Understand why PBL prepares students for an unpredictable world
Build the case for project-based learning as a vehicle for standards mastery — and develop the conviction to implement it even when it feels risky.
Self-Paced Course · Project-Based Learning
Using PBL to Spark Real-World Learning
with Dr. John Spencer
Best-selling author, former classroom teacher, and nationally recognized voice on creativity and project-based learning
Project-Based Learning isn't about adding one more thing to your plate — it's about rearranging the plate. Dr. John Spencer shows educators how to design authentic PBL units that help students master standards while developing creativity, collaboration, and resilience for an unpredictable world.
$
49
Official Trailer
What You'll Learn
In this course, Dr. John Spencer challenges you to:
Design authentic PBL units that balance creativity with standards
Learn how to build projects that give students real creative ownership while staying tightly aligned to the learning outcomes that matter.
Implement PBL by Design — combining PBL with design thinking
Apply Dr. Spencer's signature framework to turn your classroom into a place where students solve real problems, make meaningful products, and develop resilience through the creative process.
Who This Is For
Built for the people who run schools — and the coaches who support them.
Classroom Teachers
Instructional Coaches
Curriculum Directors
What's Included
Every RocketPD self-paced course includes
- 60-minute expert-led course
- 5 short video modules
- Downloadable workbook PDF
- Certificate of completion
- Secure Learning Portal access
- RocketPD Community membership
Featured Expert
Meet your instructor
Dr. John Spencer
Project-Based Learning Expert · Best-Selling AuthorDr. John Spencer is a best-selling author, former classroom teacher, and one of the most trusted voices on creativity and project-based learning in K–12 education. His PBL by Design framework helps teachers move beyond surface-level projects to design authentic learning experiences that develop the skills students need for an unpredictable world — without abandoning the standards that matter.
Project-Based Learning
Design Thinking
Student Creativity
Authentic Assessment
View Dr. John Spencer's Instructor Page
Featured resources
Keep exploring before you enroll.
Browse the Resources and Blog Posts selected by the RocketPD editorial team for this course.
Instructional design
Guide
Ultimate Guide to Project-Based Learning
Helps educators increase student engagement and deeper learning by shifting from traditional assignments to authentic, real-world projects—providing classroom-tested strategies to design meaningful work, incorporate student voice, and structure project-based learning...
Project-Based Learning
Podcast
Episode 12: Voice & Choice: Using PBL to Help Kids Own Their Learning (w/John Spencer)
John Spencer joins Corey Murray to explore project-based learning as a way to give students more voice, choice, and meaningful work.
Start learning today
Choose the plan that fits.
Available for individuals and teams - with special pricing for teams of 5 or more.Single Course
Single-Course Registration
$49 one-time access- Self-paced video modules
- Course workbook PDF
- Access to secure Learning Portal
- Membership in learning community
- Certificate of completion
Full Library
Entire Video Library
$245 annually- Access to all RocketPD courses
- Self-paced video modules
- All course workbooks
- Access to secure Learning Portal
- Membership in learning community
- Certificates of completion
Teams
School or District Use
Custom contact us for pricing- Unlimited team access
- All RocketPD courses included
- Self-paced video modules and workbooks
- Dedicated success partner
- Built-in reporting for leaders
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FAQ
Common questions.
Everything you need to know before enrolling - or to share with your team. Talk with the RocketPD team.
This is a self-paced video course. You can start the moment you register and work through the modules on your own schedule.
Dr. Spencer's framework applies across K–12 and across subject areas. Whether you teach elementary, middle, or high school, the principles of authentic project design translate directly to your classroom context.
Classroom teachers, instructional coaches, and curriculum directors who want to move beyond surface-level projects and build learning experiences that develop creativity, collaboration, and real-world skills.
Yes. RocketPD supports school and district team access. Contact us and we will help map the best option for your team.
Bring Dr. Spencer's work to your district.
Give your teachers a framework for designing projects that actually develop creativity and mastery — not just busy work with a poster at the end.