Learning Can’t Wait

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!

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.

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.

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  

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.

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.

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!

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 

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.

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.