This episode is sponsored by Brisk Teaching. To learn more and get started, visit www.briskteaching.com.

What does it take to go from passionate educator to sought-after speaker? At TCEA 2025, I sat down with three incredible presenters to talk about their journey to success, the hustle behind the scenes, and how passion fuels everything we do. Along the way, our paths crossed, and now, we’re officially “The Tech Thrillas”—a powerhouse team with more to come! Tune in for an inspiring conversation about growth, grit, and making an impact in the world of edtech. Buen Provecho!

Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

• EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com
• EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social
• EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites
• EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites

About Jorge Valenzuela

Jorge Valenzuela is a respected performance and education coach, author, and speaker at Lifelong Learning Defined. His mission is to empower educators to lead confidently and teach with greater effectiveness. Specializing in instructional innovation and action research, Jorge provides expert training in team building, core instruction, project-based learning (PBL), STEM pathways, entrepreneurship, and life skills integration. Partnering with Corwin, he helps schools systematically enhance instructional practices and adopt innovative teaching strategies, including PBL. He is a published researcher and author who also hosts the Lifelong Learning Defined podcast, sharing insights and strategies to inspire and support educators.

Connect With Jorge Valenzuela

• Life Long Learning Defined Website: https://www.lifelonglearningdefined.com/
• Jorge On X: https://x.com/JorgeDoesPBL?lang=en
• Jorge On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jorgedoespbl/
• Jorge On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LifelongLearningDefined/
• Life Long Learning Defined On Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lifelong-learning-defined-podcast-for-self-improvement/id1647222488

About Jean Darnell

Jean is the Library Director for the School District of Philadelphia, an AI expert, phenomenal storyteller, the best awakened librarian the world has to offer and the curator of the instructional website: https://awakenlibrarian.com. She's a born and raised Texan educator with almost 25 years experience. Giving voice to the voiceless, Jean is a natural born advocate. Her heroes are Barbara Jordan, Nina Simone, Eartha Kitt, authors Tomi Adeyemi and Angie Thomas. One of her first love is music, as she's a classically trained cellist.

Connect With Jean Darnell

• Jean’s Website: https://awakenlibrarian.com
• Jean On X: https://x.com/awakenlibrarian
• Jean On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awaken.librarian/
• Jean On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eboni.darnell/
• Jean On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/awakenlibrarian.bsky.social

About Andre Daughty

Andre Daughty is a highly acclaimed keynote speaker known for his expertise in transforming education and inspiring positive change. With over two decades of experience, he has made a significant impact on tens of thousands of educators and students and well over 400 schools as an educator, facilitator, speaker, and workshop presenter. He is recognized for his ability to captivate audiences with his dynamic speaking style and thought-provoking insights.

Connect With Andre Daughty

• Andre’s Website: https://www.andredaughty.org/
• Andre On X: https://twitter.com/andredaughty
• Andre On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andredaughty/
• Andre On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andre-daughty-8878b297
• Andre On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AndreDaughty/featured
• Andre On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andre.daughty