SHOW NOTES
In this episode of the PBL Network Podcast, host Ashley sits down with Dr. Donna Stewart-Lewis, a seasoned CTE teacher, coach, administrator, and founder of Ethos Academies. Their conversation explores the evolving world of Career and Technical Education (CTE) through the lens of Project Based Learning (PBL). With decades of experience, Dr. Donna Stewart-Lewis brings insights into building industry-aligned pathways, fostering instructional quality, and helping students develop confidence and navigate complexity. The discussion delves into lessons from the pandemic, the importance of authenticity and interdisciplinary collaboration, transformative professional development, and practical advice for CTE leaders aiming to elevate their programs.
Main Points
-
Journey & Impact: Dr. Donna Stewart-Lewis shares her unique trajectory from higher ed to the K-12 classroom to district leadership, focusing on expanding student access to career-connected learning and supporting teachers in PBL implementation.
-
PBL in CTE as Transformative: CTE is naturally interdisciplinary and authentic; when anchored with PBL, these strengths are magnified, benefiting both educators and students.
-
Lessons from the Pandemic: The shift to virtual learning highlighted the importance of building community and modeling professionalism for students. Teachers who embraced PBL practices were better equipped to transition smoothly back to the classroom.
-
Collaboration and Empowerment: Sustained, job-embedded professional development and teacher collaboration are critical to authentic project planning and student success.
-
Practice & Real-World Skills: It’s not enough for students to check off boxes like mock interviews—PBL provides continuous opportunities for students to practice professional skills and develop lasting competencies.
-
Advice for Leaders: Initiatives succeed when leaders listen to students and teachers, ask about potential pitfalls, and foster genuine buy-in, rather than imposing top-down directives.
Notable Quotes
-
On collaboration:“We’re the guides on the side, not the sage on the stage all the time.”
-
On project-based learning:“The beauty of PBL is that it’s so versatile…We can acknowledge context, fold in inquiry, and challenge our students to meet new trajectories in society.”
-
On leadership and change:“If you don’t implement things with fidelity without vetting and getting buy-in, it’s bound to fail. You might as well just walk away now.”
Call to Action
Ready to elevate your PBL and CTE journey? Connect with other innovative educators, access roundtables, and get practical tools and resources.
Join the community at pblnetworks.com today!
RESOURCES & LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE
SIGN UP FOR THE MAGNIFY LEARNING NEWSLETTER
ORDER THE PBL LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK BOOK
SCHEDULE A PBL TRAINING WITH MAGNIFY LEARNING
ASK ASHLEY A QUESTION FOR THE PODCAST
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Some of the links above are affiliate links which means we get a small commission on anything you purchase using that link (at no more cost to you). As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.
STAY TUNED FOR THE NEXT EPISODE OF THE PBL NETWORK PODCAST COMING SOON!