DigCitCon
DigCitCon
Los Angeles Unified School District’s Instructional Technology Initiative (ITI), in collaboration with the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), and the Association of California School Administrators Region 16 (ACSA) are excited to host the 4th Annual DigCitCon. Administrators, teachers, parents, and the education community will gather for a one-day in person convening focused on cultivating a culture of digital citizenship to support student empowerment in the age of artificial intelligence.
DigCitCon 2023
DigCitCon 2022
DigCitCon 2021
DigCitCon 2020
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Amy Adams is an for the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Amy has educated students in LA for over 20 years. She holds a Master's in Education Curriculum, a Master's in Educational Leadership, is a National
Board teacher, and a Google Certified Trainer. Amy supports technology implementation by providing ISTE standard lessons,
Computer Science lessons, and leveraging technology in integrated lessons for teachers and students.
Amy Adams
Amy Adams is an for the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Amy has educated students in LA for over 20 years. She holds a Master's in Education Curriculum, a Master's in Educational Leadership, is a National
Board teacher, and a Google Certified Trainer. Amy supports technology implementation by providing ISTE standard lessons,
Computer Science lessons, and leveraging technology in integrated lessons for teachers and students.
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Saul Duarte is a humble LAUSD and UCLA alumni who has taught from K-12 general and special education, to bilingual, to graduate university programs. Saul has served as coordinator of STEAM/Communication Arts magnet schools, testing, GATE, interventions, PLTW, and technology, Title I. Having been born in Guatemala, and having migrated to Los Angeles as a teenager, allows him to understand deeply the
urgent need to teach our majority-minority students with high quality instruction, researched based programs, and effective tech/digital tools to empower their learning and to provide access to academic content. These experiences allow him to be especially sensitive to both the great opportunities and challenges our students have in becoming 21st century digital citizens. He strives to utilize current technologies and applications to promote the purposeful intra-disciplinary integration of technology into instruction by utilizing approaches such as game-based learning, computer science, coding, physical computing, robotics, and electronics boards. He looks forward to working with all stakeholders in schools.
Saul Duarte
Saul Duarte is a humble LAUSD and UCLA alumni who has taught from K-12 general and special education, to bilingual, to graduate university programs. Saul has served as coordinator of STEAM/Communication Arts magnet schools, testing, GATE, interventions, PLTW, and technology, Title I. Having been born in Guatemala, and having migrated to Los Angeles as a teenager, allows him to understand deeply the
urgent need to teach our majority-minority students with high quality instruction, researched based programs, and effective tech/digital tools to empower their learning and to provide access to academic content. These experiences allow him to be especially sensitive to both the great opportunities and challenges our students have in becoming 21st century digital citizens. He strives to utilize current technologies and applications to promote the purposeful intra-disciplinary integration of technology into instruction by utilizing approaches such as game-based learning, computer science, coding, physical computing, robotics, and electronics boards. He looks forward to working with all stakeholders in schools.
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Maria Franco is an educator with experience in K-12, integrating technology to support teaching and learning, and designing professional development. Currently she is serving as an Instructional Technology Facilitator for the Los Angeles Unified School District. In addition to her current role, she was formerly a Technology Coordinator, Intervention teacher and a Data/Problem Solving Coordinator. Maria received a B.A. in Liberal Arts from California State University, Northridge and M.A.Ed in Educational Administration from Concordia
University, Irvine.
Maria Franco
Maria Franco is an educator with experience in K-12, integrating technology to support teaching and learning, and designing professional development. Currently she is serving as an Instructional Technology Facilitator for the Los Angeles Unified School District. In addition to her current role, she was formerly a Technology Coordinator, Intervention teacher and a Data/Problem Solving Coordinator. Maria received a B.A. in Liberal Arts from California State University, Northridge and M.A.Ed in Educational Administration from Concordia
University, Irvine.
