Overview
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.
The program is designed for current educators who strive to create rich, meaningful, and rigorous learning experiences through student-centered approaches to teaching and learning.
Program Details
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8 CEs University of Pennsylvania Continuing Education Credits
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240 Pennsylvania ACT 48 Credits
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May 2026 Grades will be awarded.
About the Program
The Project-Based Learning certificate program is advanced professional development. The program offers a unique opportunity for educators to delve into the instructional practices that maximize the impact of Project-Based Learning on student learning outcomes. Unlike many other programs that primarily focus on project development, the Project-Based Learning Certificate program is unique in its artifact-based approach to learning about implementation.
Participants of the program are organized into "home teams" consisting of educators who share similar contexts. Expert instructional coaches facilitate home teams. Coaches guide your teams in deepening your understanding of PBL. This collaborative learning model allows for valuable feedback and fosters a strong sense of community among participants. Each home team is led by an experienced coach who facilitates discussions, acts as a point of contact, and provides personalized feedback on participants' shared classroom artifacts.
The Project-Based Learning Certificate Program offers a valuable opportunity for educators to enhance their knowledge and skills in implementing project-based learning. By focusing on practical implementation strategies and fostering a supportive community of like-minded professionals, the program aims to empower teachers and school leaders to create meaningful and impactful learning experiences for their students.
Note About Video Recordings
The Project-Based Learning certificate program is different from other professional development programs because of its focus on improving classroom instructional practice. To this end, participants will be asked to post videos of their classroom practice in a secure, password-protected platform to get feedback from peers that can, in turn, prompt reflection on their teaching and learning. Video submission is required for the successful completion of this program.
Before committing to this program, each participant is responsible for researching and following the specific guidelines related to recording videos for professional learning set forth by their school, district, and/or network. All videos will be posted and used within a password-secure portal within this program only and deleted at the end of the program.
Program Format
Before and after each session, you will complete a set of readings, activities, and reflections to help you prepare and apply what you have learned.
* These synchronous meetings are required for the entire cohort.
| Date | Time Commitment | Session | Modality |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 27, 2025 | 10am–5pm | Kickoff In-Person Institute | In-person @ the University of Pennsylvania |
| October 2025 | 3 hours | Authenticity Part 1 | Virtual |
| October 2025 | 3 hours | Authenticity Part 2 | Virtual |
| November 2025 | 3 hours | Disciplinary Learning Part 1 | Virtual |
| December 2025 | 3 hours | Disciplinary Learning Part 2 | Virtual |
| January 2026 | 3 hours | Collaboration Part 1 | Virtual |
| February 2026 | 3 hours | Collaboration Part 2 | Virtual |
| March 2026 | 3 hours | Iteration Part 1 | Virtual |
| April 2026 | 3 hours | Iteration Part 2 | Virtual |
| May 2026 | 2 hours | Closing and Celebration | Virtual |
Take the Next Step
Simply click the Register Now button to create an account and submit an application. Or if you need more information to make an informed decision we encourage you to click Request Information.
Instructors
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