Learning Can’t Wait

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.