Understand the PBL process
Develop a deep understanding of project-based learning and how to implement it while meeting existing content standards.
Expert-led professional learning
Interest List Open
Instructional design
PBL by Design: Empowering Student Engagement & Real-World Learning
with Dr. John Spencer
Using Project-Based Learning to spark creativity, ownership, and real-world thinking in every K-12 classroom.
Explore this expert-led learning experience with Dr. John Spencer and tell RocketPD you would like to hear when a future offering is announced.
About this cohort
Master classroom-tested techniques that help all students - and their teachers - succeed.
This learning experience is being considered for a future RocketPD offering. The core content, practical outcomes, and expert guidance are available to explore now.
Join the interest list to share your interest and receive an update if a future offering is announced.
Classroom Teachers
Design project-based learning units that boost engagement, creativity, and deeper learning.
Instructional Coaches
Support teachers in planning and implementing structured PBL lessons and protocols.
Instructional Leaders
Build a common framework for PBL implementation across teams or schools.
District Administrators
Support engagement, retention, and authentic learning through scalable project-based learning practices.
What you can learn
Practical outcomes to explore.
Plan a full PBL unit
Use a working framework to confidently plan, design, and deliver a complete PBL unit.
Create practical PBL protocols
Build protocols that support collaboration, interdependence, focus, and student ownership from day one.
Support all learners
Design scaffolds for Gifted/TAG, ELL/multilingual, neurodivergent, and other diverse learners.
Build authentic projects
Use authenticity audits and community connections to make projects more meaningful and real-world connected.
Planned Learning Experience
Explore the learning progression.
Topics and sequence may be refined before a future offering is announced.-
1
PBL is the Pedagogy of the Future
Get an overview of PBL by Design, explore the power of PBL in developing essential skills and boosting engagement, and generate practical project ideas for your classroom.
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2
Design PBL Lessons that ACTUALLY Work
Explore the role of structure, interdependence, and ownership in PBL, examine how protocols reduce extraneous cognitive load, and outline an initial PBL unit for classroom use.
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3
Improving Student Collaboration & Engagement Through PBL
Analyze case studies of small-group dysfunction, learn how to group students productively, and create norms and a group contract for student-centered PBL units.
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4
Design Scaffolds & Supports to Support ALL Learners in PBL
Use AI tools to design language scaffolds, explore practical supports for neurodivergent students, and model practices that support all learners in PBL instruction.
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5
Ensure Authenticity and Genuine Engagement in ALL PBL Lessons
Perform an authenticity audit, identify avenues for students to make community connections, and demonstrate the practical value of authentic project work.
Your Instructor
Dr. John Spencer
Dr. John Spencer is a former middle school teacher and current college professor who is passionate about seeing students reach their creative potential. In 2013, he spoke at the White House, sharing a vision for how to empower students to be future-ready through creativity and deeper learning.
Instructional Design
Project-Based Learning
Student Engagement
Sparking student creativity and a maker mindset
What to expect
A practical, expert-led learning experience
Expert-led exploration of the cohort topic
Practical strategies connected to the published curriculum
Opportunities to learn alongside education peers
Updates if a future offering is announced
Future Offering
Tell us you are interested.
Share your interest in this cohort, or contact RocketPD about a potential school or district learning experience.Join the interest list
Let RocketPD know this cohort is relevant to your work and receive an update if a future offering is announced.
Join the Interest ListExploring this topic for a team?
Tell RocketPD about your school or district goals and the team can follow up about potential future learning options.
Bring This PD to Your DistrictTestimonials
What educators say about learning with Dr. John Spencer.
As we continue our journey to provide quality learning opportunities to our students, John's work will be an important resource. We highly encourage other schools to offer John's resources to their teachers.
JoAnn Wong-Kam Managing Director of Ho'olaukoa, Kamehameha Schools, Honolulu, HIDr. Spencer inspired my teachers to get back to creating classrooms full of creativity and wonder. I now hear conversations among teachers as to how to launch a PBL project in their class, how they are incorporating empathy into projects, and how service learning is changing their students mindsets.
Lauren Crabtree Principal, Douglas County Schools, Douglasville, GAJohn brought a great deal of energy and a fun sense of humor to his workshop that created a fun learning atmosphere for our faculty in a stressful time. I highly recommend John's workshop and hope he can come back to CFS in the future!
Eric Fulmer Dean of Faculty, Church Farm School, Exton, PAFAQ
Common questions, clear answers.
No future offering has been announced. Join the interest list to receive an update if that changes.
RocketPD will record your interest and may contact you when there is a relevant update.
Yes. Use the school and district inquiry option to share your goals with the RocketPD team.
Interested in a future offering?
Share your interest and RocketPD will keep you informed about relevant updates.