S1 E4 Show Notes

Episode 4 of the PBL Network Podcast: PBL × CTE Limited Series features Business & Marketing Instructor and skilled PBL facilitator Brian Schoch of New Albany-Plain Local Schools in Ohio, who shares how authentic project‑based learning helps students build adaptability, communication skills, and real‑world readiness for a workforce that’s constantly changing. Brian offers practical insights from his classroom, highlighting the mindsets and experiences learners need to thrive in unpredictable career pathways.

For the full breakdown of topics, resources, and key takeaways, explore the complete show notes here:

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S1 E3 Show Notes

In Episode 3, Ashley talks with Jennifer Woods, CTE Director for Currituck County Schools in North Carolina, about why career exploration shouldn’t wait until high school. Jennifer shares how early exposure helps students discover their strengths sooner, builds confidence, and opens doors to meaningful pathways long before graduation. She highlights practical strategies districts can use to integrate career-connected learning into upper elementary grades and explains how community partnerships make exploration authentic and accessible for all learners.

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S1 E2 Show Notes

In Episode 2, Ashley sits down with Ronni Morrissey, a STEM and Pathway to Engineering teacher from Southern Maryland, to explore what PBL looks like when it’s fully embedded in CTE. Ronni shares powerful examples of student projects—from creating emergency preparedness materials for a local nuclear power plant to tackling real‑world challenges like space junk through authentic industry partnerships. Her story highlights how PBL builds student agency, strengthens community connections, and transforms both teaching and learning.

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S1 E1 Show Notes

This episode explores how Project Based Learning (PBL) can strengthen Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs by increasing authenticity, improving instructional design, and deepening real-world learning experiences.

Host Ashley Curtin sits down with Carrie Akins, a CTE Director and Career Technology Academy Principal in southern Maryland, to discuss how her district is integrating PBL into career pathway programs and what that looks like in practice.

The conversation highlights how intentional project design, authentic community partnerships, and student-driven inquiry can transform CTE classrooms from “doing activities” into powerful learning environments that prepare students for real careers and real problems.

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