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Jamie is currently a Specialist for Instructional Leadership
Support with the Instructional Technology Initiative (ITI). In this role, she supports L.A. Unified educators and leaders in leveraging digital tools and resources for student success through various models of support, including working with Practitioner Schools, supporting Professional Development, and assisting with ITI’s Signature Events. Jamie was an elementary teacher for 10 years and has worked in partnership with universities to mentor pre-service teachers, among other site leader positions. Jamie received her M.Ed in Elementary Mathematics Education from UNLV and her M.Ed and Preliminary Administrative Services Credential from UCLA. She is a Google Certified Trainer, Microsoft Innovative Educator, Common Sense Certified Educator and a Prosci Certified Change Practitioner. Jamie advocates for equity, access and opportunity in computer science education for all, and is committed to building strong computational thinkers and digital citizens. Jamie’s motto is to “Work hard, make it fun, learn together, and prove it was worth it!”
Jamie Galgana
Jamie is currently a Specialist for Instructional Leadership
Support with the Instructional Technology Initiative (ITI). In this role, she supports L.A. Unified educators and leaders in leveraging digital tools and resources for student success through various models of support, including working with Practitioner Schools, supporting Professional Development, and assisting with ITI’s Signature Events. Jamie was an elementary teacher for 10 years and has worked in partnership with universities to mentor pre-service teachers, among other site leader positions. Jamie received her M.Ed in Elementary Mathematics Education from UNLV and her M.Ed and Preliminary Administrative Services Credential from UCLA. She is a Google Certified Trainer, Microsoft Innovative Educator, Common Sense Certified Educator and a Prosci Certified Change Practitioner. Jamie advocates for equity, access and opportunity in computer science education for all, and is committed to building strong computational thinkers and digital citizens. Jamie’s motto is to “Work hard, make it fun, learn together, and prove it was worth it!”
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Gohar Hamo is an advocate for public education and has served 15 years in multiple capacities within LAUSD. She has used her Master’s
in Curriculum Development to effectively teach TK-8th and spearheaded the opening of a Global Gifted Magnet. She currently serves as an Instructional
Technology Facilitator and oversees students, teachers, and administrators as they learn to integrate content and pedagogy with technology. She is a
certified Nearpod Presenter, Flipgrid Ambassador, Kami Coach, and has numerous other qualifications for training participants on how to provide high
levels of online instruction.
Gohar K. Hamo
Gohar Hamo is an advocate for public education and has served 15 years in multiple capacities within LAUSD. She has used her Master’s
in Curriculum Development to effectively teach TK-8th and spearheaded the opening of a Global Gifted Magnet. She currently serves as an Instructional
Technology Facilitator and oversees students, teachers, and administrators as they learn to integrate content and pedagogy with technology. She is a
certified Nearpod Presenter, Flipgrid Ambassador, Kami Coach, and has numerous other qualifications for training participants on how to provide high
levels of online instruction.
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Dharma Hernandez has been an educator in the Los Angeles Unified School District for over twenty years. Starting as a high school English teacher with LAUSD, her additional professional experiences have included teacher advisor, instructional specialist, RtI Expert, and her current position, Secondary Literacy Coordinator in the Division of Instruction. Over the last seven years, her work has included integrating digital tools into the secondary literacy program to provide more instructional support for student personalized learning.
Dharma Hernandez
Dharma Hernandez has been an educator in the Los Angeles Unified School District for over twenty years. Starting as a high school English teacher with LAUSD, her additional professional experiences have included teacher advisor, instructional specialist, RtI Expert, and her current position, Secondary Literacy Coordinator in the Division of Instruction. Over the last seven years, her work has included integrating digital tools into the secondary literacy program to provide more instructional support for student personalized learning.
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Ms. Allison Jonas is currently the Coordinator Readiness and Instructional Technology Integration. Allison is an accomplished and
results driven education professional with more than seventeen years teaching experience and a commitment to student growth, development, and
academic success. Notable success in providing students and teachers with the tools and skills required to build and advance toward a framework
of 21st century success. Expertise providing Instructional Technology leadership, including visioning, strategic planning, goal-setting, curricular
innovation, program evaluation, problem solving, and utilizing management theory and practice.
