Earn a certificate in project-based learning and engage your students in authentic student-centered inquiry.

The Project-Based Learning certificate program is designed for current educators who strive to create rich, meaningful, and rigorous learning experiences through student-centered approaches to teaching and learning. 

What Sets Us Apart

  Deep focus on teacher and leader practice
  Virtual coaching by expert instructional coaches throughout the school year
 Rich, sustained, and advanced professional development

About the Program

The Project-Based Learning certificate program provides an innovative professional learning experience that allows currently practicing educators to leverage the educational expertise of Penn GSE’s faculty and some of the most skilled and experienced student-centered learning practitioners from across the country. The program was developed in collaboration with the Science Leadership Academy, the Workshop School, Inquiry Schools, and EL Education.

Application Deadline
June 28, 2021

Program StartAugust 2021

Program EndMay 2022

Certificate/Licensure offeredPenn GSE Certificate in Project-Based Learning

Professional development3 Continuing Education Credits from Penn GSE

Programs for Working Professionals
Teacher Programs & Certifications
Overview

The Project-Based Learning certificate program is advanced professional development. The program is designed to help you engage your students in authentic intellectual inquiry, facilitate learning through projects, and develop vital student skills such as critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving. 

The program begins with a virtual summer institute. Throughout the school year, you will work with an expert instructional coach from the program’s instructional team. Coaches provide ongoing feedback and support that you can use immediately. The program concludes with a final virtual institute where you will continue to develop yourself as an instructional leader within your schools and community. 

Ideal candidates
Current elementary, middle, or high school teacher; instructional coach; department chair; principal; or other instructional leader

Learn More & Apply

Our Faculty

Our program leadership and instructional team come with deep experience and expertise in teacher development and student-centered approaches to teaching and learning.

Penn GSE Faculty Zachary Herrmann
Zachary Herrmann
Adjunct Assistant Professor
Ed.L.D., Harvard University
Penn GSE Faculty Richard Staniec
Richard Staniec
Physics and Integrated Science Teacher, Upper Perkiomen High School
M.Ed., St. Joseph’s University
Penn GSE Faculty Gina Wickstead
Gina Wickstead
Humanities Teacher and Facilitator, High Tech Middle Media Arts
M.A.T., Johns Hopkins University
Penn GSE Faculty Jordan Templeton
Jordan Templeton
Dean of Instruction, Graham Elementary and Middle School
M.Ed., High Tech High Graduate School of Education
Penn GSE Faculty Melissa Viola-Askey
Melissa Viola-Askey
Social Studies Professional Development Specialist, Prince William County Schools
Ed.M., University at Buffalo
Penn GSE Faculty Alissa Fong
Alissa Fong
Professional Development Associate and Instructional Math Coach, Center to Support Excellence in Teaching, Stanford University
M.A., Stanford University
Penn GSE Faculty Tyler Thigpen
Tyler Thigpen
Co-founder, The Forest School & the Institute for Self Directed Learning
Ed.L.D., Harvard University
Penn GSE Faculty Tina Schuster
Tina Schuster
Director of Pedagogy and Innovation, HTH Graduate School of Education
M.Ed., University of Virginia
Penn GSE Faculty Chenelle Boatswain
Chenelle Boatswain
Co-Academic Director, Project-Based Learning Certificate Program
Ed.M., Harvard University

Advisory Team

Advisory Team

Pam Grossman
Dean, University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education
Ph.D., Stanford University

Christopher Pupik Dean
Senior Fellow
Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania

Matthew Riggan
Co-Founder, The Workshop School
Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania

Chris Lehmann
Founding Principal and CEO, Science Leadership Academies
M.A., Columbia University  

Sarah Schneider Kavanagh
Assistant Professor
Ph.D., University of Washington

Meg Riordan
Director of External Research & Project Director, Teacher Potential Project, EL Education
Ph.D., New York University

What Our Participants Are Saying

 
“A rich, in-depth, transformative experience!” – Project-Based Learning program participant

“Amazing! One of the best professional development experiences I’ve ever had. It challenged me, and I was immersed in an experience that provided specific ways for me to take what I’ve learned and implement it immediately.” – Project-Based Learning program participant

Contact Us

For more information about the Project-Based Learning certificate program, contact us at ProfessionalLearning@gse.upenn.edu

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