In this thought-provoking episode of Learning Can’t Wait, host Hayley Spira-Bauer sits down with Michael Horn, acclaimed author of Job Moves and a visionary in education innovation. Together, they dive into the transformative power of technology in education, from personalized learning tools to the growing micro school movement that’s reshaping how students learn and thrive. Michael shares both the opportunities and pitfalls of ed-tech, highlighting how schools can unlock its full potential to create meaningful, student-centered experiences.
Michael also brings fresh insights from Job Moves to the world of education, unpacking why the traditional career ladder mindset is out of sync with modern motivations—and what that means for educators and students alike. As they explore generational shifts in work culture and the future of learning, Hayley and Michael challenge school leaders to think beyond the classroom walls, making their schools more connected to the outside world. This episode is packed with actionable advice and big ideas for anyone passionate about transforming education and preparing students for a rapidly evolving future.

To wrap up Season 6 of the Learning Can’t Wait podcast, our host Hayley Spira-Bauer takes a moment to reflect on the incredible insights, stories, and innovations shared by our remarkable guests. This season was nothing short of groundbreaking, with thought leaders diving into topics like AI in education, equity for multilingual learners, rural school transformation, and the urgent need for civics education.
The amount of innovation and pure knowledge shared in these episodes was truly inspiring, providing educators and administrators with actionable strategies to create meaningful change in their classrooms and schools.
A heartfelt thank you to all of our amazing guests who made Season 6 so impactful. Your passion and expertise have left a lasting impression on our audience. And, of course, thank you to our loyal listeners for joining us on this journey of learning and growth!
If you missed any episodes, there’s no better time to catch up. Learn more about Season 6’s episodes.
Get ready for even more engaging conversations and transformative ideas in Season 7 of the Learning Can't Wait podcast, premiering this January. Stay tuned!

How can we spark a love for math and challenge the myth of the “math person”? In this episode, Hayley Spira-Bauer interviews Co-Founder and CEO of Zearn, Shalinee Sharma to discuss how mindset, persistence, and fun can transform math learning. Shalinee shares research on how American and Japanese students approach problem-solving and explains why experts succeed by working slower, not faster. Together, they unpack how traditional teaching can hinder math learning and explore strategies to help students embrace challenges and deepen their understanding.
Focusing on Shalinee’s four pillars of math education, the conversation highlights making math fun and visual. From using games and money to engaging with real-world scenarios, Shalinee emphasizes sparking curiosity to build “math minds.” Hayley shares personal stories about teaching and the parallels between fostering a love for literacy and numeracy. This episode offers actionable insights for parents and educators looking to make math a source of joy and lifelong curiosity.
Read Shalinee’s book: Math Mind: The Simple Plan to Loving Math 

On our latest episode of the Learning Can’t Wait podcast, our host Hayley Spira-Bauer sits down with Patrick Fredriks, Deputy director of Southwest Colorado Education Collaborative, to discuss how rural education can thrive through innovation, community, and collaboration. By partnering with local industries, the Collaborative fosters hands-on learning opportunities, like the "Behind the Drywall" program, where students engage with professionals to explore HVAC systems and creative sheet metal work. Patrick also highlighted the importance of embracing AI as a tool to enhance productivity and prepare students for future careers. For new rural educators, his advice was clear: you are not alone. He encouraged building networks within and beyond districts, emphasizing the power of collaboration to support both educators and students.

On this episode of the Learning Can’t Wait podcast, host Hayley Spira-Bauer is joined by  Vriti Saraf, CEO and Co-founder of Ed3 DAO, to discuss how emerging technologies like AI and blockchain can transform education when anchored in strong pedagogical practices. Vriti shares her journey from Teach for America to leading global education initiatives, highlighting pivotal moments that shaped her approach to innovation. Together, they explore the balance between using AI to maintain the status quo versus driving true transformation, the untapped potential of blockchain for micro-credentialing and data integrity, and how educators can prepare students for careers that don’t yet exist. Packed with insights and practical strategies, this episode offers a visionary yet grounded perspective for education leaders navigating the future of learning.

In this podcast episode, Hayley engages Nicole and Izzy Galante from Mosaic Instructional Planning about their perspectives on what makes teaching excellent and how their tool, Mosaic, supports that vision. They describe excellent teaching as a vulnerable, empathetic, and collaborative experience where teachers learn with and in front of their students, moving away from the traditional model of imparting knowledge and instead fostering a learning journey. They emphasize the importance of building genuine relationships, inspiring students, and empowering them to engage actively, even if that means teachers need to embrace their own learning curve with new tools like AI. Reflecting on their experience with new teachers, Nicole and Izzy highlight the importance of vulnerability, preparation, and adaptability, encouraging teachers to be both reflective and flexible in the face of classroom challenges. Mosaic’s goal is to support teachers in developing these core skills, ultimately aiming to disrupt traditional teacher preparation by making high-quality, intentional instruction accessible to every educator.
Read more here.

On this inspiring episode of the Learning Can’t Wait podcast, our host Hayley Spira-Bauer sits down with Dr. Vallerie Cave, Superintendent of Allendale County Schools, and renowned educator and speaker Shawn Blanchard to explore the unique challenges and triumphs of rural education. Dr. Cave shares her innovative strategies for providing Allendale students with high-quality opportunities, from career and technical education programs to early college pathways. Meanwhile, Shawn Blanchard reflects on the creativity and resilience required in rural schools, where educators often make the most of limited resources to drive student success. Together, they discuss the importance of visionary leadership, the need for courageous conversations in education, and their shared mission to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has the tools to succeed. 
Don’t miss this conversation filled with practical insights and heartfelt advice for educators everywhere.
Read more
Check out Shawn Blanchard's book 

In this episode of the Learning Can't Wait podcast, our host Hayley Spira-Bauer takes a dive deep into the evolving landscape of education with Heather Rubin,
the administrative coordinator for ENL and bilingual programs with Eastern Suffolk BOCES in New York State. Heather shares her insights on cultural responsiveness, project-based learning, and the critical role of technology in fostering equitable education for all students, especially English language learners. We explore how the digital age has transformed teaching, the power of AI in education, and the importance of building trust and creating inclusive, engaging learning environments. Plus, Heather talks about her innovative partnership with Fullmind and how virtual learning programs are providing equitable access to language support, Regents prep, and enrichment opportunities for students. This is a must-listen for educators, school leaders, and anyone passionate about the future of education!
 
Read Heather's Book: Digital-Age Teaching for English Learners: A Guide to Equitable Learning for All Students