Allison Jonas
Ms. Allison Jonas is currently the Coordinator Readiness and Instructional Technology Integration. Allison is an accomplished and
results driven education professional with more than seventeen years teaching experience and a commitment to student growth, development, and
academic success. Notable success in providing students and teachers with the tools and skills required to build and advance toward a framework
of 21st century success. Expertise providing Instructional Technology leadership, including visioning, strategic planning, goal-setting, curricular
innovation, program evaluation, problem solving, and utilizing management theory and practice.
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Before becoming an Instructional Technology Facilitator with the Instructional Technology Initiative (ITI), Matt Piwowarczyk served
as an Instructional Coach at Augustus F. Hawkins High School's Critical Design and Gaming School (CDAGS). He supported CDAGS' Information and
Communication Technology pathway through the development of interdisciplinary projects and the facilitation of professional development in
game-based learning. Prior to being an instructional coach at CDAGS, he taught high school English and Special Education in South LA,
Baltimore, Chicago, and South Korea.
Matthew Piwowarczyk
Before becoming an Instructional Technology Facilitator with the Instructional Technology Initiative (ITI), Matt Piwowarczyk served
as an Instructional Coach at Augustus F. Hawkins High School's Critical Design and Gaming School (CDAGS). He supported CDAGS' Information and
Communication Technology pathway through the development of interdisciplinary projects and the facilitation of professional development in
game-based learning. Prior to being an instructional coach at CDAGS, he taught high school English and Special Education in South LA,
Baltimore, Chicago, and South Korea.
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Renee Sanchez currently serves as an Instructional Leadership Support Specialist with Instructional Technology Initiative. She has worked
as an educator in the Los Angeles Unified School District for 14 years. Her goal is to provide equitable opportunities to all students in educational
technology, computer science, and digital citizenship. Renee’s work is rooted in the belief that all students can learn, and education is foundational
to life success.
Renee Sanchez
Renee Sanchez currently serves as an Instructional Leadership Support Specialist with Instructional Technology Initiative. She has worked
as an educator in the Los Angeles Unified School District for 14 years. Her goal is to provide equitable opportunities to all students in educational
technology, computer science, and digital citizenship. Renee’s work is rooted in the belief that all students can learn, and education is foundational
to life success.
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Nélida Thomatis currently serves as an Instructional Technology Facilitator. Nelida has educated students in the LAUSD for over ten years and
taught fifth, first, and kindergarten. She enjoys working with diverse student populations, is bilingual in Spanish, and has had lifelong interests in technology,
graphic design, and music. She strives to help school communities embrace innovative ways of teaching through technology and is a strong supporter of incorporating
digital fluency and citizenship in education.
Nelida Thomatis
Nélida Thomatis currently serves as an Instructional Technology Facilitator. Nelida has educated students in the LAUSD for over ten years and
taught fifth, first, and kindergarten. She enjoys working with diverse student populations, is bilingual in Spanish, and has had lifelong interests in technology,
graphic design, and music. She strives to help school communities embrace innovative ways of teaching through technology and is a strong supporter of incorporating
digital fluency and citizenship in education.
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Sarah Bennett received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology at Centre College in Kentucky. She was inspired to work with children in the schools and obtained her Master of Arts degree in Educational Psychology and Education Specialist degree in School Psychology at Loyola Marymount University. Throughout her graduate training and five years as a school psychologist, she has worked in neighborhoods across Los Angeles with students of all ages. Sarah is passionate about supporting students' ability to learn, teachers' ability to teach, and families' ability to understand the strengths and needs of their children. As a school psychologist, Sarah works with members of the school community to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments.
Sarah Bennett
Sarah Bennett received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology at Centre College in Kentucky. She was inspired to work with children in the schools and obtained her Master of Arts degree in Educational Psychology and Education Specialist degree in School Psychology at Loyola Marymount University. Throughout her graduate training and five years as a school psychologist, she has worked in neighborhoods across Los Angeles with students of all ages. Sarah is passionate about supporting students' ability to learn, teachers' ability to teach, and families' ability to understand the strengths and needs of their children. As a school psychologist, Sarah works with members of the school community to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments.
