Something very exciting just happened this June: PBLWorks unveiled its new web-based app, PBLWorks TEACH™. It’s a game changer for Project Based Learning.
As we pointed out in a recent blog post, not all teachers have the time or experience to design their own high-quality projects. In order for PBL to become a widely-used teaching method, what the field of education needs are high-quality pre-designed project-based curriculum units. This will allow more teachers to quickly implement projects with their students.
Enter PBLWorks TEACH. It has everything a teacher needs to implement a project. And we mean everything, starting with well-designed, standards-aligned project-based curriculum units that meet the criteria for Gold Standard PBL. With a duration of 3-4 weeks, these are intended to replace existing curriculum units; they are “main course” not “dessert” projects. Our goal is to have two project units per grade level for each core subject area: math, social studies, science, ELA, so that every student in the country can have at least two extraordinary PBL experiences every year. As of summer 2025 we have 24 middle school units, with elementary and high school units coming soon.
And an important note: The curriculum is designed to give teachers the opportunity to use and learn proven instructional practices that are commonly used in PBL but are effective and impactful in any context.
The features of TEACH make it easier for ALL teachers to facilitate Gold Standard PBL:
Comprehensive
Teachers get step-by-step directions, lesson plans,slide decks, student handouts, assessment rubrics, sample student products, and more. All units are aligned with national standards from Common Core Math and ELA, NGSS, and the C3 Framework for Social Studies, so that students can demonstrate academic proficiency while also practicing essential success skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, complex communication, and creativity.
“I was really intimidated by the idea of making my own project. Having TEACH and the projects already made so I can just implement it is amazing. It’s already on my [class] calendar for September. Implementation for me as a teacher is going to be easier.” – Saul Zippin, The Saklan School, Moraga, CA
Customizable
Teachers can edit student handouts, lesson slides, adjust the timing of lessons, and make modifications to the project based on the needs of their students and their school/community context.
“I love that we’re getting a chance to do a deep-dive into a Gold Standard PBL [unit]… I am using the Cooperative Store, a 7th grade TEACH unit about ratios and proportions and linear models. It’s ideal because I can start off my year with it. It’ll give me a good foundation for how my kids respond to PBL. I am already thinking, ‘How can I show my colleagues this fantastic resource?’” – Kaci McCoy, John McCandless Charter, Stockton, CA (PBL World 2025 participant)
Easy to Use
TEACH has an intuitive, user-friendly web interface and integrates tools teachers use every day:Google Docs and Slides. So no technical training or IT support is needed. And, for those teachers who would still like to have a hard copy in hand, lessons can be easily printed!
Includes Professional Learning TEACH has embedded professional learning to help both novice and veteran teachers sharpen their Project Based Teaching skills, including:
- Pro Tips: Expert advice on five topics: Equity, Scaffolding, Feedback, Assessment, and Success Skills.
- Coaching videos: Practical guidance from our PBL expert coaches at key moments in lessons, saving teachers' preparation time and offering just-in-time opportunities for professional learning.
- Classroom practices videos: PBL instructional practices in action so teachers can easily replicate core routines.
- “I came into [my PBL school] knowing how to be a good science teacher, but not knowing how to implement Gold Standard PBL. The exposure to the different lessons [in PBLWorks TEACH] gives me an idea what it can look like for students going through our school. Having TEACH as a resource that’s already made gives me the confidence to go in and teach PBL well.” – Amanda Pellman, Wakefield Middle School, Tucson, AZ (PBL World 2025 participant)
Online Community
Teachers using TEACH can also connect with a community of other educators, share their experiences, and be recognized/celebrated for their and their students' work. There are dedicated “conversation circles” (forums) for each subject area, and a private circle for school leaders to have honest conversations about what it takes to support effective PBL in their school communities.
From Promise to Reality
We’ve put a lot of effort into designing the TEACH app, and into developing the project-based curriculum units, and we’re confident in their quality. As Chris Walsh, PBLWorks’s Chief Product and Technology Officer, sums it up:
“TEACH is a new kind of educational tool that we call a Teaching Experience Platform (TXP). It’s a place where teachers have everything they need to teach engaging, relevant projects with confidence: ready to use, high-quality PBL curriculum PLUS embedded professional learning from the leaders in PBL.”
As you can tell, the features of TEACH will help ensure our promise to “make PBL easier” becomes a reality. And - the bottom line - we know it will help more and more students reap the benefits of PBL!
