Lifelong Learning Defined Podcast for Self Improvement

Dr. Jorge Valenzuela

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In their own words

Lifelong Learning Defined Podcast with Dr. Jorge Valenzuela is a show aimed at educators and school leaders who want to improve their personal and professional growth by incorporating innovative and evidence-based practices. Each episode features a guest who offers practical tips and inspiring advice to help you transform your classroom, school environment or personal life. Tune in today to start defining your unique success path!

As heard by us

Based on 4 episodes we listened to · September 2026

George Valenzuela connects educator self-reflection with practical choices about teaching, leadership, communication, and keeping STEM learning responsive.

Lifelong Learning Defined turns professional growth into candid guest conversations about what educators do when plans, people, and institutions resist tidy answers.

Read our full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

The lesson plan changes mid-class; George Valenzuela lets you hear why that's teaching.

Press play if you want

  • to hear a teacher explain why reading the room can matter more than following the plan
  • to recognize when your drive to get everything right has turned into constant stress
Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Talks about

Best episodes of Lifelong Learning Defined Podcast for Self Improvement

Short reviews from the PlayNext desk, based on the episodes we processed.

S 4 E 6: Staying Close to the Classroom — Human-Centered Leadership with Lauren Kaufman

Leadership is strongest when it stays close to classroom practice.

Lauren Kaufman frames leadership as work that stays close to the classroom: listen first, then act with the realities of educator practice in view.

S4 E10: Healing, Alignment, and Self-Trust (with Alexa Nejamie)

A reflective conversation about self-knowledge, alignment, and becoming more real with oneself.

The conversation treats healing as a matter of self-knowledge and alignment: once someone knows themselves more clearly, other people's opinions carry less weight, and change feels possible.

S 4 E 5: The AI Mindset — Building Future-Ready Schools with Steven Iglesias

A practical case for teaching AI mindset before chasing AI tools.

The episode treats AI in schools as a shift in habits, not another app to showcase. Steven Iglesias keeps the focus on a simple idea: teachers and leaders need more than tool training if they want young people ready for a fast-changing world.

S 4 E 4: Purpose Over Popularity — Emotional Intelligence and Digital Wisdom with Rochelle Wilson

A practical case for coaching students to self-regulate, self-reflect, and advocate for themselves.

George Valenzuela and Rochelle Wilson make a strong case for coaching students to name what they feel, reflect on where they stand, and ask for what they need.

S4 E8: Healing Before Manifestation: Radical Accountability, Worthiness, and the Work No One Sees

Healing here starts with accountability and changed patterns.

This conversation stays with heartbreak, accountability, and the slower work of changing habits after a relationship that felt hard to steer. George Valenzuela keeps it grounded in educator-to-educator reflection, while Michelle Moore speaks directly about anxiety, trauma, body…

S 4 E 2: Authentic Teaching, Faith, and Content Creation with Cabrina Dixon

A grounded conversation about flexible teaching, empathy, and using social media to build real community.

The segment centers on George Valenzuela introducing Cabrina Dixon as a middle school teacher, lifestyle influencer, mom of four, and Atlanta-based creator, then moving into a steady message about planning without becoming rigid.

S 4 E 3: Leadership, Purpose, and Content Creation with Coach Tony Kimble

A practical look at educational leadership, audience focus, and staying authentic.

This episode treats leadership as a communication problem first. The point is straightforward: leaders have to make vision and goals clear to superintendents, instructional coaches, janitors, and teachers if they want people to buy into growth and change.

Podcasts like Lifelong Learning Defined Podcast for Self Improvement

Episodes

  1. 1

    S4 E10: Healing, Alignment, and Self-Trust (with Alexa Nejamie)

    Hidden gem

    George Valenzuela sits down with Alexa to talk about healing as alignment.

    ·35m·2 clips
  2. 2

    S4 E12: Trust First—The Foundation Every Instructional Leader Needs with Dr. Delia Racines

    ·33m
  3. 3

    S4 E7: Leading From the Middle: Building School Culture That Lasts

    Danelle Almaraz, an InnovateEd leader with about 15 years of coaching experience, tells George Valenzuela that schools should lead "from the middle" instead of waiting on federal, state or district directives.

