Learning Can’t Wait

Neurodiversity & Representation, Early Literacy Balance & Teacher Author Voice | Alicia Meyers

Thu, 07 May 2026 06:00:00 -0500

In Season 11 Episode 10 of Learning Can’t Wait, Hayley Spira‑Bauer is joined by Alicia Meyers, an early childhood educator and children’s book author, for a rich conversation about teaching, literacy, and neurodiversity. Alicia shares her journey as a lifelong teacher, her experiences teaching in urban classrooms in Washington, D.C., and how the COVID era inspired her to begin writing. She discusses her newest picture book, Tickerific Me, which celebrates Tourette Syndrome and neurodiversity, alongside her practical guide for educators and families, The A to Z Teaching Toolkit. Throughout the episode, Alicia emphasizes the importance of representation, balance in early literacy instruction, and creating classrooms where children feel seen, confident, and empowered as readers and writers.

Choice & Opportunity, Impact Driven Innovation & Teaching Reimagined | Frances Messano

Tue, 05 May 2026 06:00:00 -0500

In Season 11 Episode 9, Hayley Spira‑Bauer welcomes Frances Messano, CEO of New Schools Venture Fund, for a wide‑ranging and deeply personal conversation about equity, choice, and courage in education. Frances reflects on growing up in a working‑class immigrant family in Coney Island, how access and luck shaped her own trajectory, and why she has dedicated her career to making opportunity less dependent on chance. She explains New Schools’ venture‑philanthropy approach—investing in early‑stage innovators across schools, learning solutions, and people—and discusses how the organization is navigating constrained funding, shifting policy, and the urgent need to measure real impact. Throughout the episode, Frances emphasizes that choice is freedom, that quality must lead ed tech adoption, and that redesigning the teaching profession is essential to creating sustainable, student‑centered systems.

Longitudinal Student Data, Teacher Time & Efficiency & Intrinsic Motivation & Engagement | Christopher Hull

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0500

In Season 11 Episode 8, Hayley Spira‑Bauer sits down with Christopher Hull, Co-founder & President at Otus, to explore how meaningful data use can restore time, clarity, and humanity to teaching. A former middle school teacher, Chris shares how mentors helped him find his voice and why classroom frustrations—especially inefficient, narrative‑driven problem‑solving meetings—sparked the idea for Otis. He explains how a comprehensive, longitudinal student profile enables educators to move beyond fragmented storytelling to actionable insights, helping schools identify root causes, respond thoughtfully to parent concerns, and focus on what matters most: student engagement, motivation, and growth over time.

Scaffolding & Language Supports, Belonging & Equity & Rigor & Achievement Gaps | Brandon Cardet-Hernandez

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 05:52:05 -0500

In Season 11 Episode 7 of Learning Can’t Wait, Brandon Cardet-Hernandez, CEO and founder of Medley Learning, shares his journey from multilingual learner to educator, school leader, and edtech founder. He describes how early classroom experiences and the impact of a teacher who provided personalized language scaffolds shaped his commitment to equity and access. Brandon discusses the persistent gaps facing multilingual learners, the challenge of providing real-time, differentiated language supports, and how Medley leverages technology to bridge the research-to-reality gap—empowering teachers and students without lowering rigor. He emphasizes that belonging, high expectations, and intentional scaffolding are essential for student success, and urges educators not to use AI as a shortcut for reducing rigor, but as a tool for advancing achievement and inclusion.

Rural Innovation, Belonging & Relationships & Creative Staffing / Virtual Instruction | Shane Purdy

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0500

In Season 11, Episode 6 of Learning Can’t Wait, Hayley Spira-Bauer speaks with Shane Purdy, an Assistant Superintendent in rural Georgia, about leadership, innovation, and what it takes to sustain strong learning opportunities in small communities facing major staffing headwinds. Shane shares how growing up as a minister’s kid who moved frequently shaped his people-first leadership, and how his career evolved from AP English teacher and coach into school and district leadership across academics, HR, operations, and accountability. The episode highlights practical strategies for building relationships and student belonging—like daily advisement with structured scripts, individual learning plans, and weekly “club day” enrichment experiences—plus a powerful international partnership between rural Georgia and Bavaria, Germany centered on agriculture. Shane also speaks candidly about rural teacher shortages, looming retirement waves, and why districts must find creative solutions (including virtual instruction) rather than removing courses. He closes with a leadership reminder to “never forget where you came from,” keeping student experience and those “lightbulb moments” at the center of every decision.

All Education is Career Education, Student Agency & Authentic Learning & CTE Pathways / College AND Career | Dr. Mark Covelle

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0500

In this Learning Can’t Wait episode, Hayley Spira-Bauer speaks with Dr. Mark Covelle, Administrative Director of Middle Bucks Institute of Technology, about why Career & Technical Education (CTE) is not a “second choice,” but a high-impact pathway that expands opportunity for students. Dr. Covell shares how he moved from traditional K–12 into CTE expecting it to be a temporary stop—only to experience a career-defining “epiphany” about what education should do: connect students to their futures. He addresses misconceptions fueled by “college for all” narratives and media stereotypes, argues that “college for all” unintentionally became “trades for none,” and offers a reframing: “All education is career education.” He highlights why students thrive in CTE environments—authentic practice, growth-based assessment, student agency, real-world accountability, and stronger persistence—while urging educators, families, and industry partners to stop treating “college or career” as a binary and instead embrace college and career pathways that open doors.

Motivation Continuum, Durable Skills & AI-Proofing Education | Chris Bennett

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0500

In Season 11, Episode 4 of Learning Can’t Wait, Hayley Spira-Bauer sits down with Chris Bennett, an “engagement architect” whose career began in video games before expanding into education and behavior design. Chris explains why engagement is not the same as learning, and why motivation is not an on/off switch—it’s a continuum that requires different supports for different learners. Drawing on self-determination theory and lessons from game design, he critiques how schools often rely on time-based progression and outdated structures that don’t connect to students’ real lives. He highlights bright spots like AI Quests (a collaboration between Google Research and Stanford) as an example of tech that can enhance pedagogy and spark curiosity. The conversation closes with a call to “AI-proof” students by building durable skills—judgment, agency, empathy, probabilistic thinking—and by using AI to automate peripheral tasks while protecting the core human relationships and decisions that matter most in teaching and learning.

Teacher Retention, Belonging & Onboarding & Brave, People-First Leadership | Julia Bialeski

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0500

In Season 11, Episode 3 of Learning Can’t Wait, Hayley Spira-Bauer speaks with Julia Bialeski—educator, author, speaker, former principal, and current district leader overseeing recruitment and hiring in a large Maryland district serving 57,000 students across 78 schools. Julia shares how her wide-ranging experiences (teacher → instructional specialist/curriculum writer → assistant principal → principal → district recruitment leader) shaped her people-first approach to education. The episode centers on her leadership mantra, “Be brave and care about people,” born from a six-word story exercise as staff returned after COVID closures—highlighting the need to pair courageous decision-making with deep care in education. Julia also offers practical insight into hiring and retaining educators: prioritize genuine care for children, build belonging from the interview experience onward, and protect teacher time, autonomy, and flexibility to support sustainability and reduce burnout.

Workforce Analytics, Retention & Wellbeing & Strategic Workforce Planning | Fleur Johnston

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Fleur Johnston—Founder and CEO of PeopleBench—opens by sharing her personal and professional journey, rooted in Australia and shaped by early exposure to educators “doing more with less.” She describes how studying psychology and working in early childhood environments led to a lasting fascination with adult behavior, organizational psychology, and how workplace conditions shape community impact.

Impact at Scale, Student-Centered Leadership & Choice-Filled Lives | Steve Colón & John Branam

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0500

In this New Season 11, first Episode of Learning Can’t Wait, John Branam and Steve Colón share the story behind the merger of Bottom Line and Get Schooled, two education nonprofits united by a shared mission to put students first. Drawing from their personal journeys as first-generation college graduates, they discuss how trust, values alignment, and a commitment to impact over ego made the merger possible. Together, they outline a new model that combines proven outcomes with national scale—supporting students from 9th grade through six months post-college—while reaffirming the long-term value of higher education as a pathway to choice-filled lives and economic mobility.

Season 10 Wrap‑Up

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0600

In the wrap‑up of Season 10 of the Learning Can’t Wait podcast, host Hayley Spira‑Bauer reflects on a powerful season featuring 23 conversations with education leaders, innovators, and advocates shaping the future of learning. The season explored critical themes including artificial intelligence in education, human‑centered leadership, educator well‑being, literacy transformation, inclusive design, and the importance of people—not just technology—in schools. From AI ethics and purposeful game design to rural education, behavioral support, and leadership development, Season 10 highlighted how meaningful change happens when innovation is paired with empathy, intention, and care for both students and educators. The episode serves as both a celebration of the season’s depth and a reminder that education’s progress depends on collaboration, humanity, and courageous leadership.

Literacy Justice, Storytelling for Impact & Community-Based Solutions | Lucy Martin

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Learning Can’t Wait, host Hayley Spira-Bauer speaks with Lucy Martin of the Children’s Literacy Project about the power of storytelling to expose—and solve—the literacy crisis in America. Lucy shares her unconventional path from creative work in music, comedy, and film into documentary filmmaking focused on literacy as a justice and poverty issue. The conversation centers on Sentenced, a feature-length documentary that tells the story of adults living with illiteracy and its generational consequences, as well as the Moonshot series, which highlights districts and states—like Mississippi—that have made meaningful, systemic progress in literacy. Together, they explore why stories change culture in ways data alone cannot, how communities beyond schools can play a role, and why literacy is one of the most solvable and urgent challenges facing our education system today.

Human-Centered Leadership, Equity & Belonging & Imperfect Leadership | Dr. Peter Stiepelman

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Learning Can’t Wait, host Hayley Spira-Bauer speaks with Dr. Peter Stiepelman—former superintendent, author, and host of An Imperfect Leader—about human-centered leadership, equity, and the courage to lead without pretending to be perfect. Drawing on his journey from Long Island to Oakland, Missouri, and now Colombia, Dr. Stiepelman reflects on what leadership looks like across vastly different contexts and why vulnerability, reflection, and inclusive decision-making are essential. The conversation explores teacher retention, rural education challenges, equity work during the Black Lives Matter movement, and the power of learning from mistakes to build more just, resilient school systems.

Hands-on Learning, Student Engagement & AI Literacy | Dr. Jenny Nash

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Learning Can’t Wait, host Hayley Spira-Bauer sits down with Dr. Jenny Nash, Head of Education Impact at LEGO Education (U.S.), to explore how hands-on, inquiry-based learning can re-engage students in classrooms amid a growing disengagement crisis. Drawing from her 20-year journey as a STEM educator and education leader, Dr. Nash explains how LEGO Education designs standards-aligned science, computer science, and AI learning experiences that make abstract concepts tangible, joyful, and meaningful. The conversation highlights the importance of teacher and student voice in product design, age-appropriate AI literacy, collaboration over isolated screen time, and redefining assessment to include durable skills like creativity, resilience, and teamwork—all with the goal of helping students build a lifelong love of learning.

Rural education, Asset-based lens & Teacher retention | Dr. Melissa Sadorf

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 06:14:20 -0600

In this "Learning Can't Wait" podcast episode, host Hayley Spira-Bauer interviews Dr. Melissa Sadorf, Executive Director of the National Rural Education Association (NREA), who shares her 32-year career in rural Arizona schools from teacher to superintendent before leading advocacy efforts. Sadorf defines rural beyond geography as issues of access to resources and human capital, challenges misconceptions of rural schools as "backwards" by emphasizing their role as community hubs and innovative assets, and highlights the "Why Rural Matters" report, which analyzes data across 50 states on student outcomes, mental health, policy, and more to advocate for 10 million rural students. She stresses needs like reliable funding, teacher recruitment/retention policies, and an asset-based lens, while advising new rural educators to build deep community relationships.

Lifelong learning and “lead learner” mindset, Psychological safety for leaders and staff & Global perspectives on schooling and context | Dr. Kalpana Rao, Kyle Conley, and Jennifer Dubey

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0600

The episode explores how three co-founders of Building Leaders—Dr. Kalpana Rao, Kyle Conley, and Jennifer Dubey—are reimagining school leadership by centering lifelong learning, psychological safety, and global perspectives for principals who are often “one of one” in their buildings. They trace personal journeys through classroom teaching, turnaround schools, global education, burnout, and recovery to highlight the need for more holistic definitions of success for leaders and students, beyond test scores and rigid accountability systems. The conversation surfaces post-COVID challenges like sustainability, staffing crises, and rising student needs, and shows how Building Leaders creates peer communities, reflective school visits, and coaching to reduce isolation and elevate the expertise of current practitioners. Throughout, they argue for structural shifts—shared leadership models, ongoing coaching, and deeper community engagement—so principals can lead with vulnerability, purpose, and balance instead of exhaustion and compliance.

Master scheduling, AI optimization & District efficiency | Paymon Rouhanifard

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0600

The episode follows Paymon Rouhanifard’s journey from an expected career in finance into teaching in West Harlem, where seeing “the Matrix” of classroom realities and systems-level decisions pulled him into education policy and district leadership before founding Timely, an AI-powered master scheduling tool for middle and high schools. He and host Hayley Spira‑Bauer unpack today’s budget and enrollment headwinds, including declining birth rates, growing numbers of students with higher needs, and federal funding uncertainty that makes district leaders cautious even when core dollars remain intact. Rouhanifard explains how master schedules concentrate 80–90% of districts’ budgets and can either hide inefficiencies or unlock major savings and student supports when built intentionally, sharing examples like Lubbock ISD identifying 37 unneeded vacancies and saving over $2 million without increasing class size or cutting electives. The conversation closes by exploring how tools like Timely can free hundreds of hours for school leaders, give teachers schedules before summer, and create the conditions for better instruction and student support, as well as Rouhanifard’s advice that early-career educators should refuse to passively accept the status quo and instead think deeply about root causes and systems solutions.

Empathy, Belonging, and Student Voice | Dieumerci Christel

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 06:40:55 -0600

This episode of the Learning Can't Wait podcast features entrepreneur and EnlightApp founder Dieumerci Christel, a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree whose journey runs from a refugee camp in Tanzania to building an empathy-centered edtech company in the U.S. He shares how his father started the first school in the Nyarugusu refugee camp, how multilingual refugee youth’s talents were often overlooked, and how culturally responsive educators in North Dakota unlocked his potential by seeing his assets and pushing him beyond labels like “ELL” or “C student.” These experiences fuel his mission to translate empathy and student voice into actionable data for teachers, so they can build ongoing, deeply relational classrooms where students feel they belong and can differentiate themselves in an AI-driven world.

Youth mental health, AI companions & Ethical AI practice | Dr. Marina A. Badillo-Diaz

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0600

This episode explores how AI is reshaping school-based social work and youth mental health, through the lens of Dr. Marina Badillo-Diaz’s work as a professor and founder of The AI Social Worker. The conversation covers global disparities in access to mental health care, how AI tools and AI companions are already part of students’ lives, and why ethical, human-centered integration of technology is essential. Dr. Badillo-Diaz describes both the risks (from deepfakes to unsafe chatbots and child exploitation) and the possibilities (equity, access, support for neurodiverse learners, and time-saving tools for practitioners), emphasizing that AI should support—not replace—the human relationships at the heart of social work.

