Our Team
Sara Lev
For two decades, Sara has been committed to cultivating learning environments that foster joy and independence for all, especially our youngest learners. As a long-time early childhood educator, she has worked as a classroom teacher, teacher-leader and instructional coach in a variety of school settings (TK-12), and from Day One, she has found that the heart of these powerful learning environments is Project Based Learning. PBL empowers young children to think critically and direct their own learning, and to build meaningful connections, skills and relationships within diverse communities.
Sara earned a Bachelors degree from the University of Rochester and a Masters in early childhood education from Bank Street College, and is a member of the National Faculty of PBLWorks. She is passionate about the integration of Project Based Learning and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), and in addition to her work with PBL, she often facilitates workshops and trainings on the topics of Yoga, mindfulness, restorative practices, culturally responsive teaching and SEL with a variety of organizations such as Yoga Ed., Circle Ways, Breathe for Change, AdaptiveX and A Thousand Joys.
Sara is the co-author of Implementing Project Based Learning in Early Childhood: Overcoming Misconceptions and Reaching Success (Routledge, 2020) and a contributing author to Making Mathematics Come Alive in the Elementary Classroom with Project-Based Learning (NCTM, 2021). She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two sons.
Connect with her on twitter @saramlev
Instagram: Saram_lev
Amanda Clark
Amanda Clark, Ph.D., has been an educator for over 20 years, beginning her career as an elementary teacher where she designed engaging, inquiry-based projects that encouraged critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. She has also served as a building literacy leader and instructional coach, guiding fellow educators in implementing research-based, learner-centered teaching strategies. In her most recent role as an Assistant Professor of Education at Central College, Amanda taught a variety of methods courses, supported practicum students, and supervised student teachers as they honed their skills.
Amanda earned her Ph.D. at Drake University, where her dissertation focused on the instructional strategies educators use to facilitate project-based learning (PBL). Her research interests include designing PBL projects aligned with the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and developing effective PBL experiences for young learners. She is the co-author of Implementing Project-Based Learning in Early Childhood: Overcoming Misconceptions and Reaching Success (Routledge, 2020) and remains dedicated to advancing education through innovative, student-centered practices.
Connect with her on Twitter @AmandaClarkPhD
Erin Starkey
Erin has been in education since 2008. She has taught in classrooms, written curriculum, and has served as a district instructional coach and technologist. It is through PBL that Erin has witnessed a profound difference in how learners engage in the classroom. Her passion now lies in coaching teachers as a part of the ECPBL team and as a National Faculty member for PBLWorks where she is able to utilize constructive questioning and create conversations that lead teachers and administrators to new understanding, specifically around incorporating high quality Project Based Learning.
Erin holds a B.A. in Early Childhood Education from Abilene Christian University and an M. Ed., with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction, from Texas State University.
Connect with her on Twitter
@edtechtraveler