In this episode of The Learning Can't Wait podcast, Hayley Spira-Bauer sits down with Dr. Stephanie Elizalde, Superintendent of Dallas Independent School District (ISD), to explore the innovative strategies that have made Dallas ISD a national leader in teacher retention and student achievement. Dr. Elizalde shares insights into the district's unique Teacher Excellence Initiative, which ties teacher compensation to performance, resulting in a stable workforce of top educators.
We dive into how Dallas ISD fosters a positive culture and climate for teachers and students, the importance of recruiting diverse talent, and the role of community partnerships in closing opportunity gaps for students. Dr. Elizalde also discusses leadership development for principals and emphasizes the need for educators to stay connected to their "why."
This episode is packed with actionable takeaways for education leaders looking to implement systems that truly make a difference in the classroom and beyond.
Tune in to learn how Dallas ISD is not only transforming its own district but also setting the stage for national educational reform.

In this episode of the Learning Can't Wait podcast, host Hayley Spira-Bauer welcomes back Dr. Kelsey Young, Associate Director of Research Insights and Analytics at Curriculum Associates. Together, they dive into the latest research reports released by Curriculum Associates, including data from i-Ready that reveals significant insights into student academic performance post-pandemic. Dr. Young discusses the ongoing challenges of student recovery, highlighting that many students are still not performing at pre-pandemic levels, with younger students being disproportionately affected.
The conversation explores the national implications of these findings, the emotional toll on educators, and the need for continued intervention, despite funding challenges. Dr. Young emphasizes the importance of targeted interventions, such as phonics-based reading instruction and high-dosage tutoring, and shares the nuanced data about how specific subpopulations, especially vulnerable students, have been impacted. As they dissect the complexities of educational recovery, they also offer practical advice for school leaders and educators on how to use this data to make informed decisions moving forward.
Tune in to hear Dr. Young’s expert perspective on what schools and policymakers can do to address the gaps and continue to support student learning, even in the face of limited resources.
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In this episode of the Learning Can't Wait podcast, we dive into the vital role of civic education in shaping engaged, responsible citizens. Host Hayley Spira-Bauer is joined by Beverly Leon, Founder and CEO of Local Civics, and Dr. Peter Tragos, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning at New Trier High School District, to explore how educators can cultivate civil discourse, critical thinking, and media literacy in today’s classrooms. They discuss the challenges posed by social media, the fear of self-censorship among students, and practical strategies for creating safe, inclusive spaces for dialogue. Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or education advocate, this episode provides actionable insights on fostering civic engagement and preparing students to tackle real-world issues. Don’t miss this important conversation on the future of civic education!
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Produced by Fullmind

In this special episode of Learning Can’t Wait, host Hayley Spira-Bauer talks with Lisa Tarshis, Executive Director of the Primer Foundation, about the innovative world of micro schools and the impact of personalized learning. Tarsus introduces the Primer Fellowship, a program empowering educators to create community-driven micro schools tailored to students' unique needs.
Listeners will learn how these small educational environments foster stability and connection, particularly in underserved communities. Tarsus emphasizes the importance of meeting students’ basic needs and the role of educators in shaping successful learning experiences.
With a focus on educator empowerment and innovation, this episode highlights how the Primer Foundation is revolutionizing education one micro school at a time.
Learn more at Fullmindlearning.com

In this episode of Learning Can't Wait, we dive deep into the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education with Dr. Vicki Phelps and Marisa Janicek. Our guests explore how AI can enhance personalized learning, streamline teacher tasks, and foster more engaging classroom experiences. They address critical ethical considerations surrounding AI, such as data privacy and bias, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining equity in access to technology. As AI continues to evolve, Dr. Phelps and Janicek discuss the vital role of professional development for educators to effectively integrate these tools into their teaching practices. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on balancing innovation with the essential human connection that teachers provide in the learning process.
Produced by Fullmind

Continuing our AI Mini Series, host Hayley Spira-Bauer sits down with Dr. Muhsinah Morris, the visionary behind Morehouse College’s Metaversity program, to discuss the transformative role of technology in creating equitable, accessible learning environments for all students. Dr. Morris shares her unique perspective on access, going beyond socioeconomic divides to include accessibility for neurodivergent and disabled learners.
The conversation touches on Dr. Morris' personal experiences with invisible disabilities, the challenges of discerning AI’s ethical boundaries, and the immense potential of AI-powered teaching assistants to support students beyond the traditional classroom setting. Whether it's overcoming the stigma of AI use or learning how educators can get hands-on with cutting-edge virtual tools, Dr. Morris advocates for the power of technology to close learning gaps and enhance student achievement.
Tune in to hear more about how AI, accessibility, and innovation are shaping the future of education, and gain insight from Dr. Morris on how educators can embrace these tools to create lasting impact.
Produced by Fullmind

In this episode of the Learning Can't Wait podcast, our host Hayley Spira-Bauer chats with Alex Kotran, co-founder of aiEDU, about the current AI hype cycle in education. Alex discusses why we may be both overhyping and underhyping AI, the expected slow progress in the next three years, and the potential breakthroughs over the next eight.
He highlights the risks of AI replacing human jobs and stresses the need for adaptability and resilience in education. Alex also shares practical advice for educators on integrating AI literacy into their classrooms, focusing on effective use rather than expertise.
Tune in to gain insights on preparing students for a future where AI and human collaboration are crucial.
Produced by Fullmind

To kick off our AI in Education Mini Series, we dive deep into the future of education with Mike Yates from the Reinvention Lab at Teach for America. Yates shares his journey of working with tech giants like Google and AWS to empower students to transition from passive consumers of technology to active creators. He discusses the opportunities and challenges AI presents in education, from in-person hackathons to AI model-building tools, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining meaningful human connections in the learning process.
Educators looking to implement AI thoughtfully in their classrooms will appreciate Yates' practical advice on fostering creativity and building student-teacher relationships with the help of technology. Whether you're an educator, parent, or tech enthusiast, this episode offers a balanced perspective on the evolving role of AI in education and the essential human elements that must remain at its core.
Produced by Fullmind