PBL Simplified for Administrators by Magnify Learning

• How to Be a Top 10% School | E252

  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 do differently, and how you can start moving your school into that top tier without waiting for summer PD. Key Topics Covered Why You Shouldn’t Wait Until Summer to Start PBL Leaders get stuck thinking they should “start PBL next year.” Ryan breaks down why the second semester is the smartest launchpad and how to get your leadership team trained now so teacher PD in the summer actually sticks. What You Experience at a Top 10% School Ryan explains why stepping into a top-tier PBL school feels different—teachers talk differently, students use real-world vocabulary like collaboration and conflict resolution, and the culture is unmistakably student-centered. Lessons from Model Schools From solar-powered Babcock Ranch in Florida to standout campuses across Missouri, Texas, Indiana, Kentucky, and beyond, Ryan highlights what visiting high-performing PBL schools will teach you about culture, process, and leadership clarity. The Mindset of a Top 10% Principal What do innovative leaders fear most? Hint: it’s not test scores. Ryan shares an interview with principal Cynthia Bruno, who says her biggest fear is students having ordinary school days—an unacceptable outcome for a true top-tier leader. What Top 10% Schools Do ✔ Build a strong leadership team Assistant principals, coaches, and teachers collaborate to shape and spread the vision. ✔ Use instructional coaches intentionally Not data clerks—actual co-teachers and PD leaders. ✔ Create a written 3-year vision If it’s not written, it’s not real. ✔ Protect their calendar with fierce precision Deep work blocks. Limited weekend labor. No white-space for chaos. ✔ Develop systems that outlive the leader So the school thrives even when leadership changes. What Top 10% Schools Don’t Do ✘ Sit-and-get faculty meetings Logistical items go in the newsletter—meetings are for collaboration and learning. ✘ Fixed mindset thinking Problems are solvable. Kids can grow. Systems can improve. Period. ✘ Hide in the office High-level leaders are visible, affirming, and vision-casting in classrooms daily. Practical Takeaways for Leaders If you want a top 10% school, you can’t behave like the 90%. Build leadership capacity before summer. Visit innovative schools—they’ll change your vision instantly. Anchor everything in a clear, simple, repeatable vision. Protect your time so you can do the meaningful work. Call to Action If you're ready to launch PBL with clarity and momentum, check out the on-demand and in-person webinars at pblwebinar.com. And if you want to visit a model PBL school, we can help you connect with one in your region.

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• 5 Reasons People Don't Do PBL | E251

  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 pitch, wrong audience Most PBL rollouts fail at hello. Innovators, early adopters, and the early majority need different invitations. You can’t pitch the same way to everyone and expect momentum. 2. Traditional education inertia is real We’ve operated in a traditional learning model for over a century. It’s comfortable, predictable, and familiar. PBL requires pushing a giant cultural boulder—but there is a way to move it. 3. Teachers are trained, but leaders aren’t ready When instructional practices evolve but evaluation, systems, and PD don’t, teachers eventually retreat back to what’s safe. PBL collapses when leadership isn’t aligned and trained. 4. Leaders are trained, but teachers aren’t equipped Top-down mandates always fail. Ryan explains how to build a “grassroots movement” where teachers ask for PBL—without forcing it. 5. They don’t know how awesome PBL really is When educators visit authentic PBL schools, witness the culture shift, talk to students, and see the engagement—everything changes. Most resistance is lack of exposure. Key Takeaways Buy-in isn’t about convincing—it’s about invitations. PBL fails when leadership, teachers, and systems aren’t aligned. Traditional learning inertia is strong, but it can be redirected. The best way to grow PBL isn’t mandates—it’s movement-building. When educators see PBL done well, they want in. Real-World Examples Mentioned Building internal PBL systems in Missouri and Ohio Site visits to PBL model schools like Rise Elementary and Columbus, Indiana How schools see immediate improvements in: Engagement Attendance Discipline Test scores Connect With Ryan: [email protected]

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• Innovations Within Education With Simon Holzapfel | E250