AI parenting, Agentic AI & Present ready | Kunal Dalal

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0600

This episode of the Learning Can't Wait podcast features Kunal Dalal, Chief Parentologist at AI Parentology, exploring how generative AI can support parents emotionally and practically while reshaping education and leadership. He traces his path from teacher and principal to startup founder and AI parenting advocate, explaining how tools like ChatGPT can reduce parental stress, deepen connection with children, and inspire creative rituals like AI-generated dream journals. The conversation also unpacks agentic AI as “AI as infrastructure,” examines how schools and leaders might adopt agentic mindsets, and urges parents to slow down, focus on being “present ready” rather than “future ready,” and intentionally model joyful, human-centered uses of AI for their kids.

Game-based learning, Purposeful integration & Student agency | Arana Shapiro

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0600

The episode explores how games can transform learning when they are used intentionally, highlighting Games for Change’s work to help students and educators harness play, game design, and technology for deeper engagement and social impact. Arana Shapiro shares how she moved from being “not a games person” to seeing games and organized play as powerful tools for student-centered classrooms, purposeful technology integration, and empowering young people as changemakers through programs like the Games for Change Student Challenge and Game Plan.

Founder empathy, Global EdTech & Long-term vision | Alberto Arena and Michael Narea

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0600

This episode of Learning Can't Wait features Transcend Network co-founders Alberto Arena and Michael Narea in a deep, human-centered conversation about what it really means to build in EdTech for the long term. They describe their own journeys—Michael seeking a true “co-pilot” for multi-decade visions, and Alberto being shaped by transformative opportunities like his experience at Minerva—and how these led them to create a founder network that prioritizes soul-nourishing support over short-term wins. They explain how Transcend’s highly personalized onboarding, six-week fellowship, revenue-focused cohort programs, and early-stage fund are all designed to help founders clarify the transformation they want for their users before obsessing over features, capital, or growth hacks. Throughout, they emphasize empathy, global diversity, and the rise of end users (like teachers and school leaders) as founders, arguing that the future of learning will be shaped by humble, collaborative builders committed to decades-long impact rather than quick exits or yet another tool in an already overcrowded tech stack.

AI learner profiles, Student data privacy & Human-centered technology | Roberto Vargas

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0600

This episode explores how Roberto Vargas, Managing Director of IT and Data Systems at Distinctive Schools, uses technology, data, and AI to better serve students while fiercely protecting their privacy. He shares his journey from Chicago Public Schools student to building tech and network data leader, emphasizing the often-invisible infrastructure and cybersecurity work that keeps modern schools running. The conversation dives into how his team evaluates edtech vendors for student data protection, builds a human-centered AI playbook with real student and staff voice, and pilots AI-powered learner profiles in Notebook LM to give teachers instant, holistic insight into each child. Throughout, Roberto stresses that AI is here to stay, that students are already “AI natives,” and that educators must stay ahead while grounding everything in relationships and deep knowledge of students.

Product‑market fit, Educator feedback marketplace & Edtech empathy | Hallie Smith

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0600

The episode follows Hallie Smith’s journey from two decades in reading intervention and speech pathology to becoming a fractional marketing leader and founder of Hey There Insights, a new marketplace that connects edtech companies with educators for paid, unbiased product feedback. She explains how advances in technology and AI have lowered the barrier to building edtech tools while dramatically increasing competition and making it harder to get educators’ attention and authentic input. The conversation highlights why early, specific, and compensated educator feedback is essential for true product‑market fit, reducing costly engineering missteps, and building tools that actually address on‑the‑ground pain points in schools.

Science of reading, Three Sciences Framework & Explicit, systematic instruction | Paige Pullen

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0600

This episode centers on how the “science of reading” must expand beyond phonics to a broader “literacy science” that spans birth through adolescence, and how systems can better prepare and support teachers so no child learns to read “in spite of” their teacher. Dr. Paige Pullen shares her journey from feeling unprepared as an elementary teacher to leading large-scale professional learning and now launching a startup focused on bridging research to practice across entire district ecosystems. She and host Hayley Spira-Bauer unpack common instructional missteps (like over-relying on 3-cueing and running records), the need for explicit, systematic foundational skills for older struggling readers, and the importance of learning science, instructional science, and literacy science working together. They also examine legislation, district decision-making, and family engagement, emphasizing that reducing stigma for adolescent readers and rejecting teacher shame are essential to ensuring all students gain true literacy, not just early decoding.

Behavior support capacity-building, Relationships and positive reinforcement & Data-driven, trauma-aware practice | Allie Nudelman, Vicki Trujillo & Allan Smith

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0600

This episode of the Learning Can’t Wait podcast features special education leaders Allie Nudelman and Vicki Trujillo, along with BCBA Allan Smith, sharing how their unlikely paths (from aspiring doctor, lawyer, and basketball player) led them into education and intensive behavior support in rural Arizona districts. They describe how partnering across Kingman Unified and Lake Havasu Unified with Allan has transformed how staff understand behavior, shifting from emotion and exclusion to data, operational definitions, relationships, and capacity-building so teachers and classified staff can support even the most complex learners in their own classrooms. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, the power of positive reinforcement, the science behind functions of behavior and extinction bursts, and the necessity of fidelity and proactive structures such as rotations and clear routines. The episode closes with concrete advice for new teachers: stay open and adaptable, seek mentors and supportive colleagues, avoid negativity, and relentlessly invest in relationships with students and adults.

Collaboration, Small group learning & EdTech innovation | Matt Miller

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 06:17:37 -0600

The episode of the Learning Can’t Wait podcast features Matt Miller, CEO and Co-founder of OKO Labs, discussing how his team is innovating in education technology with a focus on tools that genuinely support teachers and students. Miller shares his journey from engineering and AI to educational impact, highlighting OKO Labs' strategy to empower small group learning and foster collaboration skills. The episode explores current challenges in EdTech, the evolution of AI, co-design practices, and Matt’s view on sustainable, research-based innovation in a rapidly changing market.

Authentic leadership , Team culture & Feedback | Michael Lombardo

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0600

The episode features Michael Lombardo as he explores the core principles of authentic leadership, emphasizing trust, empathy, and open communication as essential foundations for building strong, effective teams. Drawing from his own career experiences, he shares practical strategies for fostering a positive workplace culture, navigating challenges with integrity, and empowering individuals to grow. His insights offer listeners actionable guidance on how to lead with purpose and create meaningful impact within their organizations.

Digital Transformation, Leadership & Organizational Change | Matt Giovanniello

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 06:34:48 -0600

The episode features an insightful discussion with guest Matt Giovanniello, focusing on the evolving landscape of digital transformation, the power of collaborative leadership, and strategies for successfully driving organizational change.

Educator Burnout, Workplace Well-being & Mental Health Crisis | Lindsay Fuller

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0600

Lindsay Fuller, Executive Director of The Teaching Well and a legacy educator, shares her deep commitment to addressing educator burnout and mental health crises in education. Drawing from her experience as a teacher, administrator, and nonprofit leader, she highlights the systemic challenges educators face including understaffing, under-resourcing, and the lack of adequate mental health support. Fuller advocates for proactive self-care, workplace well-being, and structural reforms to retain and support educators, emphasizing the importance of managing stress rather than trying to eliminate it and reclaiming joy and sustainability in teaching.

Rural education, Student engagement & Leadership visibility | Dr. Bill Chapman

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Learning Can't Wait, Dr. Bill Chapman, Superintendent of London ISD in Texas and president-elect of NREA, shares his journey from initially resisting a career in education to embracing leadership in rural schools. He discusses the unique qualities of rural education, including close-knit communities and student engagement through multiple activities, and addresses challenges such as absenteeism and teacher shortages. Bill emphasizes the importance of empathy, visibility, and collaborative leadership in creating strong school communities and offers advice for new superintendents to always prioritize what is best for students.

Women Leadership, Education Equity & Leadership Sustainability | Emily Hartnett

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0600

Emily Hartnett, Executive Director of Women Leading Ed, shares her journey from being a first-generation college student and teacher in post-Katrina New Orleans to leading a national nonprofit supporting women leaders in education. She discusses the unique challenges women face in education leadership, including higher standards of behavior and expectations, lack of training in negotiation and financial management, and the pressure to balance professional and personal responsibilities. Emily emphasizes the power of collective networks among women leaders for sharing opportunities, learning from mistakes, and pushing forward education equity and excellence. She also highlights current challenges such as AI in education, literacy, and fiscal uncertainty, while advocating for sustainability and resilience among women superintendents.

AI Education, Pro-human AI Leadership & Utah AI Infrastructure | Matthew Winters

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0600

Matt Winters, an AI Education Specialist, shares his unique journey from a radio DJ to a key player in Utah’s AI education landscape. He discusses Utah’s leadership in AI policy and infrastructure, emphasizing collaboration, open expertise, and strategic investment that supports schools statewide. Matt highlights projects like teacher professional development, AI policy advising, and the recent creation of an AI-infused student and educator portrait, underscoring the importance of human-centered AI use and fostering creativity in classrooms.

AI ethics, AI in education & Deepfakes | Rebecca Bultsma

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0600

Rebecca Boltsma, an AI ethics researcher and K-12 strategist, shares her journey from a communications background to becoming deeply immersed in AI ethics driven by her fascination with ChatGPT. She discusses the cognitive dissonance she experiences between excitement for AI's potential and concern over its ethical challenges, particularly in education and society. Rebecca highlights the importance of curiosity, inquiry, and co-creating policies around AI, focusing on transparency and trust-building in schools. She emphasizes teaching ethical values through modeling and conversation rather than direct AI literacy at an early age. Rebecca advises educators to personally explore AI tools first and engage students in open dialogue about responsible AI use while acknowledging the need for parent advocacy and learning.

Season 9 Wrap Episode

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Season 9 ends with a bang. Check out this highlight episode covering the incredible guests and conversations that made this season our best one yet.

EdTech Marketing, Storytelling & Multilingual Learners | JW Marshall

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0500

This episode of "Learning Can't Wait" features JW Marshall, Vice President of Marketing at Summit K-12 and a seasoned podcaster, who shares his journey from growing up in a learning-rich environment to becoming a passionate advocate for EdTech and multilingual learners. JW discusses the evolution of EdTech from its early days to the current competitive market, highlighting the importance of storytelling and authentic customer voices in marketing. He emphasizes the power of podcasts in building relationships, sharing impactful education stories, and advocating for student and teacher voices, especially in underrecognized areas like multilingual education. JW's heartfelt stories, including recognizing dedicated teachers and encouraging districts and students to start podcasts, underscore how storytelling can inspire change and build community in education.

Cybersecurity Pathways, Education Access & Regional Talent Development | Kimberly Smith and Seth Walker

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Kimberly Smith and Seth Walker discuss the transformative power of education and innovative cybersecurity pathways for students, especially in rural communities. Kimberly credits her parents for emphasizing the value of education that changed her life trajectory, and Seth echoes this by sharing how mentorship and opportunity helped him find his passion in cybersecurity despite early challenges. Together, they highlight a nationally expanding cybersecurity program that blends industry credentials, hands-on competitions, and regional collaboration to create thriving talent pipelines, retain local youth, and prepare students for a future shaped by cybersecurity and emerging technologies like AI.

Digital Learning Innovation, AI Literacy and Governance & Equity in Education | Tara Carrozza

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 06:53:36 -0500

Tara Carrozza, Director of Digital Learning and Innovation at New York Public Schools, shares her unique journey from college basketball and acting to teaching and leading digital innovation in the largest U.S. public school system. She emphasizes the centrality of people in technology integration, focusing on equity, personalized support for teachers, and the importance of foundational skills and data infrastructure before leveraging AI. Tara discusses creating AI literacy, gathering student voice, and developing an AI governance framework that ensures safe and responsible use. Her leadership is marked by a commitment to shifting mindset away from mere technology consumption to demanding educational tools that meet real needs, while fostering trust and psychological safety for educators and students alike.

Learning Disabilities, Universal Screeners & Teacher Preparation | Dr. Jacqueline Rodriguez

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Dr. Jacqueline Rodriguez, CEO of the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD), shares her journey through education and leadership, emphasizing the critical need for better identification, support, and advocacy for students with learning disabilities (LD). She discusses the broad scope of LD, the importance of universal screening, the challenges of absenteeism among students with disabilities, and the systemic issues in teacher preparation and compensation. Dr. Rodriguez advocates for a professionalized education system that supports both general and special educators to better serve vulnerable learners.

Innovation in Education, Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) & SPARK Professional Development | Danya Sundh

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Danya Sundh, Coordinator of Coaching and SEL at Libertyville School District 70 in Illinois, shares her deep passion for education rooted in her upbringing and her community ties. Her district embraces innovation by integrating emerging technologies like AI into classrooms through an opt-in professional development program called SPARK, which fosters collaboration, experimentation, and continuous learning among educators. Danya highlights the critical role of social-emotional learning (SEL) in supporting students' use of technology and emphasizes the importance of relationships, grit, and flexibility as essential skills for navigating today’s rapidly changing educational landscape. She offers encouragement to educators to take risks, embrace failure, and build strong networks to thrive.

Student Empowerment, Technology Integration & Artificial Intelligence | Alana Winnick

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Alana Winnick, Chief Technology Officer and multi-faceted education leader, shares her innovative approach to integrating technology in schools with a strong emphasis on student voice and empowerment. She highlights the importance of including students in technology adoption and leadership, breaking down barriers through student-led innovation clubs, and how AI is reshaping education by leveling the playing field for diverse learners. Alana discusses her journey of stepping into roles that didn’t previously exist, the critical role of building-level leaders in successful tech adoption, and the importance of setting clear expectations over time for technology use in schools.

Student Leadership, Adult Behavior Change & Instructional Leadership | AJ Crabill

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0500

AJ Crabill shares his journey from an accidental start in student leadership development to becoming a transformative education leader known for centering students and changing adult behaviors to improve student outcomes. He discusses the importance of empowering students to lead culture and climate in schools, highlights the need for adult behavior changes to support student success, and reflects on his district turnaround successes with a focus on instructional leadership and community collaboration. AJ also emphasizes the value of coaching for superintendents and leaders to maintain high-impact focus on student learning.

Early childhood education, Educational equity & Workforce development | Aruna Gilbert

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Aruna Gilbert, Chief Program and Policy Officer at the Early Learning Coalition, shares her journey from economics and global environmental work to a deep lifelong commitment to early childhood education. She discusses the transformative power of early learning, the critical role of early educators—often underappreciated women—and innovative approaches using data-driven tools to support children’s development, educators, and families. Aruna emphasizes relationships as the foundation of learning and shares her hope for equalizing educational opportunities for all young children.

Community Engagement, Fiscal Responsibility & Technology in Education | Dr. Michael Stone

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Dr. Michael Stone, superintendent of Lee County School District in Arkansas, shares his journey from growing up in a large single-parent family in Lee County to becoming a passionate educator and community leader. He discusses the shift in community values, the challenges and benefits of technology in schools, especially the impact of cell phones, and the importance of fiscal responsibility in school administration. Dr. Stone emphasizes community engagement and mindset shifts among parents and staff, underlining how rural communities thrive around their schools. He also shares practical advice for new teachers, stressing continuous learning and passion for student growth.

