Leadership Advice and Resources: . Leading is challenging, so build a team. Consider 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.

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/

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: pblmasterclass.com

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

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: pblmasterclass.com

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/

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: pblmasterclass.com

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: : Paying attention to skeletal alignment, muscle tension, and movement. This includes maintaining muscle structure and flexibility, consuming healthy nutrients, and getting adequate sleep.: 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.: Meditation does not require a quiet mind, as distractions are normal. Meditation involves recognizing distractions and using posture, breath, and movement to regain focus.: 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.: This is a profound concept toward which meditation masters work their entire lives. Benefits of Meditation: Increased focus and productivityEnhanced emotional regulationImproved communication skills and the ability to "yield": 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.: Recognizing imbalances in a conversation and adjusting the conversation to lead it to a harmonious place.: Stepping back from interpersonal conflicts to make a more educated decision. Integrating Meditation into a Busy Schedule: A dedicated time, such as 20 minutes per day, to meditate without distractions.: Integrating practices throughout the day, even for as little as 60 seconds. Integrating the philosophy of meditation into active and ritual practices. Jeff Patterson's Three Considerations for Starting a Meditation Practice: : Identify your motivation for wanting to meditate. Consider how your life will change if you accomplish your meditation goals.: Practice consistently to reap the benefits of meditation. Consistency develops discipline, integrity, and patience.: Find a guide to save time and improve your practice. Resources: : theyieldingwarrior.com: theyieldingwarrior.com/book: Search "The Yielding Warrior" on social media channels Call to Action: Consider how meditation could benefit you and commit to practicing it regularly.

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. Takeaways Community partners enhance real-world applicability in education. Inquiry increases when community partners are involved. Identify partners who care about educational standards. Start local when seeking community partners. Warm connections are more effective than cold outreach. Community partners should be treated warmly and welcomed. Engagement events can foster community partnerships. Students can help guide community partners in schools. Regular breakfasts can build strong community relationships. Creating an ecosystem for partnerships is essential for PBL success.

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: Visualizing data can reveal trends and patterns that might not be apparent from looking at raw data in spreadsheets. Different graphs are better suited for different types of data and audiences. Qualitative data can provide context and insights that numbers alone cannot. What do they want their audience to learn or do with the information? Actionable Steps: Resources: policyviz.com @JSchwabish Envivo, Dedoose, Atlas.ti Call to Action:

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 positive school culture. He provides practical tips for job satisfaction and highlights the significance of daily practices and delegation in leadership. Takeaways Transforming schools through project-based learning is possible. Leadership teams can create effective three-year plans for PBL. Cynthia Bruno's school improved from a D to an A in two years. Connecting with your purpose is essential for effective leadership. Empowering teachers fosters a positive PBL environment. Celebrating small wins increases job satisfaction. Creating moments of joy enhances the school culture. Daily practices can lead to greater fulfillment in your role. Delegation allows leaders to focus on strategic initiatives. Finding joy in learning is crucial for educators.

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 believes the “sweet spot” is a place where adults and kids feel connected and challenged. His executive coaching training grounded in emotional intelligence changed his life and gave him a framework to address his observations. He seeks to create the conditions for learning and thriving for individuals, teams, and learning communities. The Value of Executive Coaching Executive coaching helps build competencies, not skills.It focuses on the “below the surface” aspects, like beliefs and mindsets, that affect competency.Coaching helps identify roadblocks that training alone can’t address, like being conflict-averse.Coaching helps leaders shift deep-seated habits based on core values.It empowers individuals to find their own solutions.It creates a ripple effect, enabling leaders to coach their teams. Success Story: The Second-Year Principal A high-achieving assistant principal, promoted to principal, struggled with delegation.Coaching revealed her underlying beliefs: She felt the need to prove herself, to be liked, to not overburden others, and that this was what leadership entailed.This led to her disempowering her team and hindering their growth.By connecting her actions to her core value of developing people, she found the motivation to change.She learned to self-coach, interrupting her old patterns and reminding herself of her true goal. The Five Square Method This coaching process is based on the four dimensions of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management.It emphasizes that 75% of leadership happens internally.Leaders must understand their own values, mindsets, and potential obstacles before engaging others.Social awareness, particularly empathy, is key to understanding others’ perspectives and choosing effective engagement strategies.A fifth square, “core values,” was added to highlight their importance in guiding leadership decisions. The Importance of Listening Executive coaching involves the coach listening 70% of the time.This allows the person being coached to process information and find their own insights. Expertise for School Leaders The most important expertise for school leaders is being the “learning leader.”This means embodying a growth mindset, fostering relational trust and belonging, and balancing challenge and care for adults as well as students. Launching a Vision Connect the vision to your core values.Make it a shared vision by listening to and incorporating your team’s aspirations.View implementing the vision as adaptive change, involving the people affected in the solution.Focus on the common ground of shared values and goals. Opportunities in the Future of Education Shift from short-term fixes to long-term strategies that address teacher and leader retention.Prioritize creating a supportive and challenging learning community for adults.Recognize the contagious nature of emotions: Adults’ engagement in learning will inspire students. Parting Advice This work is a marathon, not a sprint: Take care of yourselves and each other.Build a strong team that provides both support and challenge.Maintain hope and belief in your collective ability to overcome challenges. Call to Action Don’t go it alone. Seek support through coaching or masterminds. Resources : NobleStoryGroup.com: Matt Taylor, Noble Story Group: EI Mindset Self AssessmentBook: The Noble School Leader