  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 distinction between progressive education—which offers specific forms of scaffolding and flexible structure—and the dangerous lack of structure found in permissive education. Simon offers insights on avoiding leadership mistakes, managing burnout, and the sustainable implementation of Project-Based Learning (PBL). He details how Leaf Lab partners with schools to use real-world problems from local companies to provide students with a digital portfolio and two professional certifications. Main Points PBL is Foundational Learning: Simon has been a PBL supporter since watching his dad teach project-based inservices in the eighties. He states that PBL was the thing and that PBL is actually how humans just learn best because it lets the "full spectrum bulb" of humanness be necessary to the learning. Defining Progressive Education: Simon notes that the progressive ed movement in America now is still not totally clear on the difference between progressive and permissive. Progressive education involves building young people for the future by providing specific forms of scaffolding targets and a structure that's flexible. PBL, in contrast to the permissive fear that it means "whatever, man," requires structures, processes, and instructional models. The Leaf Lab Model: Leaf Lab is a highly structured but flexibly scaffolded environment. The lab's PBL model is designed specifically for local companies to bring small back burner problems to their school's lab. This directly helps capacity-constrained companies by having smart college students work with young entrepreneurs in their twenties or thirties. Student Outcomes and Professional Life: The lab rejects the idea that an outdated standard of care should affect any kid's path to a professional life. Each kid exits the lab with precisely that digital portfolio and two professional certifications to show employers they solved a project using specific tools. PBL Sustainability and Vision: Leaf Lab partners with public schools, high schools, and college universities globally to bring PBL to life. For sustainability, the partnership model focuses on building up the school's own people and systems. The work is how educators have "always wanted to lead". Simon believes there is a very specific wellness case to be made for PBL, as it stops school from "sucking" for kids and makes it relatable. Takeaways Leadership Team is Non-Negotiable: A school leader must understand how much a good leadership team is the only thing that's going to make it work. It's about the team. The mistake is thinking you can be the only leadership team. Avoid Key Implementation Mistakes: Simon lists mistakes he made that are common: going too fast, and not building the team first (or not aligning the team). If you don't have a team when trying to do something different, "you're toast". Measure Success by Community Values: Innovation efforts should be measured using metrics dependent upon what the community values. A specific metric is asking parents, "Has your kids smiled yet in going to school?" and taking pictures of the child smiling as evidence that something is working. Lead with Service and Integrity: If you are going to be an authentic service leader, serve your opponents harder than your fans. Additionally, do not allow other people's feelings and comfort to be the bottleneck to your student's future. Communicate Change Effectively: When speaking to the board, leaders should anchor their arguments in local economic development and should prioritize speaking about child well-being to overcome antiquated mindsets.

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• CTE and PBL: Real-World Learning at Its Best | E249

  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, and real-world experiences are transforming student engagement and post-graduation success. Ryan explores how CTE teachers—often experts from the professional world—are empowered through PBL frameworks to deliver deeper learning and stronger instructional design, creating classrooms that mirror real workplaces. 🧠 Key Takeaways PBL + CTE = Powerful Synergy: CTE programs are naturally authentic, but PBL provides the structure and pedagogy to turn projects into powerful learning experiences. “You’re surrounded by authentic projects—PBL just gives you the structure to make them run smoother.” High Certification Success: Calvert County’s CTE students boast a 92–96% certification pass rate across 600+ students, with state funding helping all learners access these career-ready credentials. Real-World Learning Environments: From medical labs with responsive mannequins that simulate symptoms to full-scale welding and automotive shops, students gain real-world experience while still in high school. Career Confidence Before Graduation: Students discover early whether a career path fits them—saving years of college and debt. Many graduates step directly into six-figure careers in welding, HVAC, and other skilled trades. Changing the Narrative Around CTE: Ryan challenges districts to celebrate CTE achievements the same way they celebrate college signings. “Why aren’t we parading these success stories around districts?” Cross-Disciplinary Excellence: Calvert County proves that CTE isn’t a “second track.” Students can take AP English while mastering welding, HVAC, or electrical systems—bridging academics and real-world application. Sustainability Through Customization: Magnify Learning customizes every workshop to fit each program, ensuring sustainable growth and internal innovation within districts. 🧰 Resources Mentioned CTE + PBL Webinar: pbwebinar.com Learn how PBL structures elevate CTE teaching and learning. Schedule a Partnership Call: callmagnify.com Explore customized PBL training for your CTE program. 🎯 Call to Action If you’re a school leader ready to: Blend PBL into your CTE program Increase student engagement and certification success Build real-world, sustainable learning models ➡️ Visit pbwebinar.com or callmagnify.com to get started. And if you’re proud of your CTE program—reach out to be a podcast guest and share your success story!

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• Finding Joy in Leadership with Amy Balsbaugh | E248

  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-demand environments. Amy shares her research on the 10 strategies that help principals sustain joy despite the challenges of modern education, and she dives into her favorites—gratitude, relationships, and strength-based leadership. Whether you’re a veteran administrator or just starting out, this conversation reminds you that joy isn’t optional—it’s essential to long-term impact. 🧭 Key Topics Why joy is essential in education, not optional The connection between well-being and leadership longevity Top 3 practices from Amy’s dissertation: Gratitude — daily reflection or notes of appreciation Relationships — surrounding yourself with uplifting peers Strength-based leadership — leaning into your natural gifts How to establish healthy boundaries that fit your lifestyle Creating a culture of celebration with ideas like “Bonnie the Bee” The power of micro-steps to shift mindset and reclaim joy Protecting joy during tough seasons—without toxic positivity Ideas for embedding joy and wellness into principal preparation programs 🛠️ Practical Takeaways ✅ Write down 3–5 things you’re grateful for daily ✅ Schedule “no work” zones (like no emails after 8 PM) ✅ Start team meetings with a quick celebration ✅ Identify your top strengths and use them intentionally ✅ Find your “people” — mentors or peer leaders who understand the work ✅ Create joy rituals that fit your school culture (bells, notes, mascots, etc.) 📚 Resources Mentioned Amy’s Instagram: @joyfulprincipalship Website: amybalsbaugh.com

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