    ·27m·2 clips
  4. 4

    S4 E9: Teach Like It’s Your Kid in the Front Row (with Jonathan Alsheimer)

    Jonathan Alsheimer, a 16-year educator, tells host George Valenzuela that classroom engagement has two parts, instructional and relational, and that the guiding rule is 'teach like it's your kid in the front row.' He describes using Disney music and the movie Wonder to teach theme, and playing games like 'grudge ball' and 'human bingo' as a hook before 15 minutes of text analysis.

    ·32m·2 clips
  5. 5

    S 4 E 2: Authentic Teaching, Faith, and Content Creation with Cabrina Dixon

    Host George Valenzuela interviews educator and influencer Cabrinha Dixon about balancing teaching, motherhood, and content creation with authenticity and faith.

    ·23m·2 clips
  6. 6

    S4 E11: From the Bronx to Robotics: Building STEM Confidence with Stephanie Lugo (Ms. Robotics)

    Hidden gem

    Education coach George Valenzuela interviews STEM educator Stephanie Lugo (Ms.

    ·19m·1 clip
  7. 7

    S 4 E 3: Leadership, Purpose, and Content Creation with Coach Tony Kimble

    Dr.

    ·19m·1 clip
  8. 8

    S 4 E 4: Purpose Over Popularity — Emotional Intelligence and Digital Wisdom with Rochelle Wilson

    Hidden gem

    George Valenzuela sits down with Rochelle Wilson, founder of Mrs.

    ·26m·1 clip
  9. 9

    S 4 E 6: Staying Close to the Classroom — Human-Centered Leadership with Lauren Kaufman

    Leadership starts near classrooms.

    ·37m·3 clips
  10. 10

    S4 E8: Healing Before Manifestation: Radical Accountability, Worthiness, and the Work No One Sees

    Hidden gem

    George Valenzuela sits down with Michelle Moore for a candid conversation about heartbreak and healing.

    ·47m·2 clips
  11. 11

    S 4 E 5: The AI Mindset — Building Future-Ready Schools with Steven Iglesias

    Hidden gem

    George opens by asking how schools can make technology feel real for kids.

    ·29m·2 clips
  12. 12

    Season 4 Premiere: Instructional Innovation+, PBL+, and the Future of Learning

    Hidden gem

    George Valenzuela says project-based learning has a 0.78 effect size on John Hattie's scale, making effective implementation central to his PBL Plus framework.

    Sep 13, 2025·48m·2 clips
  13. 13

    People First Leadership with Vernon Wright

    Vernon Wright argues that people-first leadership starts with making people feel “seen, heard, and understood.” He says people join organizations but leave jobs because of people, making leadership and workplace relationships central concerns.

    Apr 23, 2025·42m·2 clips
  14. 14

    The Awaken Librarian: Jean Darnell on AI, Book Bans, and the Power of Student Voice

    Jean Darnell says school librarians should evaluate generative AI for copyright, representation, transparency, and student-data privacy.

    Apr 16, 2025·31m·2 clips
  15. 15

    From Compton to the World: Building STEM Futures Through Project-Based Learning with Jose González

    Apr 4, 2025·25m
  16. 16

    From Classroom to Leadership: Dr. Donovan Smalls on Impactful School Leadership

    Mar 11, 2025·20m
  17. 17

    Viral Fame: Mr. Hungry’s Recipe for Success

    Feb 28, 2025·30m
  18. 18

    From Cafeteria Cyphers to CEO: A Journey Through Hip Hop with Walter Grand Tinsley

    Jan 25, 2025·33m
  19. 19

    Empowering Educators: Instructional Innovation & PBL Coaching with Jorge Valenzuela

    Jan 24, 2025·55m
  20. 20

    Empathy-Driven Teaching: A Conversation With Jorge Valenzuela on PBL+

    Dec 13, 2024·33m
  21. 21

    Empowering Teacher Leaders: Insights from Dr. Jasmine Kullar on PLCs and Courageous Leadership

    Nov 26, 2024·21m
  22. 22

    Transformational Leadership and Lifelong Learning: Jorge Valenzuela’s Journey

    Nov 22, 2024·30m
  23. 23

    Empowering Black Youth: A Conversation with Kendrick Claxton on Closing the Achievement Gap

