Name: Bringing History to Life: Project-Based Learning Experiences for Teaching a People’s History of Wayne County
Start: 2025-08-14T10:00:00-0400
End: 2025-08-14T11:00:00-0400

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Thursday August 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am EDT

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How can educators move beyond traditional textbooks and lectures to create dynamic, student-centered learning experiences that deeply engage students in uncovering and amplifying historically marginalized voices? This session will explore Project-Based Learning (PBL) as a powerful, culturally relevant tool for teaching the rich and often untold histories of Wayne County. Participants will discover how PBL can be an effective means of not only educating students about the diverse cultural fabric of their community, but also empowering them to engage with local histories in meaningful ways.

Participants will:

*Explore how PBL can highlight diverse histories—including Indigenous, Asian American, African American, Arab American, Hispanic American and labor movements—while connecting students to their own cultural roots and Wayne County’s complex legacies, such as Black histories, Arab American communities, and environmental justice movements.
*Collaborate with instructional coaches to actively plan and brainstorm PBL units that incorporate culturally responsive teaching, place-based learning, and student-driven inquiry.
*Leave with actionable strategies to design PBL experiences that empower students to investigate, preserve, and share the stories of their own communities, ensuring that untold histories are acknowledged and respected.

Drawing inspiration from successful PBL experiences such as the Iconic Michigan PBL at Horizon High School, the Healthy Detroit Communities PBL, and The Change Through Street Art PBL at University Prep Art and Design, this session will showcase powerful student-driven projects. Through storytelling, video production, visual arts, and community engagement, these projects empowered students to reclaim, preserve, and share culturally significant narratives. Participants will gain insights into how PBL can be used to amplify student voices, connect with local history, and create meaningful learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom.Whether you are new to PBL or looking to deepen your approach, this session will provide practical tools, inspiration, and collaborative planning time to help you design culturally relevant, justice-centered learning experiences for your classroom.

Speakers

Jill Jenkins

Hamtramck Public Schools

Jill Jenkins is an experienced educator with over 21 years in the field of education. She holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree from Madonna University, an Educational Specialist Degree from the University of Phoenix, and an Administrative Certification from Davenport University... Read More →

Jeremy Hein

Hamtramck Public Schools

Jeremy Hein is in his 12th year of education, with 11 years of experience teaching middle school social studies before transitioning into his current role as an instructional coach. He holds a Master’s degree in Educational Technology from Grand Valley State University and a Secondary... Read More →

Thursday August 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am EDT
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Breakout Session #4

Wayne County Teaching Diverse History Summit

Jill Jenkins

Jeremy Hein

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