In my work as a PBL coach, I have supported teachers through many challenges. I’ve helped teachers trouble-shoot student teams struggling with collaboration. I’ve spent hours brainstorming driving questions, public audiences, and authentic products. I’ve had difficult discussions with teachers who thought they had a PBL project when they really didn’t and teachers who hit a roadblock in a project and were tempted to give up.

One day, I received an email from a colleague asking for an unusual meeting. She had been a PBL practitioner for several years, and I had co-facilitated projects with her and her class. Her projects were always inspired, with high engagement from students, true authenticity, and a great classroom culture. I was surprised at the urgent tone of her email and went to meet with her as soon as possible.