    Oct 18, 2024·23m
  24. 24

    Empowering Educators with Computer Science: A Conversation with Coach Victor Hicks

    Oct 3, 2024·25m
  25. 25

    Staying in the Game: Resilience, Faith, and Overcoming Adversity with David Powell

    Sep 19, 2024·16m
  26. 26

    Leading with Resilience: A Conversation with Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket

    Sep 13, 2024·23m
  27. 27

    Empathy, Growth, and AI: A Journey of Self-Improvement with Stevie Frank

    Sep 6, 2024·23m
  28. 28

    EdTech Revolution: Inside the First TikTok Live Summit

    Sep 3, 2024·9m
  29. 29

    Creating Collaborative Schools with Jorge Valenzuela: An Excerpt from the Schoolin' Around Podcast

    Aug 27, 2024·32m
  30. 30

    The Science of Happiness: Finding Joy in Life with Kim Strobel

    Aug 24, 2024·33m
  31. 31

    Transforming Education: Vriti Saraf on AI, Web3, and Finding Purpose

    Aug 13, 2024·29m
  32. 32

    Balancing Human and Artificial Intelligence in Education: A Conversation with Matt Miller

    Jul 19, 2024·30m
  33. 33

    Professional Development That Works: Mike Mattos on RTI at Work and PLCs

    Jun 17, 2024·37m
  34. 34

    After Hours with Principal Josh Tovar

    Jun 1, 2024·40m
  35. 35

    Mastering Depth of Knowledge: An Interview with Erik Francis

    May 14, 2024·26m
  36. 36

    Cultivating School Culture: Insights from Education Innovator Jimmy Casas

    May 9, 2024·30m
  37. 37

    Motherhood, Building Great Classrooms and Uplifting Others with Angie Freese

    May 6, 2024·30m
  38. 38

    Love & Learning: Nurturing a Lifelong Marriage with Omar and Fely Lopez

    Apr 19, 2024·28m
  39. 39

    Empowering Entrepreneurs: Yaritza Villalba the Sequel

    Apr 12, 2024·38m
  40. 40

    Navigating Relationships, Coaching and Nature with Educator James Fester

    Apr 5, 2024·29m
  41. 41

    Unlocking the Potential: The Transformative Power of Applied Behavior Analysis and Family Dynamics with Donovon Shorts

    Mar 30, 2024·24m
  42. 42

    Unlocking Education Entrepreneurship with Jorge Valenzuela

    Mar 19, 2024·27m
  43. 43

    Nurturing Parenthood, Relationships in Schools and Time in Nature with Ari Gerzon-Kessler

    Mar 10, 2024·28m
  44. 44

    Improving Special Education and Exploring Family and Podcasting with Kyle Hill

    Feb 21, 2024·38m
  45. 45

    Building Bonds and Empowering Minds: A Conversation with Dr. Anthony Muhammad

    Feb 10, 2024·45m
  46. 46

    Navigating Relationships, Entrepreneurship, and Youth Mentorship with Coach Carlos Johnson

    Jan 30, 2024·34m
  47. 47

    Family Bonds and Youth Mentorship: Nurturing Lifelong Learning with Dr. Jennifer Plucker

    Jan 19, 2024·34m
  48. 48

    Empowering Growth: Insights from Superintendent Zandra Jo Galván

    Jan 14, 2024·36m
  49. 49

    Nurturing Family Bonds and Serving Others: Insights from Jornea Armant

    Jan 4, 2024·32m
  50. 50

    Nurturing Family Bonds and Serving Others: Insights from Jornea Armant

    Jan 4, 2024·32m
  51. 51

    Mastering Life's Harmony with Rachelle Dené Poth

    Dec 21, 2023·32m
  52. 52

    Unlocking Self-Improvement in Family Relationships, Entrepreneurship, and Fitness with Dr. Don Parker

    Dec 5, 2023·37m
  53. 53

    Navigating Relationships, Goals, and Entrepreneurship: Insights from UnlockTheMiddle Podcast

    Nov 27, 2023·43m
  54. 54

    Inspiring STEM Mom: Tips for Balancing Instructional Coaching, Parenthood, and Self-Care with Chanel Johnson

