Learning Can’t Wait

How can we better prepare and sustain school leaders, especially those from the communities they serve? In this episode of Learning Can’t Wait, host Hayley Spira-Bauer sits down with Rob Schwartz, an experienced education leader, to discuss the evolving landscape of school leadership and the crucial role of equity in education. Rob shares insights on the challenges and opportunities for leaders of color, the importance of mentorship and community support, and the need for more sustainable career pathways for educators. He also dives into the role of AI in schools, how it can empower teachers rather than replace them, and what’s needed to bridge the gap between instructional excellence and organizational culture. Whether you're a new school leader, an educator looking to grow, or passionate about the future of education, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Tune in to discover how we can create stronger, more effective school leadership for the long haul.

In this episode of Learning Can’t Wait, we sit down with Bridget Johnson, founder of the Dean’s Roundtable, to discuss the evolving role of school deans in student life and support. Often seen as the disciplinarians of a school, deans actually play a critical role in fostering student growth, decision-making skills, and overall well-being. Bridget shares practical strategies for deans and educators to shift the perception of the Dean’s office from a place of punishment to one of guidance and support. She highlights the importance of proactive student engagement, key decision-making moments in the school year, and how social media impacts student choices today. We also explore how deans can build strong relationships with families, navigate tough phone calls home, and ensure they aren’t doing this work alone. Whether you’re a dean, teacher, or school leader, this episode is packed with insights on creating a supportive, student-centered school culture. Plus, learn how the Dean’s Roundtable provides ongoing community and resources for educators tackling student life challenges. Check out the Dean’s Roundtable Podcast!

How can technology drive systemic change in education? In this episode of Learning Can’t Wait, we sit down with Julia Fallon, Executive Director of the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA), to explore the evolving role of technology in modernizing schools. Julia shares insights on how policy, infrastructure, and leadership play a critical role in shaping the future of education. From digital equity to innovative learning environments, this conversation dives into the challenges and opportunities of integrating technology effectively in K-12 education. Tune in for an insightful discussion on what it takes to create lasting change in our schools—and why we can’t afford to wait.

How is technology shaping the way we learn and connect? In this thought-provoking episode of Learning Can’t Wait, host Hayley Spira-Bauer sits down with renowned education innovator and author Isabelle Hau to explore the evolving role of AI, relationships, and play in education. Isabelle shares groundbreaking research on AI companions and their impact on human interaction, both promising and concerning. She also highlights the importance of relational technology, the risks of “junk tech,” and how modern parenting and playdates are shifting in unexpected ways. Plus, she reveals a fascinating insight from her experience on Sesame Street and the surprising power of co-viewing with children. Whether you're an educator, parent, or anyone passionate about fostering a lifelong love of learning, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss! Read Isabelle’s book

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.