Learning Can’t Wait

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.

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.

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.

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.

 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.