    Nov 19, 2023·38m
  55. 55

    Family, Coaching, and Fitness with Drew Hirshon

    Nov 6, 2023·27m
  56. 56

    Empowering Education and Relationships: A Conversation with Laura Williams

    Oct 25, 2023·34m
  57. 57

    Balancing Love, Learning, and Self-Care: A Conversation with Educator Lindsay Zilly

    Oct 10, 2023·41m
  58. 58

    Coding with Culture: Navigating Entrepreneurship, STEM Education, and HBCU Advocacy with Coach Victor Hicks

    Sep 29, 2023·34m
  59. 59

    Todd Nesloney: Empowering Families, Entrepreneurs, and Education

    Sep 21, 2023·38m
  60. 60

    Visionary Pioneer: Bridging Entrepreneurship, EdTech, and Magic with Victoria Thompson

    Sep 14, 2023·52m
  61. 61

    Unlock Your Potential: Entrepreneurship, Education Leadership, and Fitness with Dr. Evisha Ford

    May 29, 2023·42m
  62. 62

    Unleashing Digital Wellness: Laurie Guyon's Passion for Educational Technology and Helping Others

    May 7, 2023·54m
  63. 63

    Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship: A Conversation with Yaritza Villalba

    Apr 30, 2023·54m
  64. 64

    The Power of Lifelong Relationships: Insights from Educator Phil Bristol

    Apr 23, 2023·53m
  65. 65

    Harmonizing Family Time and Creativity: Tips from Writer and Musician Melissa Campesi

    Apr 16, 2023·36m
  66. 66

    Creating Authentic Learning Experiences: A Conversation with Educational Consultant Brad Sever

    Apr 9, 2023·36m
  67. 67

    Finding Purpose and Balance with Dr. Breauna Wall: A Journey Through Motherhood, Business, and Faith

    Apr 1, 2023·41m
  68. 68

    Empowering Educators and Parents through Social and Emotional Learning with Dr. Krista Leh

    Mar 26, 2023·39m
  69. 69

    Fit Mom Life and Lifelong Learner: A Conversation with Michelle Moore

    Mar 5, 2023·39m
  70. 70

    Balancing Business and Family While Navigating Business Opportunities with Tre’ Gammage

    Mar 2, 2023·49m
  71. 71

    Raising Kids, Running a Business, and Finding Bliss: A Conversation with Elizabeth Peña

    Feb 25, 2023·32m
  72. 72

    Integrating SEL into Classroom Instruction (Principal Center Radio Feature)

    Feb 21, 2023·28m
  73. 73

    Strategies for Youth to Align Passion to Purpose and Education (AVID Open Access: Unpacking Education Feature)

    Feb 10, 2023·48m
  74. 74

    Triple Threat: Balancing Parenting, Business, and Fitness with Dr. Sheldon Eakins

    Feb 4, 2023·43m
  75. 75

    Pursue Entrepreneurship, Passion, and Purpose with Jorge Valenzuela (A "Purpose Driven Podcast" Premeire)

    Jan 26, 2023·1h 2m
  76. 76

    Three Steps to Finding Your Purpose and Achieving Your Goals (SEL in Edu feature)

    Dec 22, 2022·56m
  77. 77

    What's Computer Science Education Week and How Does it Connect to the Hour of Code?

    Dec 4, 2022·6m
  78. 78

    6 Steps to Move Students From Passion to Purpose

    Nov 14, 2022·14m
  79. 79

    Creating Shared Agreements for School Staff & How Teachers Can Update Their SEL Plans (Missing Link feature)

    Oct 31, 2022·14m
  80. 80

    Using Learning Walks to Ideate Teacher Professional Development (Aspire to Lead feature)

    Oct 23, 2022·24m
  81. 81

    Learning to Trust Your Inner Voice (itutor.com feature)

    Oct 16, 2022·33m
  82. 82

    Lifelong Learning Defined (Trailer #2)

    Oct 10, 2022·0m
  83. 83

    Tips for Healing From Emotional Pain

    Oct 8, 2022·6m
  84. 84

    Lifelong Learning Defined (Trailer # 1)

    Sep 26, 2022·1m