From Nuclear Power Plants to Space Junk: PBL in Action with Ronni Morrissey

In this episode of the PBL Network Podcast, Ashley sits down with Ronni, an inspiring STEM and Pathway to Engineering teacher in Southern Maryland. Together, they discuss Ronni’s journey into Project Based Learning (PBL), how she’s integrated it into Career and Technical Education (CTE), and the ways her projects have impacted both students and the local community. Highlights include project examples like students creating emergency preparedness materials for a local nuclear power plant and tackling real-world problems such as space junk with authentic industry partnerships. The conversation explores the alignment between PBL and CTE, teacher and student transformation, and advice for educators and leaders considering PBL for their programs.Main PointsPBL as an Engine for CTE: Ronni shares how PBL transitioned from being an “add-on” to becoming the core structure that drives learning in her classroom, connecting STEM content directly to real community needs.Authentic Industry Partnerships: Through collaborations with local engineers, the nuclear power plant, and even international thought partners, Ronni’s students gain tangible exposure to industry standards and work-based skills.Student Empowerment: PBL fosters deeper student agency, independence, and critical 21st-century skills like creativity, collaboration, and professionalism, preparing learners for both college and career pathways.Teacher Transformation: Ronni credits PBL training and collaborative planning for reinvigorating her teaching practice and building community among colleagues.Advice for Leaders and Teachers: The conversation offers practical strategies for CTE leaders, including starting with a core group of eager teachers, building out supportive structures and partnerships, and fostering a culture where taking risks and learning from experimentation is celebrated.Notable Quotes“If you get them into the right project, if you just propose something that is at all engaging to them, they're gonna go on their own. It's amazing.” — Ronni Morrissey“If you're thinking about it… find those teachers that are willing to jump off the deep end and they're willing to just swim. I think if you start there, you could really… watch it flourish.” — Ronni MorrisseyCall to ActionInterested in building powerful PBL experiences for your students or growing your leadership network?Join the conversation, access resources, and connect with a community of innovative educators at pblnetworks.com.