Artificial Intelligence (AI), Learner-centered Pedagogy & Education Technology Innovation

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0500

This episode of the Learning Can't Wait podcast brings together three thought leaders in education technology—John Gamba from Penn GSE, Jason Green of Your Way Learning, and Will Krasnow from SwiftScore—to discuss the evolving role of AI in education. They explore how AI is reshaping classrooms by enhancing teacher practice and student engagement when paired with the right mindset and research-backed methods. The conversation covers the challenges and opportunities in AI adoption among educators and school leaders, emphasizing starting with solving real educational problems rather than AI itself. Together, they highlight the importance of research-informed, learner-centered approaches and share strategies for successful AI integration to support teachers and improve outcomes for students.

AI in Education, Teacher Workload Reduction & Media Literacy

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0500

This podcast conversation between Nate McClennen and Hayley Spira-Bauer explores the transformative potential of AI in education, focusing on reducing teacher workload, reimagining the school day to enhance human connection, and integrating media literacy as a core skill for students. They discuss the challenges of scaling project-based learning within compliance-driven systems and envision a future where AI acts as a co-pilot for personalized learning, fostering student agency and passion-based education while meeting standards. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of media literacy in navigating misinformation and preparing students for an AI-influenced world, underlining that teachers remain central to providing meaningful, joyful learning experiences.

Rural Education, Educational Technology & Family Engagement | Dr. Jeff Carlson

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Dr. Jeff Carlson shared insights from his diverse experiences in education, from rural Idaho schools to urban New York City classrooms, emphasizing the critical role of public education in community life and equity. He highlighted challenges rural schools face, such as limited access to advanced coursework and technology, and expressed concern about policymakers burdening schools with societal issues instead of addressing them directly. Carlson advocates for thoughtful integration of technology in classrooms, family engagement, and realistic, equitable expectations for public education’s role in empowering all students.

Education equity, Community involvement & School board campaign | Dr. Kaycee Brock

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Learning Can't Wait podcast, Dr. Kaycee Brock, a candidate for the Atlanta Public School Board, shares her journey from educator to education consultant and now to political candidate. She discusses her motivations for running, emphasizing her passion for equity in education, her extensive background in various education roles, and her commitment to being actively involved in the community. Dr. Brock highlights the disparities within Atlanta Public Schools and stresses the importance of providing all students with quality opportunities, advocating for reading interventions and clear pathways to college and career success.

Education Leadership, AI in Schools, Restorative Justice | Dr. Malcolm Jones II

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0500

The episode features Dr. Malcolm Jones II, Assistant Superintendent of Forest City School District, discussing his journey from a young athlete to an educational leader who values academic and personal development. He emphasizes the importance of academic standards set by his parents, the lessons learned from sports, and the transformative leadership led by the district’s superintendent, which has uplifted a historically challenged school district. Dr. Jones highlights the integration of AI in education, its potential to revolutionize teaching and learning, and the necessity to adapt instructional methods accordingly. He also shares insights on restorative justice practices in schools, advocating for behavior education rather than punitive measures, and stresses the power of relationships in creating a positive learning environment. Finally, he encourages new teachers to seek mentorship and remain lifelong learners.

Advanced Inclusive Research and Development (RD), Equity in Education, Artificial Intelligence in Learning | Auditi Chakravarty

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 06:17:19 -0500

Auditi Chakravarty shares her unique journey from growing up as a child of immigrants in rural America to becoming a passionate educator and the CEO of Advanced Education Research and Development Fund (AERDF), an organization pioneering advanced inclusive Research and Development (R&D) in education. She highlights the critical disconnect between learning Sciences, Education Ecosystems, and Practitioners, advocating for research that includes educators and learners as partners.

The episode explores how AERDF's approach uses iterative, time-limited programs to accelerate learning breakthroughs, especially in technology like AI, while addressing equity and the future needs of education systems.

Failing forward, Emerging technology & Reflective practice | Douglas Wilson

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Learning Can't Wait podcast, Douglas Wilson, principal of Avondale High School in Michigan, shares insights into his leadership philosophy focused on continuous improvement, collaboration, and embracing failure as a learning opportunity. He highlights the school's diversity and commitment to equitable education for all students, emphasizing reflective practice and creativity among staff. Wilson also discusses the importance of integrating emerging technologies like AI thoughtfully and intentionally in education, advocating for preparing students to use these tools responsibly while evolving assessment methods to match technological advances.

Equity, Differentiation, & Generative AI | Dr. Andy Shean

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 07:05:00 -0500

In this episode of the Learning Can’t Wait Podcast, Andy Shean, Chief Learning Officer at Penn Foster Group, shares his personal journey from situational poverty to education leadership and underscores the transformative power of education. Shean describes his work at Penn Foster Group, a radically affordable, direct-to-career institution serving 300,000+ students, and introduces the LADDS model—Learner-centered, Authentic, Differentiated, and Skill-based learning—as a scalable framework for driving completion and equity in online education. He highlights innovations such as generative AI-powered feedback and multimodal learning, all designed to create high-quality, accessible learning for diverse communities. Shean closes by emphasizing the human side of online teaching and the importance of curiosity, belonging, and restlessness in effective education.

Design Thinking, Independent Learning, Human‑Centered Education | Dr. Sabba Quidwai

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 08:07:00 -0500

In this episode of The Learning Can’t Wait Podcast, Dr. Sabba Quidwai, CEO and founder of Designing Schools, shares how her journey from graduating during a recession to becoming a leader in design thinking and educational innovation has shaped her belief in empowering students and educators with the mindsets and skills to adapt in a rapidly evolving, AI‑powered world. She discusses the importance of independent learning, critical thinking, and empathy, debunks the “digital native” myth, and highlights how design thinking equips individuals to navigate ambiguity and shape their own destinies. Drawing from her work with future educators at UC Irvine, she describes shifting students’ skepticism about AI to optimism through hands‑on, reflective experiences—reinforcing that the human element in education is irreplaceable and essential for preparing learners for an uncertain future.

Reflection, Student Voice, Transformational Leadership | Dr. Jeremy Owoh

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 08:03:00 -0500

In this episode of The Learning Can’t Wait Podcast, host Hayley Spira-Bauer speaks with Dr. Jeremy Owoh, Superintendent of Jacksonville North Pulaski School District in Arkansas, about his journey as an educator, the district’s unique history, and his reflective leadership approach. Dr. Owoh shares how the community built a new district from the ground up in 2014, prioritizing student voice, career and college readiness, and removing barriers to learning through innovative programs and new facilities. He discusses his dual role as president of ASCD and ISTE, merging curriculum leadership with educational technology, and his upcoming keynote in Ghana on transformational leadership’s impact on teacher growth and student achievement. Emphasizing reflection, choice, and grace, Dr. Owoh offers advice for new teachers and expresses pride in his district’s progress and global reach.

Amy Dujon | Empowerment, Authenticity, Community

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 06:49:00 -0500

In this lively and candid episode, Hayley Spira-Bauer sits down with Amy Dujon, VP of Education for Community Edu, to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing women in educational leadership. Amy shares her personal journey—highlighting resilience formed from early adversity and her commitment to leading with empathy and radical honesty. Together, they explore the persistent gender gaps in K-12 leadership, the importance of mentorship, building community, and strategies for women to harness their strengths, find support, and step boldly into bigger leadership roles. Amy also unveils the upcoming Leadership Network conference, designed to connect and empower women at all levels of the education sector.

Dr. Neil Gupta | Community Engagement, Leadership, Collaborative Vision

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 07:01:00 -0500

In her podcast interview with Dr. Neil Gupta, Superintendent of Oakwood City Schools, Hayley Spira-Bauer explores Dr. Gupta’s relationship-driven approach to leadership, highlighting his commitment to listening, community engagement, and collaborative vision-building. Together, they discuss how meaningful, lasting change—like developing coordinated STEM initiatives or a district-wide “portrait of a learner”—comes from connecting with all stakeholders, being transparent about decision-making, and ensuring that district strategies reflect the community’s distinctive culture and needs.

Dr. Baron Davis | Collaboration, Student Voice. Education Innovation

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 07:06:00 -0500

Dr. Barron Davis, Senior Advisor at Digital Promise, returns to "The Learning Can't Wait" podcast to share his work building the Collaborative Innovation Studio—a national initiative empowering communities to co-create solutions to persistent educational challenges. He and host Hayley Spira-Bauer discuss authentic partnership, the value of centering student voice, and the power of collaboration and feedback in driving sustainable change for schools.

Merissa Salder-Holder | EdTech Teacher Voice. AI in Education

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 07:02:00 -0500

AI strategist and K-12 innovation consultant Merissa Sadler-Holder joins Hayley Spira-Bauer on "The Learning Can't Wait" podcast to share her journey from French teacher to tech advocate and founder. Merissa discusses how the pandemic and GameStop phenomenon sparked her move into edtech innovation, the empowering parallel between teaching students and guiding AI tools, and her call for educators to reject martyrdom and own their value. Tune in for a candid conversation about embracing change in education and building the future together.

Chéla Wallace | STEM Equity, Girls’ Education, Innovation

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 07:09:00 -0500

Chéla Wallace’s journey from science teacher to school founder is shaped by family adversity, a passion for STEM equity, and a drive to revolutionize girls’ education. Through candid reflection on her career pivots and the mentors who helped along the way, Chéla shares her plans for a new K-8 STEAM school in Greensboro focused on social justice, innovation, and empowering girls of color. Her story underscores the importance of community, high expectations, and embracing both tradition and playful curiosity to transform what is possible in education.

Dr. Kiesha King | Digital Equity, Student Agency. EdTech Innovation

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 07:07:00 -0500

This podcast episode features Dr. Kiesha King discussing her innovative approach to education, from her early adoption of technology in the classroom to her current leadership at T-Mobile, where she champions digital equity through initiatives like Project 10 Million. The conversation covers the importance of creativity, student agency, and inclusivity in schools, the urgent need for cross-sector collaboration to close the digital divide, and the responsibility of edtech companies to prioritize ethics and equity. Dr. King encourages new teachers to overcome fear, embrace community, and collaborate widely to provide meaningful, future-ready learning experiences for all students.

Season 8 Wrap Episode

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 08:23:29 -0500

Season 8 ends with a bang. Check out this highlight episode covering the incredible guests and conversations that made this season our best one yet.

AI, Leadership, & Tech | Dr. Kusum Sinha, Matt Gaven, Dr. Jared Bloom

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 08:07:00 -0500

In this special episode of the Learning Can't Wait podcast, three visionary Long Island superintendents—Dr. Kusum Sinha, Matt Gaven, and Dr. Jared Bloom—reveal how they’re leading the charge to integrate artificial intelligence in their schools. Through candid conversation, they share practical strategies, ethical considerations, and the power of collaboration in preparing students, educators, and communities for an AI-driven future.

Sheridan Hotung | Dyslexia, Intervention Equity

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 07:52:00 -0500

In this powerful episode of the Learning Can't Wait podcast, certified academic language therapist Sheridan Hotung shares her deeply personal journey from luxury branding to literacy advocacy, revealing how her struggle to help her own children learn to read led her to develop accessible, research-based tools that are transforming lives in classrooms and even correctional facilities. Sheridan’s story is a testament to the impact of early intervention, the need for universal screening, and the belief that literacy is a basic human right—not a privilege.

Jennifer Schwab | Workforce Development, Mentoring, Upskill

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 07:43:00 -0500

In this episode of the Learning Can't Wait podcast, Jennifer Schwab, CEO and founder of ENTITY Academy, shares her inspiring journey as a female entrepreneur determined to close the gender gap in business and tech. From her early career struggles without female mentors to building a social impact company that empowers women through mentorship, upskilling, and access to high-growth careers, Jennifer reveals how ENTITY is reshaping the future of workforce development and education in the age of AI.

Adrienne Emerson | Technology, STEM, Robotics

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 07:37:00 -0500

In this episode of the Learning Can't Wait podcast, Adrienne Emerson, a passionate STEM educator and implementation specialist at Sphero, shares her journey from a curious high school student to a leader in robotics education. Adrienne discusses how hands-on learning, accessible technology, and relationship-building can transform student engagement—especially for those who might not see themselves in STEM. Her insights on making STEM approachable for all, the importance of diverse experiences, and her global perspective on education make this a must-listen for educators and innovators alike.

Eddie Blass | Personalization, Systemic Change, & Agency

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 08:44:00 -0500

In this episode, Dr. Eddie Blass, founder and CEO of Inventorium, shares her personal and professional journey from a disengaged student in London to an educational innovator in Australia. She reflects on her experiences with privilege and the shortcomings of traditional education systems, particularly their inability to serve students who don’t fit the mainstream mold. Through Inventorium, Blass has designed a personalized, one-on-one learning model that addresses three key systemic issues: the rigid pace of classroom learning, lack of relevance in curriculum, and insufficient teacher-student connection. Her approach empowers students—many of whom are neurodiverse or have disengaged from school—to learn at their own pace, pursue their interests, and regain confidence, ultimately preparing them for meaningful futures beyond the constraints of conventional schooling. Blass advocates for systemic flexibility, greater teacher autonomy, and a shift toward education models that prioritize individual growth and social skills over standardized conformity.

Kathryn Starke | Literacy, Engagement, & Teacher Autonomy

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 07:38:00 -0500

In this episode of the Learning Can't Wait podcast, national literacy consultant Kathryn Starke shares her journey from a childhood surrounded by teachers to becoming a passionate advocate for literacy education. Starke discusses the importance of matching children with books that interest them, the ongoing debates around literacy instruction and the science of reading, and the critical role of qualified teachers who build relationships and adapt instruction based on student needs and data. She highlights her work founding Tackle Reading, a national initiative that partners with NFL athletes to promote a love of reading, and emphasizes that collaboration, creativity, and teacher autonomy are essential for the future of education. Starke encourages new teachers to trust their instincts, share innovative ideas, and focus on making a meaningful difference in students’ lives.

Sunil Gunderia | Scaling EdTech

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 07:04:00 -0500

In this episode, Sunil Gunderia, Chief Innovation Officer at Age of Learning, shares his remarkable journey from first-generation immigrant and CPA to leading educational innovation at one of the most influential edtech companies. Sunil reveals how his finance and consulting background fueled his passion for problem-solving and systems change, ultimately guiding him to help build research-based, evidence-proven products like ABCmouse, My Math Academy, and My Reading Academy—platforms now used by millions of students to close learning gaps and boost confidence. He discusses the transformative role of AI in personalizing education, supporting multilingual learners, and empowering teachers with actionable data, while also emphasizing the importance of curiosity, empathy, and co-design with educators and families. Tune in to hear Sunil’s insights on building impactful solutions, navigating the challenges of scaling innovation, and why he believes the future of education depends on equity, evidence, and relentless curiosity.

