LYNN — Lynn Public Schools has embraced the concept of Project-Based Learning, and others are taking notice. LPS was named a 2025 PBL district champion by PBLWorks, a company that helps school districts build the capacity of teachers to design and facilitate quality Project-Based Learning.
The award provided an opportunity for three LPS administrators to attend the PBLWorks annual conference in California in June.
“We are proud and excited to receive this recognition,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Evonne S. Alvarez said.
“This reflects the dedication of our educators and leaders who have embraced Project-Based Learning as a powerful lever for student engagement and achievement,” she said.
Project-Based Learning is a teaching method in which students learn by actively engaging in real-world and personally meaningful projects that they work on from one week to an entire semester. Students develop content knowledge through critical thinking, collaboration, communication and creativity.
Deputy Superintendent Molly Cohen, Executive Director of Innovation and Grants Management Shannon Gardner, and Sisson School Principal Erin Zukowski attended the conference.
“It’s an incredible honor to be recognized as a PBL Champion District by PBLWorks,” Cohen said. “This recognition reinforces our commitment to the LPS District Strategic Plan, where innovation, equity, and excellence drive everything we do.
“Project-Based Learning is not just a method — it’s a mindset shift that helps us strengthen the instructional core through culturally and linguistically responsive practices,” she said. “We are proud that Lynn’s educators are being seen as leaders in this national movement toward deeper learning and student agency.”
LPS began offering professional development in Project-Based Learning to middle and high school teachers in 2023, using PBLWorks as the provider. Starting this fall, elementary school educators will be included.
“We’re very excited,” Alvarez said. “We have a multi-year plan to train teachers to deliver this instruction. The research shows that students do very well, especially Latino and Black students.
“This award validates the work we’re doing,” she said.
Alvarez said cohorts of Lynn teachers have received the training with more to come this year. “This supports student-centered learning and the way we deliver instruction,” she said.
Alvarez added that PBLWorks looks at “the development of teachers across the country. The fact that they acknowledged us with this award tells us we are keeping fidelity to delivery of instruction.”
PBLWorks has a vision for all students, especially Black and Latino students, to engage in high quality Project-Based Learning to deepen their learning and achieve success in college, career, and life.
According to PBLWorks, Project Based Learning advances educational equity and is transformative for all students.
