Part 2 of 4: #26-50
At PBLplans.com, we believe that education is a collaborative journey, one that thrives on shared wisdom, innovation, and the collective efforts of passionate educators around the globe. As we’ve developed our platform, we’ve been profoundly inspired by the pioneers who have shaped the field of Project-Based Learning (PBL). These are the visionaries, scholars, and practitioners who have not only embraced the transformative power of PBL but have also driven its growth and adoption in classrooms worldwide.
In compiling this list of the top 100 most influential figures in PBL, we are filled with a deep sense of gratitude for the contributions these educators have made. They have challenged the status quo, pushed the boundaries of traditional education, and created spaces where students can engage, explore, and excel in ways that prepare them for the complexities of our world. It is their ideas, their research, and their unwavering commitment to student-centered learning that have informed and inspired the work we do at PBLplans.com.
This list is more than a recognition of individual achievements; it’s a celebration of a community dedicated to transforming education. We share this with you, our community, not only to honor these incredible individuals but also to offer their insights and experiences as a resource for all educators seeking to implement and expand PBL in their own classrooms. Together, let’s continue to learn, grow, and inspire the next generation of learners.
Part 2: Pioneers of Progressive Learning
As we continue our journey through the world of Project-Based Learning, it’s time to recognize the next group of influential figures who have shaped the future of education. In this second part of our series, we spotlight 25 more educators whose innovative approaches and tireless advocacy for PBL have set new standards for teaching and learning. These individuals have been instrumental in creating environments where students can engage deeply with content, collaborate meaningfully, and develop the skills necessary for success in the 21st century.
- A.J. Juliani
A.J. Juliani is a respected author, speaker, and educator known for his work in promoting innovation in education. As the co-author of “Launch,” Juliani has provided educators with a practical framework for incorporating design thinking into Project-Based Learning. His work emphasizes the importance of student choice, creativity, and collaboration in the learning process, encouraging educators to create classrooms where students are empowered to explore their passions and solve real-world problems. Juliani’s contributions have inspired a growing movement of educators who are committed to making learning more relevant and engaging through PBL. - John Larmer
John Larmer is an influential figure in the field of Project-Based Learning, serving as the editor-in-chief at PBLWorks (formerly the Buck Institute for Education). Larmer has been instrumental in developing and disseminating PBL resources and frameworks that have been widely adopted by educators around the world. His work focuses on ensuring that PBL is implemented with rigor and fidelity, helping teachers design projects that are both challenging and meaningful for students. Larmer’s contributions have helped to establish PBL as a central approach in modern education, providing educators with the tools and strategies they need to create transformative learning experiences. - Michael McDowell
Michael McDowell is an educator, author, and consultant with a focus on Project-Based Learning, deeper learning, and formative assessment. He is best known for his book “Rigorous PBL by Design,” which provides educators with practical strategies for creating high-quality PBL experiences that challenge students to think critically and solve complex problems. McDowell’s work emphasizes the importance of aligning PBL with clear learning goals and assessments, ensuring that students not only engage in meaningful projects but also achieve deep understanding and mastery of the content. His contributions have helped to elevate the standards of PBL in classrooms around the world. - Thom Markham
Thom Markham is a leading expert in Project-Based Learning and social-emotional learning, known for his work in designing and implementing PBL in schools. As an author, speaker, and consultant, Markham has helped educators around the world create learning environments that are both academically rigorous and emotionally supportive. His book “Project-Based Learning Design and Coaching Guide” is a widely used resource for teachers seeking to improve their PBL practices. Markham’s work emphasizes the importance of developing students’ emotional intelligence and collaboration skills alongside academic content, making PBL a holistic approach to education that prepares students for success in life. - Emily Pilloton-Lam
Emily Pilloton-Lam is a designer, educator, and social activist who founded Girls Garage and Project H Design, organizations that focus on empowering young people through hands-on, community-based building projects. Her work is deeply rooted in the principles of Project-Based Learning, where students engage in meaningful, real-world projects that have a positive impact on their communities. Pilloton-Lam’s approach emphasizes the importance of equity, social justice, and student voice in education, inspiring a new generation of learners to use their skills and creativity to make a difference in the world. Her contributions have helped to expand the reach and impact of PBL, particularly in underserved communities. - Trevor MacKenzie
Trevor MacKenzie is a passionate educator and author of “Dive into Inquiry,” a book that advocates for inquiry-based learning as a cornerstone of Project-Based Learning. MacKenzie’s work emphasizes the importance of student curiosity and exploration in the learning process, encouraging educators to create classrooms where students take the lead in their own learning. His approach aligns closely with the principles of PBL, where students engage in deep, meaningful inquiry that leads to authentic projects and real-world problem-solving. MacKenzie’s contributions have inspired educators to embrace a more student-centered approach to teaching, where learning is driven by students’ interests and questions. - Ewan McIntosh