Mike Gonzalez, Mike Marrone, & Mike Felton | Lessons in Leadership

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 07:08:00 -0500

This podcast episode features three educational leaders—Mike Felton, superintendent of St. George Municipal School Unit; Michael Marrone, president of Liguori Academy; and Mike Gonzalez, executive director of the Rural School Innovation Zone—who connected through the Yaas Prize, an education award recognizing innovative and community-rooted work. Each shares their unique backgrounds and passion for transforming education through hands-on, career-technical education (CTE) that begins as early as elementary school and integrates community partnerships. They emphasize the importance of flexible, trauma-informed teaching, strong community connections, and breaking down traditional silos between academic and vocational pathways to provide students with meaningful, dignified career options. Their collective work focuses on sustaining and revitalizing their diverse communities—from rural Maine to urban Philadelphia and South Texas—by preparing students for workforce success while nurturing local economic resilience. The conversation closes with advice for new teachers to be consistent, connected, and deeply invested in their students and communities.

Tony Hemingway | Lessons in Leadership: Make something out of yourself

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 07:27:00 -0500

In this episode of the "Learning Can't Wait" podcast, host Hayley Spira-Bauer interviews Dr. Tony Hemingway, superintendent of Fairfield One, about his journey from a student who once failed 11th grade English to leading a school district and writing a book titled "Make Something Out of Yourself." Dr. Hemingway credits pivotal mentors, including a supportive summer school teacher and a superintendent who hired him, for helping him overcome discouragement and shaping his mission to ensure every student experiences encouragement and support. He discusses his efforts to build leadership pipelines, foster inclusive school communities, and create student-centered initiatives like the "SOAR Sofa," where students are recognized and engaged in meaningful conversations. Dr. Hemingway also addresses navigating educational uncertainty, the importance of fiscal responsibility, and the value of continuous improvement, concluding with advice for new teachers to stay committed, seek mentorship, and focus on practices that help students succeed.

Nic Starr | AI Bingo

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 07:22:00 -0500

In this episode of the "Learning Can't Wait" podcast, host Hayley Spira-Bauer reconnects with her former Teach for America colleague, Nick Starr, now an education customer success manager at Adobe. Starr shares her career journey, emphasizing the importance of risk-taking and adaptability as she moved from teaching and administration into educational technology. She discusses her transition into the corporate EdTech world, guided by mentorship and a strategic approach to career pivots. Starr highlights her personal project, an "AI Bingo" card—a year-long challenge to explore and master various AI tools and concepts, which she gamifies to make learning manageable and engaging. She reflects on the value of combining analog practices with digital innovation, her experiences building AI chatbots and podcasts, and the evolving landscape of AI in education. The conversation closes with Starr's advice to new teachers: to expect the unexpected with optimism, as the teaching journey is transformative for both educators and their students

Nick Gross | Career Pathways, Discovery, & Future-Ready Education

Thu, 29 May 2025 07:29:00 -0500

Nick Gross, originally a musician who signed his first record deal at 17, founded Find Your Grind after realizing the transformative power of self-discovery and pursuing passions. Inspired by a graffiti message and his experiences running a recording studio, Gross launched Find Your Grind to help young people explore diverse, nontraditional career paths through engaging content, real-world experiences, and a curriculum blending self-discovery, career readiness, and 21st-century skills. Today, the platform uses lifestyle assessments and social-emotional learning tools to guide students in defining the life they want to live, emphasizing the importance of the journey over the destination and encouraging youth to start exploring without pressure to have everything figured out

Dan Meyer | EdTech, Healthy Skepticism, & Technology

Tue, 27 May 2025 07:26:00 -0500

Dan Meyer, a math educator and EdTech leader, shares how his unconventional path—from being homeschooled to teaching reluctant algebra students—shaped his mission to make math classrooms more creative, social, and engaging for all students. He critiques the current use of technology and AI in education, arguing that most tools isolate students and fail to foster the kind of connection and collaborative learning that truly matter, and he urges EdTech companies to design products that support, rather than replace, teachers by inviting and developing student thinking. Meyer’s core message to new teachers is to be deeply interested in their students and recognize that teaching is a profoundly human endeavor shaped by broader social forces, making it both challenging and deeply meaningful

Dacia Toll | Ed Reform, Equity, & AI

Thu, 22 May 2025 07:21:00 -0500

Dacia Toll recounts her journey from aspiring civil rights lawyer to founding the Achievement First charter school network, driven by a passion for equity and impact in education. She explains how her experience scaling high-performing schools led to co-founding CourseMojo, an edtech company focused on embedding AI-powered, curriculum-aligned teaching assistants to support differentiated learning and teacher effectiveness, especially amid post-pandemic challenges. Toll also highlights her work with Relay Graduate School of Education, emphasizing the importance of practice-based teacher preparation and advising new educators to embrace both proven teaching practices and thoughtful use of AI tools to maximize their impact.

Diego Arambula | Education, Transformation, & Design

Tue, 20 May 2025 08:15:31 -0500

Diego Arambula, Vice President for Educational Transformation at the Carnegie Foundation, shares how his upbringing in Fresno and his parents’ commitment to community improvement shaped his mission to transform education so that both students and teachers feel engaged, supported, and prepared for real-world challenges. He critiques the outdated architecture of schools—especially the reliance on the Carnegie Unit—and calls for a systemic overhaul rooted in new goals, learning experiences, and signals that move beyond time-based measures. Arambula emphasizes the urgency and possibility of this “punctuated equilibrium” moment in education, advocating for collaborative, research-driven innovation that can scale and sustain meaningful change, ultimately fulfilling the promise of public education for all students.

Jen Womble | Technology, Education, and Conferences

Thu, 15 May 2025 07:17:00 -0500

In the episode, Jen dives into the urgent challenges facing schools-like the national teacher and leadership shortage-and shares her vision for transforming education through community, storytelling, and actionable innovation. She emphasizes the need to change the narrative around teaching, celebrate its impact, and ensure that professional learning translates into real classroom change.

Use these insights to spark conversation about the future of education, the value of educators, and how conferences like FETC are driving meaningful progress.

Curtis Valentine | Teacher Shortage, Leadership, and Passion

Tue, 13 May 2025 07:16:00 -0500

From a young man who grew up with a stutter to founding a movement that's empowered thousands of male educators, Curtis Valentine's story reveals how community can transform both individuals and education.

Nancy Livingston | Summer Learning, Teacher Development, & Equity

Thu, 08 May 2025 07:09:00 -0500

The interview with Nancy Livingston, CEO of the National Summer School Initiative (NSSI), explores how their 5-week summer programs prevent learning loss while simultaneously developing teachers' skills through high-quality curriculum and mentorship from exceptional educators. Livingston emphasizes that summer school programs are cost-effective, scalable interventions that can accelerate student learning while helping teachers improve their instructional practice by providing them with streamlined materials and structured support.

Dr. Iheoma Iruka | Early Childhood, Curriculum, & Equity

Tue, 06 May 2025 07:05:00 -0500

Dr. Iheoma Iruka discusses her work with the National Academies developing a new vision for pre-K curriculum that better serves all children, especially those historically underserved, including Black and Latino children, multilingual learners, children with disabilities, and those living in poverty. The interview highlights the importance of rejecting false dichotomies in early childhood education by integrating play with academics, supporting teachers with proper resources, and creating curriculum that reflects the diversity of children's experiences and backgrounds.

Nicola Soares | Teacher Shortage, Staffing, & Talent Supply Chain

Thu, 01 May 2025 07:27:00 -0500

This podcast episode features a conversation between Hayley Spira-Bauer and Nicola "Nikki" Soares, president of Kelly Education. Nikki, who began her career as a social studies teacher before moving into academic publishing and eventually leading Kelly Education, discusses the challenges facing education staffing today. She highlights the teacher shortage crisis, declining enthusiasm for the profession, inadequate compensation, and increasing demands on educators. Nikki advocates for reimagining education systems by making schools community cornerstones, better aligning curriculum with workforce needs, improving teacher compensation, and embracing alternative certification pathways. She explains that Kelly Education supports educators through professional development, mentoring, and recognition programs while using technology to efficiently match qualified teachers with schools. Nikki emphasizes the importance of measuring impact through classroom observations, teacher performance metrics, and fill rates. Despite current challenges, she remains excited about the renewed focus on educational excellence and advises new teachers to be purpose-driven in pursuing this essential profession.

Michelle Culver | AI, Deep Learning, & Human Connection

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 07:22:00 -0500

Michelle Culver, founder of the Rhythm Project and former Teach for America leader, discussed how AI is transforming human relationships, particularly for young people. After noticing that conversations about AI focused on work and education but neglected interpersonal connections, Culver launched the Rhythm Project to bridge this gap. The organization conducts research, builds coalitions, and creates educational resources to help youth critically evaluate whether AI technologies serve as "vitamins" (enhancing human connections) or "Vicodin" (addictive replacements for real relationships). Research shows many students experience lower moments of connection in classrooms than elsewhere, highlighting the need to strengthen in-person interactions in educational settings—something educators can directly influence even as technology rapidly evolves.

Season 7 Wrap Up | Education, Funding, & Learning

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 07:12:00 -0500

🔥 25 episodes. Countless takeaways. One unforgettable season.
Season 7 of Learning Can’t Wait covered it all—
🎮 Esports
🏫 Absenteeism
💰 Federal funding
🎙️ And a lineup of guests who blew us away.

Shannon Cox | Leadership, Innovation, & Inspiration

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 07:11:00 -0500

This is one of those episodes you feel as much as you hear.
Shannon Cox’s dream of becoming a fighter pilot was derailed by a stroke in high school—but what followed is a remarkable story of purpose, resilience, and transformational leadership in education.
From flying a Blue Angel jet to redesigning how we think about absenteeism, future self-vision, and SEL, Shannon’s work is nothing short of inspiring.

Dr. Jennifer Garrison | Career-connected Learning, Trade School, Work-life Balance

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Garrison joins host Hayley Spira-Bauer to share how her rural Illinois district is transforming education through career-connected learning and athletics. From skilled trade pathways to building resilience through sports, Dr. Garrison highlights the power of community partnerships, student-centered opportunities, and modeling civility in schools. A must-listen for educators and leaders working to reimagine student success.

Bryan Hassel + Kendall King | Public Impact, Opportunity Culture, Multi-classroom Leadership

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Learning Can’t Wait, host Hayley Spira-Bauer sits down with Bryan Hassel and Kendall King of Public Impact to explore how innovative staffing models—like the Opportunity Culture initiative—are transforming schools across the country. They dive into the power of multi-classroom leadership, sustainable funding strategies for foundations and policymakers, and how digital learning can expand the reach of excellent teachers. With compelling research results and a bold vision for scale, Bryan and Kendall share how Public Impact is working to ensure every student has access to high-quality teaching—every year, in every classroom. Whether you're a teacher, policymaker, funder, or advocate, this episode will leave you inspired by what’s possible when we reimagine how schools are staffed and supported.

Scott Anderberg | Moodle, AI in Education, Learning Management Systems

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Join Hayley Spira-Bauer, host of the Learning Can’t Wait podcast, as she sits down with Scott Anderberg, Chief Operating Officer at Moodle, to discuss the future of learning management systems. Scott shares how Moodle is integrating AI while staying true to its open-source philosophy and commitment to equity. From AI-powered tools to small but impactful educator-driven features, Moodle continues to evolve while ensuring accessibility for learners worldwide.

This conversation highlights the power of user-driven innovation in education and the importance of curiosity in teaching and learning. Tune in for an engaging discussion on technology, accessibility, and the future of education with one of the leaders shaping the field.

Mary Jo Fairhead | Onward Learning, Rural Education, Student-Centered Learning

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Learning Can’t Wait, we sit down with Mary Jo Fairhead, Founder and Director of Onward Learning, to explore the unique strengths of rural education and the importance of redefining student success. Mary Jo shares how small, tight-knit communities foster deep collaboration and resourcefulness, creating learning environments where students can thrive at their own pace. She challenges the overreliance on standardized testing, offering real-world examples of students excelling when given the freedom to progress based on their individual needs rather than rigid benchmarks.

Host Hayley Spira-Bauer and Mary Jo discuss the broader implications of rethinking traditional educational norms, from the role of homework to the fear-based mindset that often dictates student progress. With a refreshing perspective on what truly matters in learning, Mary Jo encourages educators to be courageous in advocating for student-centered approaches. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that challenges assumptions and highlights the power of community-driven education.

Jeff Livingston | School Funding, Equity in Education, Rural Education, E-Rate Funding

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0500

In this impactful episode of The Learning Can’t Wait Podcast, host Hayley Spira-Bauer speaks with education thought leader Jeff Livingston about the urgent challenges shaping the future of learning. From the looming threat to the E-Rate program, which ensures broadband access for schools and libraries, to the broader funding uncertainties that could reshape K-12 education, Jeff offers a passionate and thought-provoking perspective on what’s at stake.

Drawing from his personal experience growing up in rural South Carolina, Jeff highlights how digital equity, school funding structures, and policy decisions impact students—particularly those in underserved communities. He and Hayley also explore the resilience of rural America, the importance of advocacy, and the critical need for educators, parents, and policymakers to take action before it's too late.

As education faces a potential crisis of access and stability, this conversation serves as a call to action for anyone invested in the future of our schools.

Jodie Buenning | E-Rate Program, Digital Equity, EdTech Advocacy

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0500

What happens if schools lose access to critical funding for internet and network infrastructure? In this timely episode of Learning Can’t Wait, host Hayley Spira-Bauer is joined by Jodie Buenning, a communications and policy expert, to break down what the E-Rate program is, why it’s vital to public education, and what’s at stake as a Supreme Court case looms that could reshape how E-Rate funds are used.

Jodie shares a historical look at how E-Rate came to be and how it has supported everything from secure student access to online learning to equitable connectivity in rural schools. She emphasizes the importance of advocacy—encouraging superintendents, principals, and educators to raise their voices, share success stories, and reach out to local legislators.

Jodie also offers advice for rural school leaders facing uncertainty: build strong community partnerships, stay connected with broadband providers, and prepare local contingency plans. With deep insight and a call to action, this episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in the future of school connectivity and digital equity.

Resources & Mentions:

Education Week article: Schools Fear Funding Loss as Supreme Court Weighs E-Rate Case (March 20, 2025)
CoSN, SETDA, ASCD: Education advocacy groups supporting E-Rate

PJ Caposey | School Funding, Rural Education, ESSER Funding, Superintendent Shortage

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Superintendent PJ Caposey returns to The Learning Can't Wait podcast for a fast-paced, eye-opening mini series episode about the complex—and often misunderstood—realities of school funding. In this episode, PJ and host Hayley Spira-Bauer dive into how districts are creatively generating revenue, the lasting impacts (and limitations) of ESSER spending, and what really delivered ROI during the pandemic.

PJ also sounds the alarm on a looming superintendent shortage and breaks down why top district leaders may see a surge in salaries—even as schools face painful budget cuts. From rural education challenges to the political and financial pressures shaping public schools today, this episode is packed with insight, candor, and practical wisdom from a nationally recognized education leader.

Rita Ferrandino | Arc Capital Development, Federal Education Funding, EdTech Innovation

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 07:00:00 -0500

In this funding mini series episode of Learning Can’t Wait, Hayley Spira-Bauer sits down with Rita Ferrandino—founder of Arc Capital Development, education investor, and innovation consultant at the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education. Rita shares her insights on how research, funding, and innovation intersect in today’s EdTech landscape. From navigating federal grants to building meaningful university partnerships, she offers a behind-the-scenes look at how high-growth edtech companies can scale responsibly and effectively—while keeping student outcomes front and center.

