CENTER FOR THE PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION OF TEACHERS
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Design authentic learning that lasts

Demystify project-based learning and spark greater student engagement in any subject.
Register
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Find answers to more essential questions by checking out our FAQ.
 

What You'll Learn

Educators often find project-based learning overwhelming to integrate. Demystify the process with practical strategies and real-world examples for imagining, designing, and implementing projects. 

Key takeaways


  • Explore foundational principles of project-based learning and what makes it an effective approach
  • Design student-driven projects rooted in real-world scenarios
  • Create rigorous assessments aligned with goals, standards, and 21st-century skills
  • Develop lessons that foster inquiry, collaboration, and reflection
  • Establish routines and activities to support a culture of deep learning
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Connect learning to life


In today’s rapidly changing world, traditional teaching methods alone aren’t enough to prepare students for success. Project-based learning (PBL) creates powerful opportunities for students to connect with real-world scenarios, challenges, and problems, helping them build essential 21st-century skills.
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Inspire inquiry & engagement


Designing meaningful, student-driven projects offers students a pathway to deeper engagement and practical skill-building. Teachers can use PBL to cultivate a culture where students thrive intellectually, socially, and emotionally, equipping them to meet demands beyond the classroom. 
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Practical tools for success


This course will immerse you in the process of crafting and executing student-driven projects, and creating a classroom environment where inquiry and collaboration are at the forefront. With practical tools to help you implement PBL with confidence, we'll ensure that you can immediately apply what you learn in your classroom.
 

What Educators Are Saying

Join K-12 educators from around the world in creating meaningful change in your classroom and community.
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Course Format and Topics

This course bridges theory and practice, packed with instructional videos, resources, discussions, and assignments — all designed to support real classroom impact. Explore our open enrollment and on demand formats to find the option that works best for you.

Open enrollment

•  Course & registration available for a limited time
•  Join a cohort of educators from various schools and locations
•  Learn independently with periodic feedback from a facilitator
•  Self-paced within course period
Register

On demand

•  Available at any time, with flexible pacing
•  Private access for your team, school, or district 
•  Work with a dedicated facilitator
•  Customize course content and/or receive additional coaching
Contact us
Course begins
Participants who are registered prior to the course start date can expect to receive course login details 2-3 days before the course starts. For more information on access and participation, please visit our FAQ page. 

​​​Preview an introductory video from the course:
Topic 1
Imagining Project Possibilities
Exploring project-based learning and its importance for 21st century learning.
Topic 2
Designing Authentic Assessments
Promising practices for assessment design. 
Topic 3
Backwards Planning as Instructional Inspiration
Examining project tasks and planning with the end in mind.
Topic 4
Establishing Criteria for Success
Exploring formative assessments and the co-authoring and communicating of success criteria with students.
Topic 5
Creating a Culture of Inquiry and Collaboration
Monitoring student learning and progress and offering feedback. 
Topic 6
Celebrating Learning
Celebrating accomplishments and connecting students to an authentic audience. ​
Course ends
Course participation ends and assignments close one (1) week after the final course topic is released. Within two weeks after this date, final grades and certificates will be processed. ​
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Meet Your Facilitator

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Dr. Cristina Compton

Cristina oversees a wide range of school-based projects and the Student Press Initiative, a program that supports teachers and students in developing projects that culminate in professionally designed, print-based publications. When working with educators, she focuses on areas of strength and opportunities for growth, in an effort to develop highly customized and targeted professional development plans. In her on-site work, she supports schools with curriculum design, unit planning, project-based learning, and developing literacy strategies that can bolster student achievement across the disciplines. ​

"Our students have the potential to do amazing things — they just need the right conditions to survive and thrive."

 
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Take Your Next Steps

This opportunity is designed for K-12 educators to grow independently, or as part of a team. Still have questions? Check out our FAQ page, or contact us at [email protected]. We look forward to working alongside you!

This timing doesn't work for you? Talk to us about a custom course for your team or school, that works with your schedule!
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The Center for Professional Education of Teachers (CPET) at Teachers College, Columbia University is committed to making excellent and equitable education accessible worldwide. ​CPET unites theory and practice to promote transformational change. We design innovative projects, cultivate sustainable partnerships, and conduct research through direct and online services to youth and educators. Grounded in adult learning theories, our six core principles structure our customized approach and expand the capacities of educators around the world.

ABOUT US

525 West 120th Street, Box 182
New York, NY 10027
​416 Zankel

Ph: (212) 678-3161
[email protected]

Our Team
Career Opportunities
EDUCATOR RESOURCES

Book of the Month
Online Courses
Professional Articles
Ready-to-Use Resources
Teaching Today Podcast
COACHING SERVICES

Custom Coaching
Global Learning Alliance
Literacy Unbound
​New Teacher Network
Student Press Initiative
MAKE A DIFFERENCE

​​Every gift is an investment in equitable education. With your support, we can continue to bring transformative change for K-12 teachers, leaders, and students worldwide. 
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  • Home
  • Who We Are
    • Our Team
    • Our Partnerships
    • Our Authors
    • Principles of Practice
    • Job Opportunities
  • What We Do
    • Services
    • Equity in Action
    • Literacy Unbound Summer Institute
    • Signature Initiatives >
      • Literacy Unbound
      • New Teacher Network
      • Student Press Initiative
  • Educator Essentials
    • Book of the month
    • Online Courses
    • Professional Articles
    • Ready-to-use Resources
    • Teaching Today Podcast
  • Support CPET