·¬ÇÑÊÓƵ

Welcome to the ACE Alumni Spotlight, where we highlight our alumni and share their stories.

Dr. Belinda Benner-Ordoñez is a district instructional specialist for St. Lucie Public Schools. She graduated with two degrees from ACE – M.Ed. in Educational Leadership (2010) and Ed.D. in Leadership (2024) – and her passion is designing transformative learning experiences for educators that inspire lifelong growth and strong student outcomes.

Dr. Benner-Ordoñez works one-on-one with educators at various school sites, offers training experiences and creates differentiated and job-embedded learning opportunities. This includes her podcast, Straight Chalk: Podcast for Busy Educators. We were thrilled to learn more about her exciting career.

ACE: Tell us about your career as an instructional specialist.

Dr. Belinda Benner-Ordoñez (BBO): No matter the initiative, my goals are to incorporate adult learning theories and learner-centric approaches that ignite educators’ passion for professional learning, elevate learning outcomes and cultivate cultures of continuous evolution across the district. In addition to my podcast, I have created Professional Learning on Demand: Micro-Learning Modules, EDUChat: Drop-In Sessions, SLPSTalks, 60 Second Strategies, New Teacher Learning Quest and Learning Expeditions in collaboration with teacher leaders. Whether it’s curating content for learning management systems, developing micro-credentials or facilitating engaging workshops that infuse technology, I am committed to enhancing learning outcomes and fostering teacher self-efficacy.

ACE: How have your ACE degrees helped you advance your career?

BBO: My ACE degrees have been significant in advancing my career and deepening my expertise. I gained significant knowledge and confidence that has allowed me to lead initiatives, design impactful programs and foster a culture of continuous growth across my district, making learning more relevant, authentic and engaging. Both programs I completed at ACE have empowered me to take my learnings from courses, research and my own case study and apply them directly to my daily work.

Specifically, the rigorous coursework and real-world application helped me develop leadership skills as well as leverage best practices in adult learning design to promote cycles of learning, communities of practice and technology self-efficacy. It’s been instrumental in my growth, allowing me to deepen my expertise in various areas of leadership, understand educational systems better and discover how to enact change through thoughtfully designing and implementing meaningful professional learning opportunities.

ACE: Tell us about your podcast, Straight Chalk: Podcast for Busy Educators. How long have you been doing it, and what inspired you to start it?

BBO: I’m passionate about giving life to learning and developing multiple differentiated learning pathways for educators, so I started Straight Chalk: Podcast for Busy Educators in December 2023 to offer choice and focused learning to educators across the district. I began with a special series called New Teacher Diaries, where I held monthly conversations with one of our new educators. It served as a supportive platform for early-career educators acclimating to the district.

Since then, I’ve had monthly guests from across various district departments and schools who shared their knowledge and expertise around topics including behavior management, digital citizenship and AI, community partnerships for project-based learning, educator resilience and wellness, pedagogy and more. Its accessibility is ideal for busy educators to engage in professional learning at their convenience and earn optional professional learning points.

I’m excited because the podcast is now included in my department’s summer Lounge and Learn initiative, which includes curated professional learning for educators during the summer months.

ACE: What is your favorite part about empowering other educators?

BBO: One of the most fulfilling aspects is witnessing educators gaining confidence in their abilities and embracing new strategies that elevate their student impact. I get to see a ripple effect of transformation across classrooms and beyond, where educators make a shift from working in isolation to building networks with a goal of collective efficacy.

I design professional learning experiences that encourage educators to embrace challenges and unlock growth and innovation, which I aim to model in my sessions. I love seeing educators feel valued, energized and equipped to lead their classrooms. The positive feedback I receive makes me feel proud and reinforces my commitment to empower teachers to recognize their impact, refine their practice and embrace continuous growth.

ACE: What about your experience in your master’s program encouraged you to continue on and earn a doctoral degree?

BBO: My master’s program at ACE pushed me to think critically, apply innovative strategies and evolve as a scholar-practitioner. Beyond the academic rigor, the supportive faculty and peer community fostered meaningful collaboration and exploration of new ideas.

In each course, we applied our learning within discussion posts and assignments, which inspired me to return for my doctorate. I knew what to expect and, more importantly, I knew it would be directly applicable to my current role and future leadership aspirations. My master’s program not only deepened my passion for education but also solidified my commitment to driving lasting change through research and leadership.

ACE: What advice would you give to an educator aspiring to become an instructional leader?

My advice is to start with deep reflection. Determine what drives and inspires you. Begin from a place of purpose and a genuine desire to make a difference. Leading with a learner’s mindset is fundamental because it’s not just about having good intentions but focusing on impact.

Becoming an instructional leader also requires a thorough understanding of your strengths and growth areas. It’s one thing to recognize what is going well or where problems exist, but it’s entirely different to collaborate with others to see change come to fruition. 

Above all, always stay true to your core beliefs and values because they serve as the compass that guides your decisions and sustains your efforts toward long-term systemic change. 

Listen to Dr. Benner-Ordoñez’s podcast on , , and more.

Being an ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵ alumni has its perks. When you return as an alum for another program, you can save 5% off your tuition with the Alumni Continuing Education Grant.