Ewan McIntosh is the founder of NoTosh, a consultancy that helps schools implement Project-Based Learning through design thinking and creative learning strategies. McIntosh’s work focuses on empowering educators to create learning environments that are innovative, student-centered, and responsive to the needs of the 21st century. His approach to PBL emphasizes the importance of creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking, helping students develop the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world. McIntosh’s contributions have had a significant impact on education, inspiring schools around the world to adopt more innovative and effective teaching practices. - Chris Lehmann
Chris Lehmann is the principal of Science Leadership Academy, a pioneering school known for its commitment to inquiry-driven, Project-Based Learning. Under Lehmann’s leadership, Science Leadership Academy has become a model for schools seeking to implement PBL as a means of fostering deeper learning and student engagement. Lehmann’s approach emphasizes the importance of student voice, real-world connections, and the integration of technology in education. His work has had a profound impact on the PBL movement, demonstrating how schools can create learning environments where students are empowered to take ownership of their education and pursue their passions. - Bob Lenz
Bob Lenz is the CEO of PBLWorks and a co-author of “Transforming Schools,” a book that advocates for Project-Based Learning as a means to achieve deeper learning and equity in education. Lenz has been a leading voice in the PBL movement, helping to shape the development of PBL practices and resources that are used by educators around the world. His work focuses on creating learning environments that are student-centered, collaborative, and relevant to the real world. Lenz’s contributions have helped to elevate PBL as a powerful approach to education that prepares students for success in college, career, and life. - Esther Wojcicki
Esther Wojcicki is an educator, author, and advocate for student agency and creativity in education. Her book “Moonshots in Education” explores how Project-Based Learning can be used to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in students. Wojcicki’s work emphasizes the importance of giving students the freedom to explore their interests, take risks, and learn from failure. Her approach to PBL is rooted in the belief that education should be personalized, student-driven, and focused on developing the skills and mindsets needed for success in the 21st century. Wojcicki’s contributions have inspired educators to create learning environments where students are empowered to take control of their own learning and make a positive impact on the world. - Heather Wolpert-Gawron
Heather Wolpert-Gawron is a middle school teacher, author, and advocate for Project-Based Learning, student engagement, and voice. She is known for her book “DIY Project Based Learning for ELA and History,” which provides practical strategies for implementing PBL in English Language Arts and Social Studies classrooms. Wolpert-Gawron’s work emphasizes the importance of creating learning experiences that are relevant, challenging, and connected to the real world. Her contributions have helped educators create more engaging and meaningful learning environments where students are actively involved in their education and develop the skills they need to succeed in life. - Kerry McDonald
Kerry McDonald is a Senior Education Fellow at the Foundation for Economic Education, where she advocates for self-directed learning and Project-Based Learning in alternative education models. Her work emphasizes the importance of giving students the freedom to pursue their interests, take ownership of their learning, and engage in meaningful, real-world projects. McDonald’s approach to education challenges traditional schooling models and promotes more personalized, student-centered learning experiences. Her contributions have helped to advance the conversation about the role of PBL in creating more flexible, innovative, and effective education systems that meet the needs of all learners. - Homa Tavangar
Homa Tavangar is an author, consultant, and global education expert who advocates for Project-Based Learning as a means to promote global competence and cross-cultural understanding. Her work emphasizes the importance of preparing students to thrive in a diverse, interconnected world by engaging them in meaningful, real-world projects that address global issues. Tavangar’s contributions have helped educators integrate global education and PBL into their classrooms, fostering students’ ability to think critically, act ethically, and collaborate effectively across cultures. Her work has inspired a growing movement of educators who are committed to creating more inclusive and globally-minded learning environments. - Scott McLeod
Scott McLeod is an educator, author, and founder of the blog “Dangerously Irrelevant,” where he focuses on leadership in Project-Based Learning and innovative education practices. McLeod’s work emphasizes the importance of preparing students for the challenges of the 21st century by engaging them in meaningful, real-world projects that develop critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration skills. His contributions have helped to advance the conversation about the role of PBL in transforming education, encouraging school leaders to adopt more innovative and student-centered approaches to teaching and learning. McLeod’s influence extends to educators and policymakers who are seeking to create more effective and equitable education systems. - Lisa Highfill
Lisa Highfill is an educator and co-author of the HyperDocs series, which promotes digital Project-Based Learning through innovative, student-centered lesson design. Highfill’s work focuses on creating dynamic, interactive learning experiences that engage students in meaningful projects and develop their digital literacy skills. Her approach to PBL emphasizes the importance of using technology to enhance learning, making it more relevant, personalized, and collaborative. Highfill’s contributions have helped educators integrate technology into their PBL practices, providing students with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed in a digital world. - Kristen Swanson
Kristen Swanson is an educator and founding member of the Edcamp movement, which advocates for professional development in Project-Based Learning and active learning strategies. Swanson’s work emphasizes the importance of empowering educators to take control of their own professional growth and collaborate with their peers to improve teaching practices. Her contributions have helped to create a global community of educators who are committed to using PBL to engage students in meaningful, real-world learning experiences. Swanson’s influence extends to educators who are seeking to create more dynamic and student-centered learning environments through PBL. - Shelley Wright
