Lifelong Learning Defined Podcast for Self Improvement
Lifelong Learning Defined Podcast for Self Improvement
Dr. Jorge Valenzuela
S4 E7: Leading From the Middle: Building School Culture That Lasts
27 minutes Posted Nov 24, 2025 at 2:17 am.
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In this episode, Jorge talks with Danelle Almaraz of InnovateEd about what it really means to lead from the middle. Danelle unpacks how shifting from rigid hierarchies to collaborative “huddles” helps schools stay steady through leadership turnover, and how clarity of focus gives teams permission to say no to overload. They also touch on practical ways school leaders can use AI to make better decisions and support teachers without adding more noise.