Rita also opens up about the power of coalitions, especially among women in edtech and investing. She discusses her role in founding DOLS (Dirty Old Ladies of Software), supporting international education networks, and the importance of mentorship—for both new educators and aspiring entrepreneurs. Whether you’re launching a startup, teaching in the classroom, or just passionate about the future of learning, this conversation is packed with wisdom, warmth, and actionable advice.

Peter Relan | MathGPT, AI in Education, Equity in Math Education

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 07:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Learning Can’t Wait, host Hayley Spira-Bauer sits down with Peter Relan, chairman of MathGPT, to explore how AI-powered tools are transforming math education. Peter discusses how AI can alleviate the burden on educators by automating course management, generating assignments and quizzes, and providing Socratic-style tutoring that encourages critical thinking—without giving away answers.

They also dive into the broader impact of AI in the classroom, including its role in addressing equity gaps in community college math courses, improving student engagement, and supporting instructors with trustworthy, guardrail-protected AI. Peter shares insights on the importance of making math relevant to students’ lives and previews an upcoming Stanford research study on MathGPT’s outcomes.

Tune in to hear how AI is shaping the future of math education, why trust and efficacy matter, and how teachers can leverage technology to improve student success. Plus, a promise—Peter will be back to share real-world data on MathGPT’s effectiveness!

Louise Baigelman | Storyshares, Literacy Engagement, Struggling Readers, High-Interest Books

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 07:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Learning Can’t Wait, host Hayley Spira-Bauer sits down with Louise Baigelman, Founder and CEO of Storyshares, to explore how educators can engage struggling readers through high-interest, age-appropriate content. Louise shares how Story Shares collaborates with teachers at every stage of content development, using direct classroom feedback to refine their literacy resources. She highlights the importance of choice in reading engagement and offers valuable advice for new reading teachers—encouraging them to find each student’s unique spark to foster a love of reading. Tune in to learn how adaptive literacy tools are making a difference for students and educators alike!

Malvika Bhagwat | Owl Ventures, EdTech Outcomes, Education Efficacy

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 07:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Learning Can’t Wait, we sit down with Malvika Bhagwat, Partner and Head of Outcomes at Owl Ventures, to dive deep into the evolving landscape of EdTech efficacy and research. Malvika challenges the traditional "gold standard" of randomized controlled trials, explaining why more dynamic, iterative approaches are essential for measuring the impact of rapidly evolving educational technology.

As schools navigate a post-ESSER funding reality, districts are making tough decisions about which tools to keep and which to cut. Malvika shares how Owl Ventures evaluates EdTech companies, emphasizing the importance of scale, access, outcomes, and diversity in determining long-term success. She also highlights key trends shaping the future of education, including AI-powered learning tools, mental health solutions, and the rise of outcomes-based contracting.

Tune in to hear Malvika’s expert insights on what it takes to build a sustainable, impactful EdTech company—and what educators and entrepreneurs alike should be thinking about as the field continues to evolve. Plus, don’t miss our discussion on Owl Ventures’ Education Outcomes Report, a must-read resource for anyone invested in the future of learning.

Kate Eberle Walker | Presence, Teletherapy for Students, Remote Evaluations

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 07:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Learning Can’t Wait, Hayley Spira-Bauer sits down with Kate Eberle Walker, CEO of Presence, to explore how teletherapy is transforming education. Kate dives into the power of remote evaluations, the importance of early intervention, and how Presence is tackling the nationwide backlog of assessments.

We also discuss a game-changing partnership with Move This World that’s simplifying mental health services for schools, ensuring students get the right support when they need it. Plus, Kate shares her insights on navigating the ever-changing education landscape and why she’s optimistic about the future.

If you’re curious about the evolving role of technology in education, the impact of teletherapy, and how schools can better serve every student—this episode is for you! Tune in for an inspiring conversation about innovation, equity, and what’s next in virtual learning. 🚀

Richard Carranza | IXL Learning, IEPs, Social-Emotional Learning

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 07:00:00 -0600

In this episode of The Learning Can’t Wait Podcast, host Hayley Spira-Bauer engages in an important conversation with Richard Carranza, a seasoned education leader with a passion for leveraging technology to create more equitable learning experiences. Richard shares his journey from working in the New York City school system to joining IXL Learning, emphasizing how data-driven EdTech tools can help personalize learning for every student—essentially creating an individualized education plan (IEP) for all. He highlights the power of real-time, actionable data in supporting both students and educators, ensuring that learning extends beyond the classroom and adapts to each student's unique needs.

Beyond academics, Richard dives into the crucial role of social-emotional learning (SEL) in student success, drawing from his experience as a superintendent during Hurricane Harvey and the lasting impact of trauma on education. He stresses that schools cannot achieve academic excellence without first creating environments where students feel safe, supported, and valued. Wrapping up the conversation, Richard offers candid advice for new teachers, urging them to approach the profession with passion and purpose. This episode is a must-listen for educators, school leaders, and anyone invested in the future of student-centered learning.

Rob Schwartz | AI in Education, Equity in Education, School Leadership Development

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 07:00:00 -0600

How can we better prepare and sustain school leaders, especially those from the communities they serve? In this episode of Learning Can’t Wait, host Hayley Spira-Bauer sits down with Rob Schwartz, an experienced education leader, to discuss the evolving landscape of school leadership and the crucial role of equity in education.

Rob shares insights on the challenges and opportunities for leaders of color, the importance of mentorship and community support, and the need for more sustainable career pathways for educators. He also dives into the role of AI in schools, how it can empower teachers rather than replace them, and what’s needed to bridge the gap between instructional excellence and organizational culture.

Whether you're a new school leader, an educator looking to grow, or passionate about the future of education, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Tune in to discover how we can create stronger, more effective school leadership for the long haul.

Bridget Johnson | Dean's Roundtable, Student Life, School Deans

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 07:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Learning Can’t Wait, we sit down with Bridget Johnson, founder of the Dean’s Roundtable, to discuss the evolving role of school deans in student life and support. Often seen as the disciplinarians of a school, deans actually play a critical role in fostering student growth, decision-making skills, and overall well-being.

Bridget shares practical strategies for deans and educators to shift the perception of the Dean’s office from a place of punishment to one of guidance and support. She highlights the importance of proactive student engagement, key decision-making moments in the school year, and how social media impacts student choices today. We also explore how deans can build strong relationships with families, navigate tough phone calls home, and ensure they aren’t doing this work alone.

Whether you’re a dean, teacher, or school leader, this episode is packed with insights on creating a supportive, student-centered school culture. Plus, learn how the Dean’s Roundtable provides ongoing community and resources for educators tackling student life challenges.

Check out the Dean’s Roundtable Podcast!

Julia Fallon | SETDA, EdTech, Education Policy

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 07:00:00 -0600

How can technology drive systemic change in education? In this episode of Learning Can’t Wait, we sit down with Julia Fallon, Executive Director of the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA), to explore the evolving role of technology in modernizing schools. Julia shares insights on how policy, infrastructure, and leadership play a critical role in shaping the future of education. From digital equity to innovative learning environments, this conversation dives into the challenges and opportunities of integrating technology effectively in K-12 education.

Tune in for an insightful discussion on what it takes to create lasting change in our schools—and why we can’t afford to wait.

Isabelle Hau | Love to Learn, AI in Education, Play in Education

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 07:00:00 -0600

How is technology shaping the way we learn and connect? In this thought-provoking episode of Learning Can’t Wait, host Hayley Spira-Bauer sits down with renowned education innovator and author Isabelle Hau to explore the evolving role of AI, relationships, and play in education.

Isabelle shares groundbreaking research on AI companions and their impact on human interaction, both promising and concerning. She also highlights the importance of relational technology, the risks of “junk tech,” and how modern parenting and playdates are shifting in unexpected ways. Plus, she reveals a fascinating insight from her experience on Sesame Street and the surprising power of co-viewing with children.

Whether you're an educator, parent, or anyone passionate about fostering a lifelong love of learning, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

Read Isabelle’s book

Chris Aviles + Andrew Abramson | Esports, Gamification in Education, Teamwork, After School Activities

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 09:36:51 -0600

Esports isn’t just about playing video games—it’s about teamwork, leadership, resilience, and real-world skills that can shape a student’s future. In this episode of Learning Can’t Wait, host Hayley Spira-Bauer sits down with esports expert Chris Aviles, founder of Garden State Esports, and Andrew Abramson, a passionate young esports competitor, to explore the transformative impact of gaming in education.

Chris shares how esports programs are giving students a sense of belonging, teaching valuable life skills, and opening doors to college and career opportunities. Andrew offers a firsthand perspective on what it’s like to compete, navigate challenges like in-game communication, and use esports as a tool for personal growth.

Whether you're a school leader, educator, or parent, this episode will change the way you see gaming and its role in student success. Tune in to learn how schools can implement esports programs and why this growing field is a game-changer for education!

Gail daMota | Higher Ed Financing, Pell Grant Increase, Financial Aid Resources

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 07:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Learning Can’t Wait, host Haley sits down with Gail daMota, the president of the Education Finance Council (EFC), to discuss the complexities of higher education financing and the importance of accessible, affordable education. Gail shares her journey into the education finance sector, where she has worked for over 30 years advocating for nonprofit and state-based financial aid organizations. They explore the challenges students face when navigating the financial aid system, including the impact of FAFSA’s recent rollout issues and the importance of understanding the various funding options available, such as scholarships, state grants, and low-cost loans. Gail also highlights the need for federal policy reform, including better loan repayment options and increased Pell Grant funding. Offering invaluable insights for students, families, and educators, this episode provides listeners with practical guidance on how to navigate the financial aid process, ensuring more equitable access to higher education.

Tune in to learn how you can make the most of available resources to secure the funding necessary for pursuing post-secondary education.

Evan Abramson | Ed Tech Innovation, AI in Education, Building Trust in Schoolsca

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 07:00:00 -0600

What’s the key to innovation in education? Our guest Evan Abramson says it’s trust, relationships, and a willingness to listen. In this episode, he shares his framework for evaluating ed tech tools and partnerships, focusing on what really matters: solving real problems for students, teachers, and schools. Evan highlights the role of trust—not just in relationships but through humility, honesty, and follow-through. He also dives into the potential of AI for parents, sharing practical ways to connect with kids’ learning, like turning a book report into a dinner table conversation or sparking curiosity with personalized questions.

Whether you’re an educator, school leader, ed tech innovator, or parent, this episode is packed with actionable insights to inspire you. Tune in to explore how technology and trust can drive meaningful change in education.

Dan Fitzpatrick | AI Educator, AI in Education, Education Innovation

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 07:00:00 -0600

On our newest episode of the Learning Can’t Wait podcast, our host Hayley Spira-Bauer speaks with educator and author Dan Fitzpatrick about how competition and AI are driving innovation in education. They explore the potential of technologies like AI tutors to reshape learning models, referencing groundbreaking examples like Synthesis, an online school fostering creativity and problem-solving. The discussion highlights the urgent need to rethink traditional systems and ensure equitable access to innovative tools, especially for underserved communities.

Dan and Hayley also reflect on the post-pandemic education landscape and the importance of equipping students with entrepreneurial skills for the future. Dan shares advice for new teachers, encouraging them to embrace creativity, innovation, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. This episode offers thought-provoking insights for educators and anyone invested in the future of learning.

Read Dan’s books here -

Infinite Education

The AI Classroom

The Back to School AI Guide

Dr. Christina Dukes Brown | Boys and Girls Club, Out-of-School Programs, Youth Entrepreneurship

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 07:00:00 -0600

On our newest episode of the Learning Can’t Wait podcast, our host Hayley Spira-Bauer sits down with Dr. Christina Dukes Brown, a passionate advocate for educational equity and community engagement. Dr. Brown shares her candid perspective on the challenges educators face, emphasizing the critical need for better preparation and trauma-informed practices to support both academic and social-emotional learning. Reflecting on the alarming teacher turnover rates post-pandemic, she underscores the importance of equipping educators with the tools they need to succeed. The conversation delves into systemic gaps in teacher training and the transformative potential of out-of-school programs in addressing these issues, all while celebrating the profound impact that love, respect, and authenticity have on students’ lives.

Dr. Brown also highlights her innovative work with the Boys and Girls Club of America, focusing on out-of-school initiatives that empower young people in Patterson and Passaic. From providing academic support and character education to fostering creativity and leadership through activities like basketball, dance, and even esports, the club offers a holistic approach to youth development. A standout program, Girls with Goals, is inspiring young women to pursue entrepreneurship, equipping them with business skills and mentorship opportunities from female leaders across industries. This episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in the future of education, as Dr. Brown’s insights and programs exemplify the power of community-driven solutions and the importance of nurturing students both inside and outside the classroom.

Michael Horn | Job Moves, Future of Education, Micro School Movement, Teacher Career Transitions

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 07:00:00 -0600

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.

Season 6 Recap

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 07:00:00 -0600

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!

Shalinee Sharma | Math Minds, Zearn, Math Education, Numeracy

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 07:00:00 -0600

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

Patrick Fredricks | Rural Education, Work Based Learning, Career Readiness, Southwest Colorado Education Collaborative

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 07:00:00 -0600

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.

Vriti Saraf | Ed3 DAO, AI in Education, Blockchain, Project Based Learning

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 07:00:00 -0600

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.

Nicole + Izzy Galante | Mosaic IP, AI in Education, Instructional Planning, Individualized Learning

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 07:00:00 -0600

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.

Dr. Vallerie Cave + Shawn Blanchard | Rural Education, Innovation, Student Success

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 07:00:00 -0600

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.

Check out Shawn Blanchard's book

Heather Rubin | Cultural Responsiveness, ELL, Project-based Learning, Digital Age Teaching

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0500

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

Dr. Stephanie Elizalde | Dallas ISD, Teacher Retention, Equity in Education

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0500

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.

Dr. Kelsey Young | Curriculum Associates, Post-Pandemic Student Performance, Targeted Interventions

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0500

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.

Dr. Peter Tragos + Beverly Leon | Civics Education, Social Media, Civil Discourse

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0500

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

Lisa Tarshis | Micro Schools, Primer Foundation, Personalized Learning

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0500

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

Dr. Vicki Phelps + Marisa Janicek | AI in Education, AI ethics, Technology Gap

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0500

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

Dr. Muhsinah Morris | Metaversity, AI-Powered Teaching Assistants, Virtual Realty in Education

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 07:00:00 -0500

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

Alex Kotran | aiEDU, AI in Education, EdTech, AI Literacy

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 07:00:00 -0500

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

Mike Yates | AI in Education, Project-based Learning, EdTech

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 07:00:00 -0500

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

Chad Aldeman | Teacher Shortage, Educator Retention, Read Not Guess

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 07:00:00 -0500

In our latest episode of the Learning Can't Wait podcast, our host Hayley Spira-Bauer is joined by Chad Aldeman, founder of Read Not Guess, as they unpack two massive topics; the national teacher shortage crisis and preparing educators in an effective way. Chad shares his perspective on training, recruitment, and retention and potential ways to take them to a higher level. Learn about boosting teacher pay, improving support and development, and using tech to make life easier for educators. Plus, find out how community support can make a huge difference.

