Educators Blog

Growing Student Achievement Through STEM-Based PBL

By Meghan Raftery

Dr. Valencia Bradshaw may be a 14-year veteran of Fulton County Public Schools, the fourth-largest school system in Georgia, but she has not always been an educator. She spent 18 years in the financial management industry before […]

Learning Experiences that Build Future-Ready Skills

By Rachelle Dene Poth

It is important for us as educators to continue to ask ourselves two questions: ​"How can we best prepare our students for the future?” ​and "How can we best prepare ourselves?" We have been looking toward the future, […]

Careers in STEM: Creating Pathways for All Learners

By Jacie Maslyk

When I was in second grade, we had a project where we shared what we wanted to be when we grew up.  I remember having some very diverse interests and really didn’t know which career path was right for me (not to mention, I was only […]

Building Student Confidence, Communication, and Collaboration

By Rachelle Dene Poth

To prepare for the future, we need to help our students develop skills that will transfer to whatever they decide to do once they leave our classrooms. An important part of learning is also the practice of reflection and […]

Why an Ecosystem Approach Advances STEM Learning

By Jacie Maslyk

Powerful learning does not happen in isolation.  This is especially true for our students, which is why STEM learning is so critical.  Learning within siloed subject areas does not allow students to see the interconnected nature of […]

5 Ideas for Adding a Future Ready Skill to Every Classroom

By Dr. David Reese

In most school districts standards and state-testing drive most curricula and classroom instruction, however, many leaders are incorporating a focus to help students succeed beyond school. Systemically, it can be a struggle trying […]

How you teach makes a difference

By Anne Jolly

Have you taught William?

Early in my teaching career, I remember walking into the school office with a bounce in my step – the holiday spirit everywhere! Student-made seasonal cards glittered on bulletin boards, a lighted tree […]

How a High School Math Teacher Uses PBL to Drive Student Achievement

It’s easier than you think!” This is the advice I gave to my colleagues who were hesitant to try Project Based Learning (PBL) using the Defined Learning platform. I attended a summer institute to learn about Defined Learning after previewing a […]

How a Fast-Growing District is Engaging Students in Real-World PBL

Learn how the fastest-growing school district in TX is empowering its teachers to deepen students' understanding of career pathways through authentic project-based learning.

Imagine if a district had a chance to build their schools from the ground […]