Three question marks

Ask the Teachers Blog Post

Roy Kent gets it. There’s a scene in the last episode of this season’s Ted Lasso where the team’s game plan doesn’t seem to be working. The coaches huddle together in Ted’s office and debate whether they should stick with the plan or try something…

Direct Instruction Is Still Necessary in a PBL Classroom Blog Post

Early on in my project-based learning journey, I made a vow to go 100% project-based. My students would learn everything through exploration and discovery. I would remain the guide on the side observing the process and helping out only when necessary. After leading students through…

There Is No Such Thing as a Reluctant Reader Blog Post

This is part of a series on empowering readers. If you’re interested, I also have a self-paced course  where I walk you through practical ways that you can empower your students in the reading process. The students filed into class discussing the latest TV shows…

Teaching that changes lives Page

Embrace Your Maker MindsetHelping K-12 teachers unleash the power of creativity through project-based learning & design thinking Get your PBL blueprint Read more about John Hi, I'm John. This is my promise to you. As a former middle school teacher and current full-time professor and...

5 Ways Creative Work Is Like Working Out Blog Post

Creative work is inherently fun. However, sometimes it’s also frustrating, slow, and difficult. In other words, it’s a lot like working out. We explore this connection in the following article and podcast. Listen to the Podcast If you enjoy this blog but you’d like to…

Deliver distance learning with classroom confidence Page

Deliver distance learning with classroom confidenceMy latest MasterClass gives teachers the skills, and the support, to make learning work from anywhere Get the Masterclass Try the first lesson FREE Behind every great teacher is a great virtual teacher. Turn frustration & anxiety into confidence with...

Project Based Learning Courses for School Districts Page

Help teachers master the art of project-based learningGive your team the skills — and confidence — to create epic learning experiences Explore my PBL Masterclass Get my PBL Toolbox - FREE Make experiential PBL a reality for teachers and students Change the game — and...

You’ve Done Enough This Semester Blog Post

At the start of this semester, I made a goal of meeting with each student one-on-one. I believe in the power of check-ins and I wanted to make sure my students felt known. I could tell you all about Anderson and Garrison’s research showing the…

7 Ways to Build Creative Confidence in Students Blog Post

Sometimes I wish I could go back in time to visit my 9-year old self and say, “Dude, you got this. Right now, it’s hard but someday you’ll be using your voice to make art. Trust me, it gets better. Way better.” I was in…