Whether you’re in education or just passionate about supporting teachers, this episode gives you an idea of what can be done to make our schools better for everyone.

Additional Resources:

The Condition of Education 2022 - US Department of Education

Recruitment and Retention - Education Week

The National Center for Teacher Quality (NCTQ) - NCTQ

Sold a Story Podcast

Produced by Fullmind

Amanda Bickerstaff | AI for Education, EdTech, Classroom Management

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 07:00:00 -0500

On our latest Learning Can't Wait episode, out host Hayley Spira-Bauer is joined by Amanda Bickerstaff, Founder and CEO of AI for Education as they dive into how AI can be effectively used in today's classroom. This incredibly insightful conversation covers Amanda's personal and professional path, the quick trajectory of AI for Educaiton, and what the future may hold for the company. Hayley and Amanda also unpack how educators can use AI as a tool for many aspects of their day-to-day lives in addition to amplifying their impact in the classroom. Whether you're curious about AI's integrity, its ability to assist educators, or simply want to learn more about Amanda's story, this episode is a must-listen!

Produced by Fullmind

Siya Raj Purohit | OpenAI, ChatGPT, Engineering in Education, Investing in EdTech

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 07:00:00 -0500

🌟 WELCOME TO SEASON 6 🌟

To kick off this season of the Learning Can't Wait podcast, Hayley Spira-Bauer sits down with Siya Raj Purohit, from the Education Go-to-Market Team at OpenAI and general partner at Pathway Ventures, for an inspiring and insightful conversation. Siya shares her remarkable journey from being an ESL student to becoming a leading voice in the education and technology sectors. They dive deep into the transformative power of education, exploring how it can change lives and open up new opportunities. Sia also discusses the importance of making learning accessible, practical, and relevant in today's fast-paced world, offering listeners a unique perspective on how education can bridge the gap between different communities and empower individuals to succeed.

The conversation also covers Sia's innovative work on the digital divide, providing a glimpse into the future of education and work. As an expert in both technology and investing, Sia shares her thoughts on the evolving landscape of engineering education and the critical skills needed in an AI-driven world. From the future of work to the role of AI in education, this episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, education, and social impact. Whether you're passionate about education, technology, or investing, you won't want to miss this conversation about the future of learning and the power of knowledge to transform lives.

Read Siya's Book: Engineering America: Teaching a Penguin How to Fly

Read Siya's post on Medium: Why You Should Start Your Career at an EdTech Startup

Produced by Fullmind

Montgomery County ESC | Middle School, Technology, Lifestyle Fair

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 07:00:00 -0500

On this SPECIAL EPISODE of the Learning Can’t Wait podcast, our host Hayley Spira-Bauer chats with chats with 8th graders from Montgomery County ESC during their lifestyle fair. From interests to student support to advice for incoming middle schoolers, these students use their real life experiences to inform thoughtful conversation.

Tune in to gain insight on what it's really like to be a middle schooler in Montgomery County and what they hope the next round of middle schoolers remember.

Stay tuned for Season 6 of the Learning Can't Wait podcast coming soon!

Produced by Fullmind

Season 5 Recap

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 07:00:00 -0500

🌟 SEASON 5 IS A WRAP! 🌟

From NYC to rural America, this incredibly powerful season covered it all. In today's episode, our host, Hayley Spria-Bauer recaps all that season 5 held.

Thank you to our wonderful, inspiring guests this season. Your work in the education space is critical to our youth's and our nation's futures!

And, thank you to YOU, our listeners! Stay tuned for what Season 6 will bring to the conversation! 🎧

Check out the Forbes article mentioned in this episode.

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Emmanuel George | Civics Education, Community Partnerships, Active Citizenship, Teacher Recruitment

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 07:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Learning Can’t Wait podcast, our host Hayley Spira-Bauer sits down with Emmanuel George, New York Regional Superintendent at Democracy Prep Public Schools. At the top of the episode, Emmanuel thanks his mother and other family members who helped form his values of humility, respect, and civic-mindedness. Democracy Prep has a large focus on direct participation in civics education from an early age. Students engage in activities that teach them to actively engage with and influence the political system. Partnerships with families and community organizations are also crucial, as these collaborations provide additional support and resources, addressing systemic challenges faced by many students.

When talking about finding great educators for Democracy Prep, Emmanuel emphasizes that a teacher's willingness to improve is more critical than their initial skill level. Additionally, the school focuses on whole child development, offering a well-rounded education that includes arts, athletics, and academic rigor. This comprehensive approach ensures students are academically prepared and equipped with the skills and experiences needed to succeed in life and contribute positively to their communities.

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Amy Azano | Rural Education, Equity in Education, Virginia Tech Center for Rural Education

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 07:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Learning Can't Wait podcast, host Hayley Spira-Bauer continues her miniseries on rural education with Dr. Amy Azano, a professor at the School of Education at Virginia Tech and the founding director of Virginia Tech's Center for Rural Education. Dr. Azano shares her journey from a small town in the Shenandoah Valley to becoming a leading scholar in rural education. She discusses how her upbringing shaped her passion for supporting rural educators and students.

Dr. Azano highlights the unique challenges and opportunities in rural education, emphasizing the importance of valuing the cultural and geographical contexts of rural areas. She explains how this understanding should shape educational policies to better serve rural communities.

The conversation also covers the initiatives of the Center for Rural Education at Virginia Tech, including specialized courses, research, and outreach programs like a summer enrichment camp for high-achieving rural middle school students. Dr. Azano underscores the importance of equity in rural education, addressing funding disparities and fostering inclusive environments for all rural learners.

Produced by Fullmind

Learn more:

Teaching in Rural Spaces: Thriving in Classrooms, Schools, and Communities

Lua Project

Heather Bookstaver, Ann Lewis, & Taylor Gump | Rural Education, Community Engagement, Technology in Schools

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 17:33:00 -0500

Join host Hayley Spira-Bauer in this episode of the Learning Can't Wait podcast as she continues the Rural Education mini-series with insightful guests Heather Bookstaver, Ann Lewis, and Taylor Gump. Featuring perspectives from two seasoned educators and a passionate student teacher, this episode explores both the unique charms and challenges of teaching in rural areas.

Heather, Ann, and Taylor share a profound love for their rural communities, driven by a deep sense of connection and support that fuels their dedication to education. They reveal how these tight-knit communities foster collaboration and how technology enhances the learning experience in rural schools.

Through heartfelt personal stories, our guests vividly illustrate the realities of rural education, expressing their unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on their students' lives. This episode is a testament to the power of community and the enduring passion for teaching that thrives in rural America.

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Mike Barrera & Conrad Cantu | Rural Education, Career and Technical Education, Rural School Innovation Zone

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 07:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Learning Can't Wait podcast, host Hayley Spira-Bauer returns to the Rural Education mini-series with guests Mike Barrera, Superintendent of Premont ISD, and Conrad Cantu, Superintendent of Freer ISD. Both guests bring valuable perspectives from their roles in the Rural School Innovation Zone (RSIZ), sharing their expertise on the unique challenges faced by rural schools.

The episode delves into Mike and Conrad’s backgrounds in education, highlighting their districts' contributions to RSIZ. Conrad discusses the inception of the medical academy, while Mike elaborates on offering cybersecurity and drone certification courses, among other initiatives. They also discuss future challenges, emphasizing the importance of integrating industry into their communities and expanding their programs beyond graduation.

A major hurdle for rural schools, as agreed by both superintendents, is the attraction and retention of quality educators. They suggest that fostering a strong community and providing compensation incentives at both local and state levels are critical solutions. Emphasizing the significant impact educators have on students, Mike and Conrad encourage new rural teachers to embrace the serene rural lifestyle and build a meaningful community around them.

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Richard Wright & Michael Gonzalez | Rural Education, Teacher Shortage, Rural School Innovation Zone

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 07:52:27 -0500

In this episode of the Learning Can't Wait podcast, host Hayley Spira-Bauer returns to the Rural Education mini-series with a conversation featuring Richard Wright, superintendent of Agua Dulce ISD, and Michael Gonzalez, executive director of the Rural School Innovation Zone (RSIZ). They discuss the unique challenges and innovative solutions in rural education, emphasizing the importance of community support and collaboration.

Richard and Michael highlight how rural communities come together to share resources and expertise through the RSIZ, enhancing educational opportunities despite limited resources. They stress the crucial role of technology in making education accessible in remote areas and discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated tech adoption.

Both guests share their personal journeys and offer advice to aspiring rural school leaders: step out of comfort zones, champion students, and embrace resilience and determination. This episode showcases the collaborative spirit and innovation that define rural education, illustrating how these attributes create exceptional opportunities in challenging environments.

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Arne Duncan | Community Schools, Chronic Absenteeism, Teacher Shortage, Education Reform

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 04:00:00 -0500

On this special episode of the Learning Can’t Wait podcast, we take a brief detour from our Rural Education Miniseries to sit down with Arne Duncan, former Secretary of Education and current Managing Partner of Emerson Collective.

Arne brings a wealth of experience from his time at Chicago Public Schools and the Obama Administration, offering unique perspectives on what officials at local, state, and federal levels are missing in our education system. With a passion for creating stable, safe communities for children, Arne discusses fighting chronic student absenteeism with “relentless outreach,” the intentional use of technology in the classroom, and addressing the nationwide teacher shortage with an educator-centered approach.

Known for successfully bridging political divides, Arne encourages us to see education as a nation-building goal. He also shares his best advice for new educators and extends a heartfelt thank you to those leading the future of our democracy in the classroom.

For further reading, check out Arne Duncan’s book: “How Schools Work: An Inside Account of Failure and Success from One of the Nation's Longest-Serving Secretaries of Education.”

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Melissa Harris, Allen Pratt, Taylor McCabe-Juhnke | Rural Education, Innovation, Collaboration

Tue, 28 May 2024 03:00:00 -0500

Welcome to Episode One of our Rural Education mini-series on the Learning Can’t Wait podcast! This week, Hayley Spira-Bauer hosts a panel of three incredible education leaders to help us dispel myths about rural America:

Melissa Harris - Senior Fellow at Transcend

Allen Pratt - Executive Director of the National Rural Education Association

Taylor McCabe-Juhnke - Executive Director at Rural Schools Collaborative

Tune in as our guests illuminate the many positive aspects of rural education, exploring how the "scrappiness" of rural schools inherently fosters a culture of innovation. The group also delves into the opportunities of AI and other technologies, while describing why collaboration between rural schools and communities is essential.

Join us every Tuesday at fullmindlearning.com/podcast. Next week, we continue our Rural Education mini-series by discussing collegiality in rural schools with Michael Gonzalez and Richard Wright.

Show notes from this conversation include:

Changing the One-Size-Fits-All Education Model from the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction

Rural Cultural Wealth: Dismantling Deficit Ideologies of Rurality from the Journal for Multicultural Education

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Jessica Sie | Innovative Education, Professional Learning, Charter Schools, Mindset

Tue, 21 May 2024 04:00:00 -0500

This week on the Learning Can’t Wait podcast host Hayley Spira-Bauer sits down with Jessica Sie, Chief Academic Officer at Zeta Charter School.

In this inspiring episode, Jessica describes her passion for breaking down systemic and structural barriers to education. We learn how Jessica defines innovative work and why she believes some of the most exciting ideas to transform education might be coming from different sectors entirely. Finally, Jessica shares her philosophy around teacher professional development and why she always grounds her work in its core mission, vision, and values.

Join us every Tuesday at fullmindlearning.com/podcast. Next week, we begin our Rural Education mini series! Speaking with teachers, superintendents, non-profit leaders, and governmental advocacy groups, the Learning Can’t Wait podcast will dig deep into the current state of rural education and how we can best set rural students up for success.

To kick off the series, we’ll speak with Melissa Harris, Taylor McCabe-Juhnk, and Allen Pratt to dispel myths about rural America.

Book recommendations for this week’s episode include:

Mindset by Carol Dweck

Culture Code by Daniel Coyle

Power of Moments by Chip & Daniel Heath

Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain by Zaretta Hammonds

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Juliana Finnegan | Vivi, Student Driven Learning, Tech Enabled Learning, AI in Education

Tue, 14 May 2024 03:30:00 -0500

Welcome back to the Learning Can’t Wait podcast! This week, Hayley Spira-Bauer hosts a thought-provoking conversation with Juliana Finnegan, VP of Educator Experience at Vivi.

Tune in as Juliana shares her thoughts about the role of technology in the classroom and how it can support effective instruction without replacing essential human connection. Hayley and Juliana also discuss Learning Language Models and the vital difference between passive and active engagement. Finally, we learn about why Juliana believes we need to make technology “future proof” if we’re going to use it in schools.

Join us every Tuesday at fullmindlearning.com/podcast. Next week, we talk to Jessica Sie, Chief Academic Officer at Zeta Charter School.

Resources from this conversation include:

NETP

Jessica Grose's three writing pieces

Research-Based, Online Learning for Teachers

Vivi for Teachers

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Brandon Cardet-Hernandez | Science of Reading, Play Based Learning, Universal Pre-K

Tue, 07 May 2024 05:14:00 -0500

This week on the Learning Can’t Wait podcast, host Hayley Spira-Bauer sits down with Brandon Cardet-Hernandez, Chief Strategy Officer at Mrs. Wordsmith.

In this delightful conversation, Brandon describes how both rigor and play are central to his work helping kids to read and tackling the ‘30 million word gap’. Brandon also shares lessons from his early career and what it’s like to work on education at a political level. Lastly, Brandon emphasizes that “not all screen time is created equal” and shares tips for how adults can be more involved in children’s use of technology.

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Doug McCurry | Leadership Lessons, Educational Challenges, Summer Learning Programs, High-Quality Curriculum

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 05:36:00 -0500

Welcome back to Season 5 of the Learning Can’t Wait podcast! Today, Hayley Spira-Bauer hosts a conversation with Doug McCurry, Former Co-CEO and Superintendent of Achievement First, now working as a consultant.

Doug shares insights on the resilience learned from his father and son, the impact of smartphones on school and mental health, and why summer is a great time for both students and teacher development. Doug also discusses his ideas around curriculum and standards, and shares how school leaders can support their teams through celebration and recognition.

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Brett Roer, Jacob Kantor, & Candice Sears | AI in Education, Personalized Learning, Rural Education

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Welcome back to the Learning Can't Wait Podcast! This week, we're excited to present a panel discussion on innovation in education featuring Brett Roer, Jacob Kantor, and Candice Sears.

Tune in as host Hayley Spira-Bauer talks to our respected guests about what makes them hopeful about education today. They'll explore how we can make technology work with, not against, traditional teaching methods. The discussion also covers strategies for encouraging schools to adopt new approaches and why it's important to prioritize student input in innovation decisions.

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John Dedeax Davis Jr. & Talia Milgrom-Elcott | STEM, Solar Eclipse, Teacher Shortage

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Join us today for a special solar eclipse episode of the Learning Can't Wait Podcast! Host Hayley Spira-Bauer dives into the universe of STEM with John Dedeax Davis Jr., an Education Specialist at NASA's Office of STEM Engagement, and Talia Milgrom-Elcott, the Founder and Executive Director of Beyond100K.