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Cynthia Braley is the Principal of Coldwater Canyon Elementary School with over 20 years of service in education. She is a true equity advocate. She has created a culture where teachers and learners are empowered to use technology in innovative ways. She also gives back to her colleagues in various capacities by serving on the Board of the Elementary Principals’ Organization and Association of California School Administrators for Region 16.
Cynthia Braley
Cynthia Braley is the Principal of Coldwater Canyon Elementary School with over 20 years of service in education. She is a true equity advocate. She has created a culture where teachers and learners are empowered to use technology in innovative ways. She also gives back to her colleagues in various capacities by serving on the Board of the Elementary Principals’ Organization and Association of California School Administrators for Region 16.
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Ms. Castaneda is currently an Instructional Coach at Camellia Elementary. Previously she taught Special Education classes for five years, wearing many hats throughout her working career as customer service, special education paraprofessional, behavior specialist, and case manager. She has worked with many populations and many age ranges. Through her experiences she has been able to connect with students and their own experiences. She loves to show students the joy of learning. She incorporates different hands-on activities, visuals, and technology to try to reach the different learning modalities for all students.
Elsy Castaneda
Ms. Castaneda is currently an Instructional Coach at Camellia Elementary. Previously she taught Special Education classes for five years, wearing many hats throughout her working career as customer service, special education paraprofessional, behavior specialist, and case manager. She has worked with many populations and many age ranges. Through her experiences she has been able to connect with students and their own experiences. She loves to show students the joy of learning. She incorporates different hands-on activities, visuals, and technology to try to reach the different learning modalities for all students.
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Elizabeth Lehmann received her Bachelor's of Elementary Education degree at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, and was inspired to obtain her Master's of Education degree at University of Pennsylvania after working at an International School in South Korea. Elizabeth moved to sunny California to pursue her Master's of Divinity and a Ph.D. in Intercultural Education at Biola University. Elizabeth has been a passionate educator in Los Angeles for 16 years. Elizabeth is dedicated to providing students with an academic experience that prepares them to be well-rounded, future-ready, and compassionate global citizens. As a school principal, Elizabeth works with staff, teachers, families, and students to create a learning environment which fosters growth and maturity while engaging in rigorous and meaningful lessons.
Dr. Elizabeth Lehmann
Elizabeth Lehmann received her Bachelor's of Elementary Education degree at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, and was inspired to obtain her Master's of Education degree at University of Pennsylvania after working at an International School in South Korea. Elizabeth moved to sunny California to pursue her Master's of Divinity and a Ph.D. in Intercultural Education at Biola University. Elizabeth has been a passionate educator in Los Angeles for 16 years. Elizabeth is dedicated to providing students with an academic experience that prepares them to be well-rounded, future-ready, and compassionate global citizens. As a school principal, Elizabeth works with staff, teachers, families, and students to create a learning environment which fosters growth and maturity while engaging in rigorous and meaningful lessons.
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Dr. Piedad Sanchez has worked for LAUSD for over 23 years. Beginning her career as a Teacher Assistant and working her way up the career ladder. She taught in both elementary and middle school, served as the middle school Dean of Discipline, Title I Coordinator, Bridge Coordinator, and Assistant Principal. Currently she is the Principal of a school wide Title I, predominantly Hispanic elementary school in North Hollywood. Having worked in Title I schools her entire career she is aware of the need for technology in order to meet the needs of low performing students. Currently she is on the board of EPO (Elementary Principals Organization) as the Corresponding Secretary. She also serves as the VP of Programming for ACSA (Association of California School Administrators) Region 16.
Dr. Piedad Sanchez
Dr. Piedad Sanchez has worked for LAUSD for over 23 years. Beginning her career as a Teacher Assistant and working her way up the career ladder. She taught in both elementary and middle school, served as the middle school Dean of Discipline, Title I Coordinator, Bridge Coordinator, and Assistant Principal. Currently she is the Principal of a school wide Title I, predominantly Hispanic elementary school in North Hollywood. Having worked in Title I schools her entire career she is aware of the need for technology in order to meet the needs of low performing students. Currently she is on the board of EPO (Elementary Principals Organization) as the Corresponding Secretary. She also serves as the VP of Programming for ACSA (Association of California School Administrators) Region 16.
