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.

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’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.

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

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.

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.

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.