In this captivating discussion, they explore how NASA shares scientific concepts with the public why the solar eclipse is an amazing opportunity to tap into the sense of mystery and wonder all around us. John shares a fascinating project involving tree seeds that traveled to the moon and back, while Talia emphasizes that just as reaching the moon is achievable, so is overcoming the shortage of STEM educators.

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Chrissybil Boulin | Career Guidance, Economic Mobility, Entrepreneurship

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 05:03:00 -0500

In this week's installment of the Learning Can't Wait Podcast, host Hayley Spira-Bauer engages in a captivating dialogue with Chrissybil Boulin, the visionary force behind Jump Start Tutoring and the CEO of Vero Learning.

Tune in to this enlightening exchange as Chrissybil shares her journey, revealing how a setback—failure to gain admission into her desired college—propelled her into the realm of entrepreneurship, ultimately impacting the lives of countless students. Chrissybil delves into her transformative initiatives, which empower young minds with invaluable career guidance and facilitate seamless job placements. She also explains why a focus on self discovery is essential for kids to understand what they’re good at and what they need to improve.

Produced by Fullmind

Steven Weiner | Education Reform, Student Outcomes, Teacher Roles, Education System

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0500

On this week’s episode of the Learning Can’t Wait Podcast Hayley Spira-Bauer sits down with Senior Research Analyst at the Center on Reinventing Public Education, Dr. Steven Weiner.

Listen to this delightfully nerdy discussion where Steven shares his research on unconventional learning environments and what insights we can gain from them. Hayley and Steven also discuss why they both believe that being a teacher right now means you better be ready for change.

Produced by Fullmind

Asya Johnson | New York City Public Schools, Culturally Responsive Teaching, College and Career Readiness

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 05:11:00 -0500

Welcome back to Season 5 of the Learning Can’t Wait podcast! Today, Hayley Spira-Bauer hosts an inspiring conversation with Dr. Asya Johnson, Master Principal of Longwood Preparatory Academy.

Listen as Asya describes the profound impact of education on her trajectory and how her past experiences continue to shape her work today. Asya explains her efforts to implement culturally responsive practices and integrate them seamlessly into the school's culture. She also discusses her strategies for boosting enrollment and transforming her school into a college preparatory institution where every student takes AP courses.

Join us every Tuesday at fullmindlearning.com/podcast. Next week we talk to Dr. Steven Weiner, Senior Research Analyst at the Center on Reinventing Public Education.

Erin Mote | InnovateEDU, Student Mental Health, AI in Education, Authenticity in Leadership

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 05:13:00 -0600

Season 5 of the Learning Can’t Wait podcast has arrived! To kick off our new season, host Hayley Spira-Bauer sits down with Erin Mote, Executive Director of Innovate Edu. Tune in to this thought-provoking conversation where Erin describes why she believes that the state of education is our biggest national security crisis.

Erin and Hayley explore how mistakes are part of constantly learning and why technology and AI doesn’t mean we need to lose our human connection. Additionally, Erin shares her work and thoughts about how to share the same infrastructure and standards throughout the education sector.

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Hedy Chang & Malika Elwin | Student Attendance, Absenteeism, Student Engagement

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 04:48:00 -0600

As we take a break after Season 4, we are rebroadcasting some of our favorite episodes.

Today, host Hayley Spira-Bauer sits down with Hedy Chang and Malika Elwin to discuss student attendance. Listen as Hedy and Malika explain why absenteeism is most often a symptom of a much larger picture, and how their work uses data to diagnose problems and take preventative steps.

Produced by Fullmind

Rebecca Branstetter | Student Burnout, Educator Burnout, Mental Health, School Psychology

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 04:45:00 -0600

As we take a break after Season 4, we are rebroadcasting some of our favorite episodes.

On this week’s episode of the Learning Can’t Wait podcast, host Hayley Spira-Bauer sits down with Dr. Rebecca Branstetter, Founder of Thriving Students Collective. Listen as Rebecca describes how her background in school psychology has informed the work she does to beat burnout in schools. Sharing her 4 Pillars of Thriving, Rebecca also explains why rested, happy minds are more productive.

Produced by Fullmind

Jean-Claude Brizard | Digital Promise, Innovation in Education, AI in Education, Learning Science

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 04:42:00 -0600

As we take a break after Season 4, we are rebroadcasting some of our favorite episodes.

Today, host Hayley Spira-Bauer sits down with Jean-Claude Brizard, President & CEO of Digital Promise to explore innovation in education. Listen as Jean-Claude explains how “controlled meandering” has influenced his path in education, along with his ongoing drive to fight injustice.

Hayley and Jean-Claude explore the benefits of variability when it comes to learning approaches, and Jean-Claude illuminates how digital promise is working to build systems that can help leapfrog some of the challenges we have in front of us.

Produced by Fullmind

Brett Roer, Dr. PJ Caposey, Dr. Dan Cox | Growth, Fitness, Discipline, Leadership, Work-Life Balance

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 12:39:40 -0600

As we take a break after Season 4, we are rebroadcasting some of our favorite episodes.

On this week’s episode of the Learning Can’t Wait podcast, host Hayley Spira-Bauer sits down with school leaders Brett Roer, Dr. PJ Caposey, and Dr. Dan Cox to speak about discipline and balance in school leadership.

The group explores how the challenges they've faced in their individual lives have contributed to personal growth and development. They also share their strategies for coping with stress, discuss habits around fitness and wellness, and examine why discipline doesn’t exist in a vacuum.

Produced by Fullmind

Karl Rectanus | Federal Education Funding, Evidence-based Interventions, EdTech, ESSA

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 12:03:43 -0600

As we take a break after Season 4, we are rebroadcasting some of our favorite episodes.

On today’s episode, host Hayley Spira-Bauer talks to Karl Rectanus, founder of LearnPlatform. Tune in as Karl and Hayley explore how a school’s purse strings affect the classroom, and how education leaders can lean into the realities around funding.

Karl also dives into his 4 successful education innovation programs and how to work through the system to make it more effective for everybody.

Produced by Fullmind

Season 4 Recap

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0600

Season 4 is a wrap! On this week's episode, we look back to the highlights of this insightful season of Learning Can’t Wait. Huge thank you to all of our impressive guests for sharing your valuable time and knowledge with us.

As we take a break, we'll be rebroadcasting some of our favorite episodes. Stay tuned for Season 5 launching on March 5th!

Produced by Fullmind

Natalie Arias & Kevin Malonson | Leadership, Advocacy, Policy Fellowship, Effective Educators

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0600

Welcome back to the Learning Can't Wait podcast! In today's episode, host Hayley Spira-Bauer engages in a compelling conversation with educators Natalie Arias and Kevin Malonson. The duo takes us on a journey through their personal narratives, sharing the pivotal moments that led them to the field of education.

Delving into their advocacy work with Teach Plus, Natalie and Kevin shed light on the organization's commitment to addressing crucial issues affecting students, teachers, and equity in education.

Produced by Fullmind

Adrian Mim | Math Education, Teaching Styles, Diversity in STEM, Calculus Project

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0600

Welcome back to the Learning Can’t Wait podcast! Today, host Hayley Spira-Bauer speaks with Dr. Adrian Mim, Founder and CEO of The Calculus Project. Listen as Adrian explains how curricula is built around white middle class, and how we can work to close math achievement gaps by promoting and practicing inclusivity. Dr. Mim describes why it is important for students to learn about the mathematical contributions of people of color, and shares some of the philosophy behind The Calculus Project.

Finally, Adrian answers the age-old question of what parents can do when they don’t understand their kids’ math homework.

Join us every Tuesday at fullmindlearning.com/podcast. Next week, we talk to Natalie Arias and Kevin Malonson about how opportunity begets opportunity.

Jean-Claude Brizard | Digital Promise, Innovation in Education, AI in Education, Learning Science

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0600

Welcome back to the Learning Can’t Wait podcast! Today, host Hayley Spira-Bauer sits down with Jean-Claude Brizard, President & CEO of Digital Promise to explore innovation in education. Listen as Jean-Claude explains how “controlled meandering” has influenced his path in education, along with his ongoing drive to fight injustice.

Produced by Fullmind

Rebecca Branstetter | Student Burnout, Educator Burnout, Mental Health, School Psychology

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0600

Rebecca has provided Learning Can’t Wait listeners a free toolkit of 6 simple ways to reduce your daily stress! Check it out at: https://thrivingstudents.com/learningcantwait

Join us every Tuesday at fullmindlearning.com/podcast. Next week, we talk to Jean-Claude Brizard, President & CEO of Digital Promise.

Hedy Chang & Malika Elwin | Student Attendance, Absenteeism, Student Engagement

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0600

Welcome back to the Learning Can’t Wait podcast! Today, host Hayley Spira-Bauer sits down with Hedy Chang and Malika Elwin to discuss student attendance. Listen as Hedy and Malika explain why absenteeism is most often a symptom of a much larger picture, and how their work uses data to diagnose problems and take preventative steps.

Join us every Tuesday at fullmindlearning.com/podcast. Next week we talk to Dr. Rebecca Branstetter, founder of Thriving in Education.

Chelsea Waite | Innovation, Multilingual Learners, AI in Education, Teacher Shortage

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0600

On today’s episode of the Learning Can’t Wait podcast, host Hayley Spira-Bauer has a conversation with Chelsea Waite, Principal at the Center on Reinventing Public Education. In this fascinating discussion, Chelsea explains how she’s recently realized that the three institutions with the biggest impact on her life—school, church, and community theatre—are all shrinking today. Hayley and Chelsea explore what it means for institutions to change, and how they can best understand the needs of the communities they serve.

Chelsea also discusses her work researching the effects of the COVID pandemic on learning, and explains why she believes that the best innovations are often not the most flashy.

Join us every Tuesday at fullmindlearning.com/podcast. Next week, we talk to Hedy Chang, Executive Director of Attendance Works, and Malika Elwin, Executive Director of Attendance, Research, and Innovation at NYC DOE.

Brett Roer, Dr. PJ Caposey, Dr. Dan Cox | Growth, Fitness, Discipline, Leadership, Work-Life Balance

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 05:07:00 -0600

The podcast will take next week off for Thanksgiving but will be back Tuesday, November 28th when we talk to Chelsea Waite, Principal at the Center on Reinventing Public Education. Join us at fullmindlearning.com/podcast.

Charlene Mack | Leadership, Self-Care, Community Organizing, Education System

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 05:19:00 -0600

On this week’s episode of the Learning Can’t Wait podcast, host Hayley Spira-Bauer talks to Charlene Mack, Founder of 2541.org. Listen as Charlene discusses her work to make power practical, equip leaders, and fight injustice.

Hayley and Charlene explore why listening and rest are two of the most important aspects of community organizing, and why dual curiosity is at the heart of this work.

Join us every Tuesday at fullmindlearning.com/podcast. Next week, we talk to Brett Roer, Dr. PJ Caposey, and Dr. Dan Cox about discipline and balance in school leadership.

Karl Rectanus | Federal Education Funding, Evidence-based Interventions, EdTech, ESSA

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 05:18:00 -0500

On today’s episode of the Learning Can’t Wait podcast, host Hayley Spira-Bauer talks to Karl Rectanus, founder of LearnPlatform. Tune in as Karl and Hayley explore how a school’s purse strings affect the classroom, and how education leaders can lean into the realities around funding.

Karl also dives into his 4 successful education innovation programs and how to work through the system to make it more effective for everybody.

Join us every Tuesday at fullmindlearning.com/podcast. Next week, we talk to Charlene Mack, Founder of 2541.org

Mayme Hostetter | Teacher Shortage, Teacher Preparation, AI in Teacher Training, Culturally Responsive Teaching

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 05:08:00 -0500

On today’s episode of the Learning Can’t Wait podcast, we hear an eye-opening conversation between host Hayley Spira-Bauer and Dr. Mayme Hostetter, President at Relay Graduate School of Education.

Tune in as Mayme explores the topic of teacher preparation, and why practice is essential to learning at any age. Hayley and Mayme also discuss how technology like AI is providing simulations that allow teachers to practice their work and receive feedback.

Join us every Tuesday at fullmindlearning.com/podcast. Next week, we talk to Karl Rectanus, founder of LearnPlatform.

Ben Marcovitz & Jerel Bryant | Growth Mindset, Educational Leadership, Hiring Process, Teacher Feedback

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 05:27:00 -0500

In today's episode of the Learning Can't Wait podcast, host Hayley Spira-Bauer engages in a conversation with Ben Marcovitz and Jerel Bryant from Collegiate Academies. Join us as they delve into the significance of a growth mindset in the field of education and how their most challenging experiences have influenced their work. Ben and Jerel also shed light on their efforts to celebrate achievements, operationalize inspiration, and their unique approach to hiring, which emphasizes long-term growth over immediate satisfaction.

Join us every Tuesday at fullmindlearning.com/podcast. Next week we talk to Dr. Mayme Hostetter about going pro in teaching.

Talia Milgrom-Elcott | Abundance, Potential, Belonging, Education

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 09:48:11 -0500

Welcome back to the Learning Can’t Wait podcast! Today Hayley Spira-Bauer hosts a great conversation with Talia Milgrom-Elcott, Executive Director of Beyond100K & Starfish Institute. Talia describes how coming from family of teachers has influenced her path, and she discusses how giving students a combination of agency and hard skills can help combat a crisis of despair.

Join us every Tuesday at fullmindlearning.com/podcast. Next week we talk to Brett Roer and PJ Caposey about balancing school leadership.

Kaycee Brock | College Access, Student Success, Affirmative Action

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 05:14:00 -0500

In this week's installment of the Learning Can't Wait podcast, your host Hayley Spira-Bauer engages in a compelling conversation with College Access Expert, Kaycee Brock. Tune in as they delve into the intensifying competitiveness of college admissions and the strategies students employ to distinguish themselves and discover their ideal academic fit. Kaycee and Hayley also tackle the evolving complexities surrounding affirmative action, with Kaycee emphasizing the significance of choosing an educational environment where students feel valued and celebrated.

Join us every Tuesday at fullmindlearning.com/podcast. Next week, we talk to Talia Milgrom-Elcott, Founder and Executive Director at Beyond100K & Starfish Institute.

Michelle Oliver | Equity-Centered Evaluations, Culturally Responsive Teaching, Educational Consulting, Inclusive Research

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 06:04:00 -0500

Today, on the Learning Can’t Wait podcast, host Hailer Spira-Bauer sits down with Michelle Oliver, Co-founder of EduDream to discuss her work elevating educational opportunities and learning experiences of racially and economically diverse students. Michelle discusses culturally responsible evaluation methods and her efforts to disrupt systemic inequities in education.

Join us every Tuesday at fullmindlearning.com/podcast. Next week, we talk to Dr. Kaycee Brock about how what happens in High School doesn't stay in High School.

Wallace Boston | Online Learning, Virtual Education, AI in Education, EdTech

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -0500

On today’s episode of the Learning Can’t Wait podcast, host Hayley Spira-Bauer talks to Dr. Wallace Boston about the origin of online learning and how online education can provide solutions for equity in education. They also discuss the controversial topic of AI, and how educators can and should embrace new technology.

