Kimberly L. Winters is an accomplished educator with a bachelor's and master's degree from James Madison University and certifications in advanced placement language and project-based learning (PBL). PBL is a teaching philosophy that emphasizes active engagement through meaningful projects, and its guidelines promote practices that enhance critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration. For further details on PBL design elements, refer to www.pblworks.org.

1. Kimberly L. Winters

2. An accomplished academic professional, Kimberly L. Winters
holds a bachelor's and master's degree from James Madison
University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. An educator within the
Virginia School System, Kimberly L. Winters, possesses Advanced
Placement Language and Project-Based Learning (PBL)
certifications.

3. Project-Based Learning Certification is administered by PBLWorks,
an educational management firm that provides various tools and
resources to K through 12 teachers. A teaching philosophy, PBL
employs active engagement and meaningful projects to empower
and instruct students.

4. PBLWorks promotes two guidelines for educators that embrace the
project-based learning model: project-based teaching practices
and project-based design elements. Project-based design
elements are backed by the evidence-based PBL model and have
been proven to improve skills in areas ranging from critical
thinking and problem solving to communication and
collaboration.

5. Project design elements at PBLWorks include a challenging
question and sustained inquiry through a rigorous student
engagement period. Moreover, real-world context is emphasized,
as is the student’s ability to make choices and express their own
ideas. Other elements include a period of reflection, critique, and
public sharing. For additional information on PBL project design
elements, visit www.pblworks.org.