Learning Can’t Wait

In the wrap‑up of Season 10 of the Learning Can't Wait podcast, host Hayley Spira‑Bauer reflects on a powerful season featuring 23 conversations with education leaders, innovators, and advocates shaping the future of learning. The season explored critical themes including artificial intelligence in education, human‑centered leadership, educator well‑being, literacy transformation, inclusive design, and the importance of people—not just technology—in schools. From AI ethics and purposeful game design to rural education, behavioral support, and leadership development, Season 10 highlighted how meaningful change happens when innovation is paired with empathy, intention, and care for both students and educators. The episode serves as both a celebration of the season's depth and a reminder that education's progress depends on collaboration, humanity, and courageous leadership.  

In this episode of Learning Can't Wait, host Hayley Spira-Bauer speaks with Lucy Martin of the Children's Literacy Project about the power of storytelling to expose—and solve—the literacy crisis in America. Lucy shares her unconventional path from creative work in music, comedy, and film into documentary filmmaking focused on literacy as a justice and poverty issue. The conversation centers on Sentenced, a feature-length documentary that tells the story of adults living with illiteracy and its generational consequences, as well as the Moonshot series, which highlights districts and states—like Mississippi—that have made meaningful, systemic progress in literacy. Together, they explore why stories change culture in ways data alone cannot, how communities beyond schools can play a role, and why literacy is one of the most solvable and urgent challenges facing our education system today.

In this episode of Learning Can't Wait, host Hayley Spira-Bauer speaks with Dr. Peter Stiepelman—former superintendent, author, and host of An Imperfect Leader—about human-centered leadership, equity, and the courage to lead without pretending to be perfect. Drawing on his journey from Long Island to Oakland, Missouri, and now Colombia, Dr. Stiepelman reflects on what leadership looks like across vastly different contexts and why vulnerability, reflection, and inclusive decision-making are essential. The conversation explores teacher retention, rural education challenges, equity work during the Black Lives Matter movement, and the power of learning from mistakes to build more just, resilient school systems.

In this episode of Learning Can't Wait, host Hayley Spira-Bauer sits down with Dr. Jenny Nash, Head of Education Impact at LEGO Education (U.S.), to explore how hands-on, inquiry-based learning can re-engage students in classrooms amid a growing disengagement crisis. Drawing from her 20-year journey as a STEM educator and education leader, Dr. Nash explains how LEGO Education designs standards-aligned science, computer science, and AI learning experiences that make abstract concepts tangible, joyful, and meaningful. The conversation highlights the importance of teacher and student voice in product design, age-appropriate AI literacy, collaboration over isolated screen time, and redefining assessment to include durable skills like creativity, resilience, and teamwork—all with the goal of helping students build a lifelong love of learning.

In this "Learning Can't Wait" podcast episode, host Hayley Spira-Bauer interviews Dr. Melissa Sadorf, Executive Director of the National Rural Education Association (NREA), who shares her 32-year career in rural Arizona schools from teacher to superintendent before leading advocacy efforts. Sadorf defines rural beyond geography as issues of access to resources and human capital, challenges misconceptions of rural schools as "backwards" by emphasizing their role as community hubs and innovative assets, and highlights the "Why Rural Matters" report, which analyzes data across 50 states on student outcomes, mental health, policy, and more to advocate for 10 million rural students. She stresses needs like reliable funding, teacher recruitment/retention policies, and an asset-based lens, while advising new rural educators to build deep community relationships.​

The episode explores how three co-founders of Building Leaders—Dr. