Learning Can’t Wait

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.

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.

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.

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, Chief Innovation Officer at Age of Learning, shares his inspiring journey from a first-generation immigrant to an edtech leader. He discusses the transformative impact of AI in personalizing education and supporting multilingual learners. Sunil emphasizes the need for curiosity and empathy in education and the value of collaboration with educators and families. He underscores that building effective educational solutions requires an evidence-based approach and a commitment to equity, essential for closing learning gaps and nurturing student confidence.

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.

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.