For many of us, summer is synonymous with reading—those long, sun-soaked days offering the perfect opportunity to slow down, reflect, and get lost in a great book. At PBLWorks, we’re incredibly fortunate to have a number of National Faculty and staff members who are not only passionate educators, but also published authors. Each one brings unique expertise and insights into Project Based Learning, offering practical strategies, powerful stories, and thought-provoking perspectives.
In this blog, we’re excited to highlight their books—essential reads for anyone looking to deepen their practice and stay inspired all summer long.
Teaching Contentious Topics in a Divided Nation: A Memoir and Primer for Pedagogical Transformation
Author: Ryan Sprott, Director of National Faculty
Foreword: Sarah Fine
Synopsis: A healthy democracy relies on civic education. Yet, today’s divisive political climate combined with an educational system driven by standardization deters deeper learning about essential topics. Written from a teacher’s perspective and grounded in student work, this book presents a pedagogical framework and classroom activities to support schools in transcending polarized thinking through compassionate, critical, and nuanced explorations of our world’s most challenging questions.
The National Park Classroom: A Guide To Designing Project-Based Learning Adventures
Author: James Fester, Lead National Faculty - North
Synopsis: Bring proven teaching methods from the national parks into your classroom to address common instructional challenges and improve student outcomes. This book highlights resources from the U.S. National Park System and other public land agencies, and provides tools for leading high-quality project-based learning. It offers guidance for shifting from a teacher-centered to a learner-centered classroom and applying equity and inclusion practices from the national parks. Readers will find examples of “place-conscious learning” with strategies for connecting students to distant parks and places. Backed by research and proven models, the book shows how to boost engagement, build agency, and better prepare students for college and beyond.
Authors: Sara Lev, National Faculty – West | Amanda Clark, Senior Professional Learning Designer | Erin Starkey, Lead National Faculty - South
Synopsis: This ground-breaking book proves that Project Based Learning (PBL) does work in early childhood classrooms. Most common understandings of PBL in Pre-K through 2nd grade are filled with assumptions, misconceptions, and perceived barriers that have prevented its widespread implementation. Implementing Project Based Learning in Early Childhood breaks down these barriers, offering tools, resources, instructional strategies, and suggestions to dispel myths and uncover the truth. With practical approaches and "Reflect and Connect" sections, the book encourages teachers to examine their practices, ask questions, and plan next steps. Educators will gain a deep understanding of PBL in early childhood and build their confidence to engage all students in high quality Project Based Learning from the beginning of the school year to the end.
Pulse of PBL: Cultivating Equity Through Social Emotional Learning
Authors: Mike Kaechele, National Faculty | Matinga Ragatz Ph.D, National Faculty
Synopsis: Teachers need tools to integrate Social and Emotional Learning into the daily fabric of their classrooms without losing time for academic content. If SEL skills aren’t taught upfront, valuable academic time can be lost as students struggle throughout the year. Transformative SEL creates opportunities to build a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for ALL learners, and PBL naturally fosters these competencies each day. The Pulse of PBL offers tried and true strategies for teaching, practicing, and assessing the five SEL competencies within the PBL framework. Stories and examples from classrooms across the U.S. show how PBL and SEL together help students see themselves as capable, engaged members of their communities and the world!
Re-Envisioning Rigor- Powerful Routines for Promoting Learning at High Levels
Authors: Aaron Eisberg, National Faculty | Michael McDowell
Synopsis: This practical, research-based resource supports educators and professional learning communities in meeting the diverse needs of learners. The guide highlights small, strategic moves that boost engagement, thinking, and achievement through routines that can be used across content areas and grade levels. These classroom-tested strategies, paired with clear visuals and step-by-step guidance, help improve focus, participation, and academic growth. The routines support all phases of learning—surface, deep, and transfer—and offer structured opportunities for reflection, collaboration, and feedback. Whether you're refining your craft or supporting others, this book provides a foundation for responsive instruction and stronger student outcomes.
Re-Envisioning Rigor- Powerful Routines for Promoting Rigorous Problem and Project Based Learning
Authors: Aaron Eisberg, National Faculty | Michael McDowell
Synopsis: This visual, step-by-step guide offers a practical roadmap for teachers to make every day of learning count—whether leading full-scale projects or embedding high-level thinking into daily lessons. The book provides flexible, teacher-tested routines that support meaningful learning at all levels and fit any subject or structure. With clear strategies, visual tools, and practical examples, the routines help students think, reason, and problem-solve in real-world contexts. It promotes daily instructional habits that make rigorous, student-centered learning sustainable. Whether you’re launching your first project or refining your practice, the book equips you with the moves to turn projects into transformative learning experiences.
Bringing Project-Based Learning to Life in Mathematics, K-12
Authors: Lee McHugh, National Faculty-North
Synopsis: Go beyond problem-solving and performance tasks—bring project-based learning to life! This book offers a complete PBL game plan created by an experienced, award-winning teacher and researcher, helping you engage students in math while amplifying cultural relevancy and equity. Whether you're taking small steps or ready to fully implement PBL, these experiences lead to deeper learning and lasting memories. Chapters open with Need-to-Know questions and include real classroom vignettes, PBL Plus Tips, and "Your Turn" prompts to connect ideas to your practice. This approachable guide gives you everything you need to move from isolated tasks to meaningful, student-centered projects that build voice, choice, and a welcoming classroom culture!
Place-Based Learning: Connecting Inquiry, Community, and Culture
Authors: Micki Evans, National Faculty – West | Charity Marcella Moran, National Faculty | Erin Sanchez, Lead National Faculty - West
Synopsis: This text offers in-depth support for designing, implementing, and sustaining place-based learning in grades 4-12 classrooms. This comprehensive guidebook, informed by compelling research and the authors’ extensive professional experience, contains many strategies and tools that readers can use to customize personally meaningful learning journeys for their students. Through place-based learning and a corresponding commitment to equity, inclusion, and justice, readers can give their students a voice in their own learning and listen to that voice to improve learning for all. Place-based learning that is deeply rooted in the local community helps students understand the world around them and powerfully supports their education.
Project Based Learning Handbooks: Creating Projects to Ignite Learning for Every Student
Synopsis: Are you a K-12 teacher looking for practical guidance on PBL? If yes, we've got you covered! In these two handbooks, written by PBL experts and classroom teachers, you’ll learn how to design high-quality projects and implement them effectively. Our guidance is based on the PBLWorks model for Gold Standard PBL, including the Essential Project Design Elements and Project Based Teaching Practices.
Choose a Handbook to be your go-to guide:
Whether you're on a beach, in your backyard, or planning for the upcoming school year, we hope these books spark new ideas and deepen your PBL practice. We’re proud to celebrate the voices of our team and invite you to explore their work as you rest, recharge, and reimagine what’s possible with Project Based Learning.
