Dr. Jorge Valenzuela

Most PBL is missing the structure that makes it work. Real PBL requires challenge, authenticity, collaboration, public products, project management, and reflection. Learn more here: www.edutopia.org/article/simp... #PBLplus #Education #InstructionalLeadership #JorgeDoesPBL #Edusky

One big instructional mistake schools make happens before lessons even begin. Before the initiative. Before the technology. Before the program. We stop asking: “What do students actually need?” #InstructionalInnovationPlus #InstructionalLeadership #Education #JorgeDoesPBL #Edusky

Reactive leadership creates unstable cultures. Strong leaders are not controlled by pressure, conflict, or emotion. They pause, regulate, and respond with intention. One of the core ideas explored in my “Leading Through Conflict” leadership series. #Leadership #EmotionallyIntelligentLeadership

AI DOESN’T FIX BAD INSTRUCTION. Strong instructional design still matters most in the age of AI. Harvard Project Zero’s Visible Thinking research reinforces the importance of making student thinking observable through reflection, reasoning, and authentic tasks. #EduSky #AILiteracy #PBLplus

YOUR GUT ISN’T JUST A FEELING. The Enteric Nervous System contains more than 100 million neurons communicating between the gut and brain through the vagus nerve. Research from Dr. Michael Gershon’s work on the “second brain” helped explain why intuition can feel so real physiologically.

ENGAGEMENT DRIVES ACHIEVEMENT. John Hattie’s Visible Learning research found teacher clarity and classroom discussion among the strongest influences on student learning. Students learn more deeply when they are actively engaged in rigorous instruction. #EduSky #InstructionalLeadership #Education

New leaders feel pressure to prove themselves fast. But research tells a different story. Trust develops through ability, integrity, and benevolence—not speed (Mayer, Davis & Schoorman, 1995). Listen first. Learn the system. Then lead. Episode: YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAEO... #EduSky

Most lessons don’t fail during work time—they fail before it. Tier 1 should: clear goal, model thinking, define expectations. Rosenshine (2012) showed modeling + guided practice are critical. Read more about Tier 1 here: www.edutopia.org/article/5-ke... #EduSky

Hard work alone doesn’t build skill. Consistency does. Ericsson (1993): Expert performance develops through deliberate, repeated practice—not one-time effort. Pattern holds across fields: practice → competence → confidence Most people stop too early. #EduSky

You’re not asking for too much. You’re asking for what you’ve finally seen modeled the right way. The responsibility is this: become what you’re seeking. Full episode: Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/7ce6... YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZSM... #EduSky

Accountability starts with curiosity, not consequences. 🔍 Psychological safety (Edmondson, 1999) is the #1 predictor of team success. It requires making it safe to say "I don't know." Don't penalize a lack of knowledge; penalize a lack of curiosity. #EduSky

2025 didn’t go according to plan. I chose to accept it and work within my span of control. I focused on the inputs: • Faith • Family • Intentionality 2026 won’t be easy. But we do what’s required today. We learn to be comfortable being uncomfortable. The rest is in God’s hands.

I joined The Human Intelligence Movement (@hi4ai.bsky.social) podcast with Tim Needles and Kim Abel, both featured speakers at FETC 2026. Thanks to Michelle Ament and Arvin Ross for hosting a timely, human-centered conversation. Watch here: www.youtube.com/live/fcRjBFF...

Strong leadership distinguishes between ignorance and resistance. We support people who don’t know yet. We hold accountable those who refuse to learn. Curiosity grows in safe environments — and leaders set the tone.

Strength and positivity can still coexist with chronic anxiety. Michelle Moore shares how physical symptoms revealed what mindset alone couldn’t. Worth the listen — LLD Podcast. YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZSM... Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/7ce6...

Healing doesn’t stop the pain from returning. It gives you the tools to meet it with clarity. That’s what emotionally intelligent leadership looks like. From my keynote: Heal Before You Reveal.

Hard work eventually becomes talent. Progress isn’t loud at first. It’s quiet repetition, skill-building, and consistency over time. Stay with it.

AI is accelerating. Leadership can’t be passive. In this conversation with Lauren Kaufman, we talk about why human intelligence has to lead AI, not the other way around. 🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/3rcS...

Research shows happiness isn’t sustained by external rewards alone. For students, joy and engagement grow when learning aligns with interests, passions, and personal meaning. Interest-driven projects are a strong place to start.

When students aren’t meaningfully engaged, deep learning is unlikely to happen. Research consistently shows a strong link between engagement and achievement. Instructional improvement has to address how learning is designed — not just curriculum coverage. High-yield strategies aren’t add-ons.

Progress isn’t measured by how you feel today. It’s measured by who you’re becoming over time. It’s okay not to be okay—but it’s not okay to stay there. Never neglect your mindset.

