Professional Development

PBLWorks Opens Registration for 2023 Project-Based Learning Conference, Awards

• By Kate Lucariello
• 11/21/22

PBLWorks has opened registration for its annual project-based learning professional development conference and awards to be held June 26-29, 2023, at American Canyon High School in Napa Valley, Calif.

The conference is expected to draw 1,500 teachers and school and district leaders from around the United States and world. Registration is open through March 3, 2023, but the discounted early bird registration deadline is Dec. 30, 2022.

The theme of the 2023 conference is “Sharing Stories of High Quality Project Based Learning.” The focus is on “how gold standard PBL can change the narrative for all students, especially Black and Brown students,” the organization said. Immersive workshops based on PBLWorks’ Gold Standard PBL model aim to help participants deepen and/or implement PBL in their classrooms, schools and districts. The keynote address will be given by Jason E. Glass, Ed.D., Commissioner and Chief Learner, Kentucky Department of Education, who leads the state’s initiative to bring gold standard PBL to all schools in the state. The conference will also feature a panel of students sharing their personal experiences with Project Based Learning.

Nominations are open through March 3 for two awards to be given to those based in the U.S. or its territories. The PBL Champion Award is given to a school, district, or individual for their commitment to quality PBL work that has had a positive impact on students. Awardees will receive complimentary registrations for the conference and their choice of a three-day workshop. Nominations for the Champions award can be made here.

The John Larmer “JL” Lifelong Learner Award, named after the PBLWorks’ former director and editor-in-chief, recognizes up to three teachers for their PBL work. Awardees will receive a complimentary registration for a one-day pre-conference workshop and a three-day workshop of their choice. Teachers can apply for the Larmer award here.

Awardees will be contacted by April 7 and announced at a reception on June 27.

PBLWorks is the brand name of the Buck Institute for Education, whose goal is to help teachers, schools, and districts to use PBL to deepen student learning and achieve success in college, career, and life. For more information on PBLWorks, visit their home page.