Learning Can’t Wait
The Learning Can’t Wait Podcast is your view into how changemakers are driving innovation in the field of education. Each week we interview leaders who are challenging the status quo at a time when it is absolutely necessary to rebuild the system for our students. Podcast Powered by Fullmind
Episodes
Episodes
Tuesday Nov 19, 2024
Vriti Saraf | Ed3 DAO, AI in Education, Blockchain, Project Based Learning
Tuesday Nov 19, 2024
Tuesday Nov 19, 2024
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.
Tuesday Nov 12, 2024
Tuesday Nov 12, 2024
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.
Tuesday Nov 05, 2024
Tuesday Nov 05, 2024
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
Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
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
Tuesday Oct 22, 2024
Dr. Stephanie Elizalde | Dallas ISD, Teacher Retention, Equity in Education
Tuesday Oct 22, 2024
Tuesday Oct 22, 2024
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.
Tuesday Oct 15, 2024
Tuesday Oct 15, 2024
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.
Learn more here.
Tuesday Oct 08, 2024
Tuesday Oct 08, 2024
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!
Check out More in Common
Produced by Fullmind
Thursday Oct 03, 2024
Lisa Tarshis | Micro Schools, Primer Foundation, Personalized Learning
Thursday Oct 03, 2024
Thursday Oct 03, 2024
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
Fullmind solves teacher vacancies by live-streaming certified educators directly to your students.
We place quality educators where educational programs need them most so that teachers teach, students learn, and schools succeed.
Hosted by Hayley Spira-Bauer
Triage. Transition. Transformation. These are the three stages of disaster relief and after two years of a global pandemic, our education system has been both triaged and has transitioned…it is high time for transformation.
This transformation is brought to life by Hayley Spira-Bauer. Hayley is a progressive school founder, Teach for America alumni, lifelong educator, and Chief Academic Officer at Fullmind. She is passionate about educational evolution and dedicated to amplifying the voices of teachers and schools nationwide.
Why? Because Learning Can't Wait.