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Jessica Golden has committed her entire career to improving student learning outcomes. A former middle school teacher, Jessica is now the Senior Director of K12 Programs supporting schools districts in the Southwest and California and has been with EVERFI for 7 years.
Jessica Golden
Jessica Golden has committed her entire career to improving student learning outcomes. A former middle school teacher, Jessica is now the Senior Director of K12 Programs supporting schools districts in the Southwest and California and has been with EVERFI for 7 years.
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Donna McNeel has been teaching middle school for 27 years and is on the Steering Committee for #ICANHELP. She has been a key player in the #ICANHELP message impacting 12.5 million students nationwide with it’s train the trainer model. She is known for her endless amounts of energy and passion to serve her school community in the most ridiculously fun way possible. Donna started off as a Social Science teacher and quickly found her super powers in developing leaders. She is now the Activities Director and PBIS Coordinator and she clearly loves the education world that she married an administrator.
Donna McNeel
Donna McNeel has been teaching middle school for 27 years and is on the Steering Committee for #ICANHELP. She has been a key player in the #ICANHELP message impacting 12.5 million students nationwide with it’s train the trainer model. She is known for her endless amounts of energy and passion to serve her school community in the most ridiculously fun way possible. Donna started off as a Social Science teacher and quickly found her super powers in developing leaders. She is now the Activities Director and PBIS Coordinator and she clearly loves the education world that she married an administrator.
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Alyssa Navarette is a District Strategy Consultant on the Nearpod Professional Services team, leading high-quality implementation and professional development for Nearpod district partners in California and the Southwest. She holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Education, and has worked in private and public education for 3 decades as a bilingual teacher, a new teacher leader, a college instructor, a math specialist, and most recently as a curriculum specialist, delivering professional development for pedagogically sound curriculum and ed tech integration. Alyssa is passionate about curriculum, effective instruction, and student engagement, and she loves working with educators to develop exciting ways to elevate learning in all classrooms.
Alyssa Navarette
Alyssa Navarette is a District Strategy Consultant on the Nearpod Professional Services team, leading high-quality implementation and professional development for Nearpod district partners in California and the Southwest. She holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Education, and has worked in private and public education for 3 decades as a bilingual teacher, a new teacher leader, a college instructor, a math specialist, and most recently as a curriculum specialist, delivering professional development for pedagogically sound curriculum and ed tech integration. Alyssa is passionate about curriculum, effective instruction, and student engagement, and she loves working with educators to develop exciting ways to elevate learning in all classrooms.
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Sue Thotz is the Senior Program Manager for Common Sense Education and a co-founder of Equity in Action CA. In 2011, Sue began working for Common Sense and has provided educational leadership through keynotes, professional development workshops, conference presentations, and consulting with districts on the West coast. Sue holds a master's degree in public health and an undergraduate degree in zoology and chemistry.
Sue Thotz
Sue Thotz is the Senior Program Manager for Common Sense Education and a co-founder of Equity in Action CA. In 2011, Sue began working for Common Sense and has provided educational leadership through keynotes, professional development workshops, conference presentations, and consulting with districts on the West coast. Sue holds a master's degree in public health and an undergraduate degree in zoology and chemistry.
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Almetria Vaba is the director of education partnerships at one of the largest public media organizations in the U.S., KQED. For the last decade, she has worked with education agencies across California to leverage the power of public media to engage, inspire and inform in teaching and learning. She regularly presents at local, regional and national conferences on the power of partnerships, media making and the elevation of youth voice.
Almetria Vaba
Almetria Vaba is the director of education partnerships at one of the largest public media organizations in the U.S., KQED. For the last decade, she has worked with education agencies across California to leverage the power of public media to engage, inspire and inform in teaching and learning. She regularly presents at local, regional and national conferences on the power of partnerships, media making and the elevation of youth voice.