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 and meditation can help, it's important to address the root causes of burnout. Three Key Ways to Reignite Teachers' Love of Teaching: : Teachers need the freedom to design meaningful and engaging projects that are tailored to their students' needs.Following a rigid scope and sequence can stifle creativity and excitement.PBL provides opportunities for both teachers and learners to have autonomy.: Focus on both student-teacher and teacher-teacher connections.Teachers want to connect with their students on a personal level beyond just the curriculum.Creating opportunities for teachers to collaborate and connect with their peers is crucial.: Teachers need to feel that their work is meaningful and connected to real-world problems.PBL can provide this sense of relevance and purpose.When students are engaged, teachers are also more likely to be engaged and feel fulfilled. Practical Steps Administrators Can Take Immediately: .Redesign faculty meetings to be more collaborative and to celebrate successes.Use faculty meetings to build relationships between teachers.We offer a free resource for how to redo your faculty meeting on our website, magnifypbl.com..Encourage teachers to give students voice and choice in their learning.Consider starting a student voice group to gather feedback.: Find out what activities or actions bring joy to individual teachers and implement them.It may vary by grade level or content area.Something as simple as a positive note can mean a lot to teachers.: Provide opportunities for teachers to share what they have tried.Create a culture of collaboration and shared learning. in the school to reduce teacher turnover.When teachers are excited to be there, it creates a positive current. Call to Action: Challenge teachers to reflect on one small change they can make to bring joy back into their teaching.Recognize that joy is an important part of the educational process, along with standardized tests and learning outcomes. Additional Resources Mentioned: Binge PBL for Administrators Podcast (magnifypbl.com) for a free resource on how to redo your faculty meetingpblpress.com for books to help with project-based learningDesign Days where you can visit a PBL model site and create a three-year implementation planEpisode 158: No More Teacher Turnover Next Episode: Features a leadership guest, Matthew Taylor, a coach for principals and administrators in Washington DC.

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 achieving personal and professional growth. The conversation highlights the significance of vulnerability in leadership and the ongoing nature of self-improvement. Takeaways Self-talk is a universal experience for everyone. Changing self-talk can lead to significant personal transformation. Leaders should embrace vulnerability to connect with others. The SEER process helps in reframing negative narratives. Emotional awareness is crucial for effective leadership. Practicing self-talk is similar to developing a workout routine. Vulnerability can enhance leadership effectiveness. Every situation presents a choice in how we respond. Self-talk can either empower or hinder our actions. Continuous self-improvement is a lifelong journey. Resources and links: mariannerenner.com Get Marianne's book

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 supportive culture to drive student success. The conversation also highlights success stories and practical advice for educators and leaders looking to implement or improve PLCs in their schools. Takeaways PLCs should be viewed as a culture, not just meetings. Creating a psychologically safe environment is crucial for effective PLCs. Teacher team leaders play a vital role in building capacity within their teams. Mindsets and assumptions significantly impact leadership effectiveness. Conflict can be a positive force for growth in teams. Ongoing learning and reflection are essential for successful PLCs. Success stories demonstrate the effectiveness of PLCs in various school settings. Adult culture in schools directly influences student culture. Educators need clarity on what to guarantee every student learns. Collaboration among teachers leads to better outcomes for students. Resources and links: allthingsplc.info The Teacher Team Leader Handbook Information Get Chad's Book: Amazon Solution Tree Book Resources

Key takeaways from this episode: The strength of the relationship between teachers and students significantly impacts learning outcomes. Educators should strive to understand and acknowledge each student's individual needs and experiences. 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 are responding. Attachment refers to the strength of the relationship between two people, often an adult and a child. Attunement refers to adults adjusting their nervous system to match that of the child. Empowering students to take ownership of their learning is crucial, especially for neurodivergent learners. Principals can support teachers by acknowledging their challenges, offering help, and promoting a positive school culture. Parents of neurodivergent children want educators to understand their child's unique needs and collaborate with them to create a supportive learning environment. Educators should approach challenging situations with curiosity and give themselves and their students grace. Call to Action: Be more curious in your interactions with students, teachers, and parents, especially those who present challenges. Resources: whatispbl.comPodcast: Complicated Kids Podcast

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: Studies show that PBL can lead to significant gains in standardized test scores, AP exam scores, and literacy and numeracy skills. PBL provides opportunities for students to develop self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. PBL helps students develop 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and inquiry, as well as career preparation skills. Examples and Resources: This school improved its state test score from a D to an A using PBL. This school, which already had an A, implemented PBL to improve employability skills for its high socioeconomic and ELL students. They then had the highest growth on their state standardized test in the entire state. This Title 1 elementary school also saw success with PBL. Ryan discusses a PBL program he started in a large middle school that led to increased attendance, decreased discipline issues, and improved academic outcomes for the participating students. This organization conducted randomized controlled trials in 2021 that demonstrated the positive impact of PBL on student learning. This organization provides resources on SEL competencies. Ryan’s book, PBL Simplified, provides a framework for implementing PBL, including the six steps of PBL and strategies for grouping students.Life's a Project is another book that delves deeper into PBL implementation. Call to Action: School administrators should articulate the benefits of PBL to teachers, parents, and students. Administrators should support teachers in trying new approaches and provide resources and support for their efforts. Recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of teachers and students involved in PBL. Next Episode: Neuroscience behind great learning, focusing on attunement and the importance of authentic PBL. PBL Research: https://www.lucasedresearch.org/research/research-briefs/