Shelley Wright is an educator, blogger, and advocate for inquiry-based learning and integrating Project-Based Learning with social justice education. Her work focuses on creating learning experiences that are both academically rigorous and socially relevant, engaging students in meaningful projects that address issues of equity and justice. Wright’s contributions have helped to advance the conversation about the role of PBL in promoting social change, inspiring educators to create more inclusive and transformative learning environments. Her work has had a significant impact on the growing movement of educators who are committed to using PBL as a tool for social justice. - Eric Sheninger
Eric Sheninger is an educator, author, and speaker on digital leadership in education, promoting the use of technology to enhance Project-Based Learning. Sheninger’s work focuses on helping educators integrate digital tools and resources into their PBL practices, making learning more engaging, personalized, and relevant to the needs of the 21st century. His contributions have helped educators create more dynamic and innovative learning environments where students can collaborate, create, and solve real-world problems using technology. Sheninger’s influence extends to school leaders and policymakers who are seeking to transform education through the use of digital tools and PBL. - Vicki Davis
Vicki Davis is an educator, blogger, and advocate for technology integration and Project-Based Learning to engage students in meaningful learning experiences. As the creator of the “Cool Cat Teacher” blog, Davis shares practical strategies and resources for using technology and PBL to enhance teaching and learning. Her work emphasizes the importance of making learning relevant, student-centered, and connected to the real world. Davis’s contributions have helped educators create more engaging and effective learning environments where students are empowered to take ownership of their education and develop the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century. - AJ Crabill
AJ Crabill is a school governance expert focused on improving student outcomes through Project-Based Learning and other student-centered learning strategies. Crabill’s work emphasizes the importance of aligning school governance practices with the goal of creating more effective and equitable education systems that meet the needs of all students. His contributions have helped school leaders and policymakers implement PBL as a means to engage students in meaningful, real-world learning experiences that develop critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration skills. Crabill’s influence extends to educators and policymakers who are seeking to create more effective and equitable education systems. - Katie Martin
Katie Martin is an educator, author, and advocate for “Learner-Centered Innovation,” focusing on transforming education systems through Project-Based Learning and personalized learning. Martin’s work emphasizes the importance of creating learning environments that are student-centered, where students are empowered to take control of their own learning and pursue their passions. Her contributions have helped educators rethink traditional teaching practices and embrace PBL as a means to create more engaging and effective learning experiences. Martin’s influence extends to educators and policymakers who are seeking to create more innovative and personalized education systems that meet the needs of all learners. - Laura Fleming
Laura Fleming is an educator, author, and advocate for maker education and its integration with Project-Based Learning to create engaging learning environments. Fleming’s work focuses on creating hands-on, creative learning experiences that allow students to explore, tinker, and solve real-world problems. Her contributions have helped to advance the conversation about the role of PBL in promoting creativity and innovation in education, inspiring educators to integrate maker-centered learning into their classrooms. Fleming’s influence extends to educators who are seeking to create more dynamic and student-centered learning environments that prepare students for success in the 21st century. - David Lee
David Lee is an international educator, author, and advocate for integrating design thinking with Project-Based Learning in the classroom. His work focuses on creating learning experiences that engage students in meaningful, real-world projects that develop critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Lee’s contributions have helped educators implement PBL in a way that is both rigorous and relevant, providing students with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world. His work has had a significant impact on the growing movement of educators who are committed to using PBL to create more innovative and effective learning environments. - Ross Cooper
Ross Cooper is an educator, author, and advocate for Project-Based Learning, known for his co-authorship of “Hacking Project-Based Learning,” a book that provides practical strategies for educators to implement PBL effectively. Cooper’s work focuses on simplifying the PBL process, making it accessible and manageable for teachers while ensuring that students engage in meaningful, real-world learning experiences. His contributions have helped to advance the conversation about the role of PBL in transforming education, inspiring educators to create more dynamic and student-centered learning environments. Cooper’s influence extends to educators who are seeking to make PBL a central part of their teaching practices. - Erin Murphy
Erin Murphy is an educator, author, and advocate for Project-Based Learning, co-authoring “Hacking Project-Based Learning,” a book that offers practical strategies for simplifying and implementing PBL in the classroom. Murphy’s work focuses on making PBL accessible to all educators, regardless of their experience level, and providing students with engaging, real-world learning experiences. Her contributions have helped educators create more effective and meaningful PBL environments, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to engage in deep, authentic learning. Murphy’s influence extends to educators who are committed to using PBL to create more engaging and student-centered learning experiences.