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Brian Veprek is a Curricular Solutions Architect at Newsela, where he collaborates with school districts across the country to surface and address the unique needs of their students and teachers. He is a former professional learning consultant and coach as well as a former teacher of English, theatre arts, history, and Latin in public, independent, and international secondary schools. In all of his work as an educator, Brian strives to support learners as they cultivate their empathy and agency.
Brian Veprek
Brian Veprek is a Curricular Solutions Architect at Newsela, where he collaborates with school districts across the country to surface and address the unique needs of their students and teachers. He is a former professional learning consultant and coach as well as a former teacher of English, theatre arts, history, and Latin in public, independent, and international secondary schools. In all of his work as an educator, Brian strives to support learners as they cultivate their empathy and agency.
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Marley brings a depth of knowledge in EL pedagogy and language acquisition to supporting teachers in creating accessible and engaging learning experiences for their ELs. Prior to joining BrainPOP, Marley taught elementary ELs for seven years in NYC public schools and supported pre- and in-service teachers as a former adjunct lecturer at Hunter College. Most recently, Marley provided professional development to teachers of ELs on strategies and best practices. She's a longtime BrainPOP power user and advocate, recommending it to hundreds of teachers supporting ELs. In her free time she loves to cook, bake, and hike.
Marley Zeno
Marley brings a depth of knowledge in EL pedagogy and language acquisition to supporting teachers in creating accessible and engaging learning experiences for their ELs. Prior to joining BrainPOP, Marley taught elementary ELs for seven years in NYC public schools and supported pre- and in-service teachers as a former adjunct lecturer at Hunter College. Most recently, Marley provided professional development to teachers of ELs on strategies and best practices. She's a longtime BrainPOP power user and advocate, recommending it to hundreds of teachers supporting ELs. In her free time she loves to cook, bake, and hike.
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Richard Culatta is an internationally recognized leader in technology and learning. He serves as CEO of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), a nonprofit supporting education leaders in 127 countries. Prior to joining ISTE, he was appointed by President Obama to lead the US Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology. In this role, he led the development of a National Education Technology Plan and helped accelerate the development of more effective learning apps. His book, Digital for Good: Raising Kids to Thrive in an Online World (HBR Press) aims to help parents prepare young people to become contributing digital citizens.
Richard Culatta
Richard Culatta is an internationally recognized leader in technology and learning. He serves as CEO of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), a nonprofit supporting education leaders in 127 countries. Prior to joining ISTE, he was appointed by President Obama to lead the US Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology. In this role, he led the development of a National Education Technology Plan and helped accelerate the development of more effective learning apps. His book, Digital for Good: Raising Kids to Thrive in an Online World (HBR Press) aims to help parents prepare young people to become contributing digital citizens.
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Jorge Valenzuela is an education coach, author, and advocate. He has years of experience as a classroom and online teacher, curriculum specialist, and consultant. His work focuses on improving teacher preparation in project-based learning (PBL), computational thinking and computer science integration, STEM education, and equity and SEL integration. Jorge is an adjunct professor at Old Dominion University and the lead coach at Lifelong Learning Defined. His book, “Rev Up Robotics,” and jump-start guides, “Ready, Set, Robotics” and “ SEL in Action,” are available from ISTE. Two of his books, which respectively focus on PBL and equity and SEL integration, are forthcoming from ISTE and Solution Tree. Jorge is also the host of the new “ SEL in Action” Podcast.
Jorge Valenzuela
Jorge Valenzuela is an education coach, author, and advocate. He has years of experience as a classroom and online teacher, curriculum specialist, and consultant. His work focuses on improving teacher preparation in project-based learning (PBL), computational thinking and computer science integration, STEM education, and equity and SEL integration. Jorge is an adjunct professor at Old Dominion University and the lead coach at Lifelong Learning Defined. His book, “Rev Up Robotics,” and jump-start guides, “Ready, Set, Robotics” and “ SEL in Action,” are available from ISTE. Two of his books, which respectively focus on PBL and equity and SEL integration, are forthcoming from ISTE and Solution Tree. Jorge is also the host of the new “ SEL in Action” Podcast.