Relationships determine everything. When someone sees potential in you and gives you a chance, that moment can transform your life’s direction. A short summer job became the spark that shaped my entire career. #Leadership #KeynoteWisdom #EduSpeaker

Emotional intelligence shows up in how you interpret behavior. Words can sound convincing, but patterns never lie. Actions reveal truth. Set limits Save this for later and send it to someone who needs it. #HealBeforeYouReveal #EmotionallyIntelligentLeadership #Leadership #Education #JorgeDoesPBL

A single question can prevent most arguments: “Why do you feel that way?” If the other person doesn’t want resolution, step back. #EmotionallyIntelligentLeadership #Leadership #JorgeDoesPBL

When students engage in work that connects to their interests, achievement, motivation, engagement, and attendance all rise. The research has been clear for years. The strongest driver is the skilled teacher who knows their students. #InstructionalLeadership #Education #JorgeDoesPBL

Want better relationships? Send someone a quick message today and appreciate one thing they did well — their attitude, effort, or a skill they showed. Small acknowledgments change everything. Follow for more leadership + EI insights.

Leaders don’t respond on impulse. When someone disrespects you, pause and ask: “Will this matter in 5 minutes, 5 days, 5 months, or 5 years?” If it’s not meaningful, release it. If it is, address it with clarity and a firm boundary. Emotional maturity is a leadership skill.

1 of 2: Strong Tier 1 instruction starts with a launch that sets purpose & prepares students for meaningful work. A clear first few minutes—unpacking the goal, addressing misconceptions, modeling the thinking & defining expectations. This is the heart of Instructional Innovation+.

Before any instructional decision, start with the question that matters most: What do the kids you teach actually need? I partner with districts nationwide on instructional leadership, EI leadership, & PBL with AI. To book a keynote or PD session, use the link in my profile and in the comments👇.

Trust grows when teams create shared expectations for how they communicate & support one another. When people know what they can count on, alignment strengthens & the work moves forward with clarity Article in comments👇 #InstructionalLeadership #Education #JorgeDoesPBL #InstructionalInnovationplus

3 ways to deal with self-centered people Praising them, but it’s a survival strategy—especially with a boss or caregiver. Arguing only feeds their need to frustrate you. Be brief and direct: “Good morning.” “I got to go.” Full article: bit.ly/3X1liQR #Leadership #jorgedoespbl

Leadership is strongest when it stays close to the classroom. Lauren Kaufman explains why staying grounded in real instruction matters for culture, clarity, and meaningful growth. #InstructionalLeadership #LifelongLearningDefined #JorgeDoesPBL #LLDpodcast

Arguing to win costs more than it gives. Leaders don’t need louder voices—they need deeper understanding. When emotions lead, listening leaves. Communicate to connect. That’s how real leadership shows up. #EmotionallyIntelligentLeadership #HealBeforeYouReveal #JorgeDoesPBL

If someone can push your buttons and make you react, they’re in charge—not you. 📖 Read the full article: bit.ly/4gFpbEb 🎓 Book the workshop: bit.ly/42pHTtf #HealBeforeYouReveal #JorgeDoesPBL #EmotionallyIntelligentLeadership #instructionalleadership #instructionalinnovationplus

Real leaders don’t hit the ground running — they hit the ground listening. It starts with belief, not control. Instructional leadership matters! 🎧 Watch: youtu.be/6YGrHUx59K4 Listen: open.spotify.com/episode/7zOz... #InstructionalLeadership #Education #LifelongLearningDefined #JorgeDoesPBL

New episode of the LLD Podcast is out now. I sit down with Coach Tony Kimble to talk leadership, communication, and purpose-driven impact. 🎧 Listen: open.spotify.com/episode/7zOz... 📺 Watch: youtu.be/6YGrHUx59K4 #Leadership #Education #LifelongLearningDefined #JorgeDoesPBL

AI has a hidden price tag. Every prompt uses energy, water, and carbon — costs most never think about. Teach students to see the cost behind the convenience. The goal isn’t to fear AI — it’s to use it with wisdom. #AILiteracy #PBLPlus #TechTuesday #Education #FutureReady #JorgeDoesPBL

Every AI prompt has a hidden cost — energy, water, and carbon. In PBL+, students calculate those impacts so AI isn’t just “magic,” it’s responsibility. That’s real-world learning. Bring a PBL+ with AI workshop to your school: bit.ly/42pHTtf #AILiteracy #PBLPlus #Education #JorgeDoesPBL

Passion without structure isn’t learning. Inspiration sparks interest—but a framework sustains growth. PBL+ helps students connect what excites them to real-world learning & life skills. 📖 Book: bit.ly/477rJre 👩🏽‍🏫 Workshop: bit.ly/42pHTtf #PBLPlus #Education #StudentEngagement #JorgeDoesPBL

People don’t leave jobs—they leave people. When Vernon Wright said that on the Lifelong Learning Defined Podcast, it hit hard. 🎧 Full episode: YouTube: youtu.be/XU4T7VkxtjQ Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/3uvP... #EducationLeadership #JorgeDoesPBL

Feedback helps kids learn. In PBL+, students learn in drafts: draft → feedback → refine. That’s moving past “finishing” to learning. ▶️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=CF9I... 🎙️ Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/5Mb8... #PBLPlus #ProjectBasedLearning #TeachingStrategies #JorgeDoesPBL

Coaching isn’t about validation—it’s about pouring into your audience. Share conversion stories, not origin stories. That’s what makes change feel possible (Denning, 2011). 🎧 YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=CF9I... 🎧 Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/5Mb8... #JorgeDoesPBL #Education