At PBLWorks, we are passionate about sharing inspiring stories of how Project Based Learning makes a difference. Each year at PBL World, we celebrate Individual, School, and District Champions for their commitment to their students and PBL. We also recognize three outstanding educators with the John Larmer “JL” Lifelong Learning Award, which celebrates teachers who are impacting and expanding the work of Project Based Learning for all students. Please read on to learn more about our 2024 PBL Champions and John Larmer “JL” Lifelong Learning Award recipients.
Join us in celebrating the 2024 PBL World Champions and John Larmer “JL” Lifelong Learning Award recipients.
2024 PBL World Champions:
Individual PBL Champion: Keisha Tyson-Johnson
Keisha Tyson-Johnson, a district math and science coach for Atlanta Public Schools, has demonstrated a profound commitment to Project Based Learning (PBL). Through her efforts, she has empowered her school community to develop a PBL framework that allows students to identify problems, conduct research, and propose solutions, thereby advocating for themselves and their communities. Her dedication is evident in her work at Drew Charter School, where she delivered STEAM-focused PBL to 140 students annually, led PBL planning sessions, and secured a GADOE math grant for developing math-centered PBL units at M. Agnes Jones Elementary School.
Keisha’s impact extends to both students and educators, as reflected in the achievements of her school. Under her guidance, the school’s Continuous Improvement Plan resulted in significant increases in proficiency across various subjects, with improvements of 8 percentage points in math, 3 percentage points in ELA, and 10 percentage points in science. The College Career Ready Performance Index Attendance Rate also saw a 5 percentage point increase. Recently promoted to Elementary Science/Math District Specialist, Keisha's dedication and success as a STEAM instructional coach are truly commendable.
School PBL Champion: Paul Culley Elementary School
Paul Culley Elementary School in Clark County School District, Las Vegas, stands out for its strong commitment to Project Based Learning (PBL). Over the past three years, the principal and PBL Leadership Team have embraced a PBL mindset. Their unwavering belief in PBL has led them to tackle these issues head-on, continuously affirming that "We can do PBL".
At Paul Culley Elementary School, teachers and leaders have crafted transformative learning experiences by connecting students with community leaders and experts through their projects. This approach fosters rich learning opportunities, emphasizing cognitive demand and student agency. The school prioritizes building relationships—first between teachers and students, then with the community—inviting caregivers to engage in and celebrate student learning. Projects are deeply rooted in authentic connections and honor students' unique contributions, making Paul Culley Elementary School a shining example of PBL’s potential to enrich education and foster community ties.
District PBL Champion: University Prep Schools
University Prep Schools in Michigan have been on their PBL journey for seven years, and we've had the privilege of partnering with them for the past three. At the beginning of our collaboration, UPrep developed a truly inspiring vision through a collaborative and inclusive process.
With this vision in place, UPrep's leaders took several strategic steps: evaluating their systems and structures, forming a Steering Committee to ensure coherence, engaging building leaders in purposeful professional development, collecting and analyzing evidence to gauge effectiveness, and planning how to celebrate and highlight the achievements of their leaders, schools, and teachers. What distinguishes UPrep is their focus on joy—creating an environment where both students and staff feel valued and enthusiastic about being part of their community.
2024 John Larmer “JL” Lifelong Learning Award Recipients:
Katrice Dixon - Teach Leader, Math 6–8
Katrice Dixon is a Teacher leader for 6th-8th Math at Lake Worth Community Middle School in Lake Worth, Florida. Katrice was chosen for this award because of her focus on student engagement and ownership, as well as her drive toward creating high-quality experiences for all students.
Jeromy Payne - 3rd Grade Teacher
Jeromy Payne, a third-grade teacher at John P. Freeman Optional School in Memphis, Tennessee, was chosen for this award because of his passion for student ownership of learning, his design and facilitation of authentic projects, and his desire to positively impact his community.
Marivi Hardy - Special Education Teacher
Marivi Hardy is a special education teacher who focuses on Math and ELA at Mission Achievement and Success Charter School in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Marivi was chosen for this award because of her dedication to increasing student confidence and her desire to share her learning with others to build their capacity.
We can't wait to see what’s ahead for these remarkable educators as they continue their PBL journey and impact students. Their unwavering commitment and innovative approaches are inspiring, and we look forward to witnessing their ongoing contributions to the world of Project Based Learning. Congratulations once again to our 2024 PBL Champions and John Larmer “JL” Lifelong Learning Award recipients!