Shaquira Langley | Student Success, Educational Change, Work-Life Balance

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -0500

Season 4 of the Learning Can’t Wait podcast continues! Today host Hayley Spira-Bauer holds a conversation with Shaquira Langley about teachers on the front lines. Tune in as Hayley and Shaquira explore what it makes to make change from within the world of education.

Join us every Tuesday at podcast.learningcantwait.com. Next week, we talk to Dr. Wally Boston, President Emeritus of the American Public University System.

Scott Muri | Strategic Planning, Teacher Compensation, Personal Growth, Effective Teaching

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -0500

The Learning Can’t Wait Podcast is back with Season 4! On our first episode of the new season, host Haley Spira-Bauer talks to Dr. Scott Muri, Superintendent of Schools at Ector County Independent School District.

Listen as Hayley and Scott discuss the indelible effect of educators. They talk about how to build strong leadership teams , how intentionality is at the root of everything, and how Ector County was able to push through an increase in teacher salaries.

Join us every Tuesday at fullmindlearning.com/podcast. Next week, we talk to Shaquira Langley from Meeting Street Schools

Marlon Styles | Student Agency, Community Engagement, Learner-Centered Education, Diversity

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 10:58:42 -0500

On today’s Learning Can't Wait Podcast, we revisit a conversation host Hayley Spira-Bauer has with Marlon Styles from the Learner-Centered Collaborative. Listen as Marlon describes his work designing meaningful learning experiences, where students are given a prominent seat at the table and placed firmly at the center.

Marlon and Hayley also discuss why representation matters, and Marlon shares how his grandmother's lessons on listening have influenced his work with learner-centered approaches. Finally, we hear about how appreciating the joyful moments as an educator leads to more joy all around.

Next week we start Season 4 of the Learning Can’t Wait podcast! Join us every Tuesday at podcast.learningcantwait.com.

Ash Kaluarachchi | Entrepreneurship, EdTech, Mentorship in Education, StartEd

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 12:53:16 -0500

This week on the learning can’t wait podcast we revisit our conversation with Ash Kaluarachchi, CEO of Started, Inc. Kaluarachchi and host Hayley Spira-Bauer discuss the current and expanding definition of entrepreneur, and examine the intersection between business and personal purpose. They also explore how education entrepreneurs can coach one another and share learnings in efforts to make everyone more successful.

Join us every Tuesday at podcast.learningcantwait.com. Next week, we revisit our episode with Marlon Styles from the Learner-Centered Collaborative.

Mohan Sivaloganathan, Tafshier Cosby, Evan Stone | Advocacy Work, Education Policy Change, Parent Advocacy

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 06:11:00 -0500

This week on the Learning Can’t Wait podcast we revisit a panel with some of our favorite leaders in education discussing the art of advocacy. Tune in as host Haley Spira-Bauer speaks with Mohan Sivaloganathan, CEO of Our Turn, Tafshier Cosby, Senior Director of Organizing & Partnership at the National parents Union, and Evan Stone, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Educators for Excellence.

Join us every Tuesday at podcast.learningcantwait.com. Next week, we revisit a conversation with CEO of Started, Inc, Ash Kaluarachchi.

Bart Epstein | Innovation, EdTech, Evidence-Based Learning

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 11:56:12 -0500

Summer throwback continues as we rebroadcast our favorite episodes from Season 3 of Learning Can't Wait!

This week host Hayley Spira-Bauer discusses the state of the union in edtech with Bart Epstein, founder of EdTech Evidence Exchange. Hayley and Bart talk about what it means to be an impatient innovator, and examine how technology is changing scalability in education.

Join us every Tuesday at podcast.learningcantwait.com. Next week, we talk to Evan Stone, Mohan Sivaloganathan, and Tafshier Cosby about the Art of Advocacy.

Luis Torres & Lida Casper | Community Schools, School Partnerships, Community Engagement, School Resources

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 11:20:05 -0500

While we gear up for season 4 of the Learning Can’t Wait podcast, we continue to revisit some of our favorite episodes.

This week, we delve deep into community schools! Hayley Spira-Bauer is joined by Luis Torres, the Principal of South Bronx, and Lida Casper, the Coordinator of Community Partnerships for Rochester, MN Public Schools, to shed some light on what defines a community school.

Luis and Lida share their experiences as community school leaders and reveal how a "hustle mentality" plays a crucial role in advocating for their students.

Make sure to tune in every Tuesday to our podcast at podcast.learningcantwait.com. Next week, we’ll revisit our conversation with Bart Epstein, founder of EdTech Evidence Exchange.

Nina Rees | Charter Schools, Education Reform, Student Success, Teacher Retention, Public Education

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 11:20:16 -0500

Today we are thrilled to revisit our episode with Nina Rees, CEO of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools.

Listen as Nina speaks with host Hayley Spira-Bauer about the politics of chartering and how technology is evolving education. They also discuss how the pandemic has created a broader interest in the charter movement and school choice.

Join us every Tuesday at https://lnkd.in/gWneRU_u. Next week, we revisit our conversation with Luis Torres & Lida Casper.

Kristina Ishmael | Mental Health, Professional Development, Remote Learning, EdTech

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 11:14:02 -0500

While we gear up for season 4 of the Learning Can’t Wait podcast, we’re revisiting some of our favorite episodes.

This week is Kristina Ishmael, Deputy Director of the office of EdTech at the U.S. Department of Education.

Kristina sits down with Hayley Spira-Bauer to discuss how schools can leverage federal funds and integrate ed-tech with in-person learning. They also discuss the important role that mental health plays for students and teachers alike, and Kristina shares how her own mental health journey led to a career in education.

Join us every Tuesday at https://lnkd.in/gWneRU_u. Next week, we revisit our conversation with Nina Rees, the President and CEO of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools.

Season 3 Recap

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 11:50:34 -0500

Marlon Styles | Student Agency, Community Engagement, Learner-Centered Education, Diversity

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 10:40:22 -0500

On today’s Learning Can't Wait Podcast, host Hayley Spira-Bauer talks to Marlon Styles Jr. from the Learner-Centered Collaborative. Listen as Marlon describes his work designing meaningful learning experiences, where students are given a prominent seat at the table and placed firmly at the center. Marlon and Hayley also discuss why representation matters, and Marlon shares how his grandmother's lessons on listening have influenced his work with learner-centered approaches. Finally, we hear about how appreciating the joyful moments as an educator leads to more joy all around.

Michelle Newstadt & Barbara Hubert | BrainPop, Empathy in Education, Inclusive Instruction, EdTech

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 09:31:55 -0500

Today on the Learning Can't Wait Podcast, host Hayley Spira-Bauer sits down with Michelle Newstadt and Barbara Hubert, Directors of Learning Design at BrainPop. Hear about how both guests had non-linear paths toward education, and how a drive for equity and access landed them at BrainPop.

In this episode, we explore how BrainPop connects with kids, and look at why empathy for both teachers and students is at the core of what they do. We also hear about why data is essential to tracking efficacy in education.

Join us every Monday at podcast.learningcantwait.com. Next week, we talk to Marlon Styles from the Learner-Centered Collaborative.

Adam Ezrig | Educaiton Reform, Advocacy in Education, Family Engagement

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 09:54:49 -0500

In today’s episode of the Learning Can’t Wait podcast host Hayley Spira-Bauer speaks with Adam Ezrig about his work with the Collaborative for Student Success and how his team uses data to find and promote the best examples of education reform. Adam and Hayley talk about the importance of high-quality learning materials, and discuss how an engaged family combined with public education is the very best recipe for success.

Adam, who went on to receive a Masters in Public Policy, also tells the story of how a school administrator once told his parents that he was a “slow, unengaged learner” who would likely never graduate from high school.

Join us every Monday at podcast.learningcantwait.com. Next week, we talk Marlon Styles, of the Learner-Centered Collaborative.

Baron Davis | Hiring Process, Teacher Shortage, Teacher Rentention

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 10:33:24 -0500

Today on the Learning Can't Wait Podcast, host Hayley Spira-Bauer interviews Dr. Baron Davis, a former Superintendent at Richland Two and Senior Advisor at Digital Promise. In their conversation, Dr. Davis emphasizes the significance of fostering a sense of community in education and highlights the essential qualities he believes teachers should possess.

Drawing from his experience as a superintendent, Dr. Davis shares his approach to selecting top-notch teachers, including the insightful questions he poses to candidates. Hayley and Baron also delve into the advice that Dr. Davis would offer to newly minted teachers embarking on their careers.

Join us every Monday at podcast.learningcantwait.com. Next week, we talk to Adam Ezring, Deputy Director at Collaborative for Student Success.

Muhsinah Morris | Metaverse, Virtual Reality, EdTech, Leadership

Tue, 30 May 2023 12:29:54 -0500

Belle Linda Halpern | Educational Equity, Leadership Training, Self-Care, SEL

Mon, 22 May 2023 05:15:00 -0500

Tune in to the latest episode of the Learning Can't Wait podcast! This week, host Hayley Spira-Bauer sits down with founder of Inspiring Educators, Belle Linda Halpern. Belle describes how she got her start using theater exercises for leadership training and discusses how storytelling can help create community around schools.

Hayley and Belle also examine how humility helps leaders establish trust and how relationship building is essential to keeping teachers motivated and connected to the school mission.

Don't miss next week's episode exploring Real Life and the Metaverse with Musinah Morris.

Kelsey Young | Evidence-Based Learning, Storytelling, Tutoring, Special Needs Education

Mon, 15 May 2023 05:00:00 -0500

This week on the Learning Can’t Wait podcast we talk to iTutor’s very own Dr. Kelsey Young! Listen as host Hayley Spira-Bauer talks with Dr. Young about implementation science and evidence-based practices for education. Dr. Young describes why storytelling is essential to making data widely implemented, and they discuss how such data affects programs like high-dosage tutoring. Kelsey also tells the podcast about how her work with students with disabilities influenced her mission today.

Join us every Monday at podcast.learningcantwait.com. Next week, we talk to Belle Linda Halpern - Founder and Board Chair of Inspiring Educators.

Ash Kaluarachchi | Entrepreneurship, EdTech, Mentorship in Education, StartEd

Mon, 08 May 2023 10:41:24 -0500

This week on the learning can’t wait podcast we talk to Ash Kaluarachchi, CEO of Started, Inc. Kaluarachchi and host Hayley Spira-Bauer discuss the current and expanding definition of entrepreneur, and examine the intersection between business and personal purpose. They also explore how education entrepreneurs can coach one another and share learnings in efforts to make everyone more successful.

Join us every Monday at podcast.learningcantwait.com. Next week, we talk to education researcher, Dr. Kelsey Young.

Mohan Sivaloganathan, Tafshier Cosby, Evan Stone | Advocacy Work, Education Policy Change, Parent Advocacy

Mon, 01 May 2023 12:36:30 -0500

This week on the Learning Can’t Wait podcast we have a panel discussing advocacy with some of our favorite leaders in education. Tune in as host Haley Spira-Bauer speaks with Mohan Sivaloganathan, CEO of Our Turn, Tafshier Cosby, Senior Director of Organizing and Partnership at the National parents Union, and Evan Stone, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Educators for Excellence.

Join us every Monday at podcast.learningcantwait.com. Next week, we talk to CEO of Started, Inc, Ash Kaluarachchi.

JW Marshall | Teacher Innovation, SEL, Media for Education, Personalized Learning

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 12:49:09 -0500

Tune in to the latest episode of the Learning Can't Wait podcast! This week, host Haley Spira-Bauer sits down with edtech executive and podcast host, JW Marshall. Listen in as JW shares his passion for education and discusses the best ways to reach educators and identify effective technologies for schools.

Plus, Haley and JW explore the importance of lifelong learning and how to inspire a love of learning in everyone.

Don't miss next week's episode with guests Evan Stone, Mohan Sivaloganathan, and Tafshier Cosby as they delve into the Art of Advocacy.

Sheldon Eakins | Diversity in Education, Vulnerable Leadership, Equity and Inclusion, Equity Audit

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 04:00:00 -0500

Tune in to the latest episode of Learning Can't Wait, where host Hayley Spira-Bauer sits down with published author, podcast host, and founder of Leading Equity, Sheldon Eakins.

Sheldon shares valuable insights on how school leaders can model vulnerability and humility, and the profound impact it can have on children when adults show their human side. He also discusses his own approach as a podcast host and his thoughts on equity in education.

Bart Epstein | Innovation, EdTech, Evidence-Based Learning

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 04:00:00 -0500

This week on the Learning Can’t Wait podcast, listen as Hayley Spira-Bauer discusses the state of the union in edtech with Bart Epstein, founder of EdTech Evidence Exchange. Hayley and Bart talk about what it means to be an impatient innovator, and examine how technology is changing scalability in education.

Ellen Sherratt | Education Policy, Teacher Shortage, Teacher Salaries, Teacher Salary Project

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 10:03:18 -0500

This week, we welcome Ellen Sherratt, Board President of the Teacher Salary Project. Ellen speaks with host Hayley Spira-Bauer about the dire consequences of underpaying our teachers and the efforts being made around the country to pay teachers what they deserve. We learn about American Teacher Act and how we can help support salaries that will ensure we can attract and retain enough excellent and diverse teachers for every single student.

Luis Torres & Lida Casper | Community Schools, School Partnerships, Community Engagement, School Resources

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 10:21:28 -0500

This week, we are delving deeper into the concept of community schools! Hayley Spira-Bauer is joined by Luis Torres, the Principal of South Bronx, and Lida Casper, the Coordinator of Community Partnerships for Rochester, MN Public Schools, to shed some light on what defines a community school.

We discuss the significance of resource matching and public involvement, and Luis and Lida share their experiences as community school leaders. They also reveal how a "hustle mentality" plays a crucial role in advocating for their students.

Sarah Williamson & Katie Nash | EdTech Trends, K-12 Education, Thought Leadership, School Leadership Advice

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 12:13:00 -0500

Join us on Learning Can't Wait as we explore the role of storytelling in the future of education with two inspiring guests - Sarah Williamson, founder of SWPR Group and Katie Nash, Executive Director of East Central Educational Service Center.

Our host, Hayley Spira-Bauer, dives deep into a conversation with Sarah and Katie as they share their insights on the purpose of thought leadership in education and how we can all contribute to the conversation.

Nina Rees | Charter Schools, Education Reform, Student Success, Teacher Retention, Public Education

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 10:17:12 -0500

This week, we are thrilled to welcome Nina Rees, CEO of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. Nina speaks with host Hayley Spira-Bauer about the politics of chartering and how technology is evolving education. They also discuss how the pandemic has created a broader interest in the charter movement and school choice.

Kristina Ishmael | Mental Health, Professional Development, Remote Learning, EdTech

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 07:25:53 -0600

On this week’s show, Kristina Ishmael, Deputy Director of the office of EdTech at the U.S. Department of Education sits down with Hayley Spira-Bauer to discuss how schools can leverage federal funds and integrate ed-tech with in-person learning. They also discuss the important role that mental health plays for students and teachers alike, and Kristina shares how her own mental health journey led to a career in education.

Season 2 Recap

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 07:42:37 -0600

Join your host and iTutor Chief Academic Officer Hayley Spira-Bauer for a look back on season 2 as we learn how we can lay the groundwork for the future of education.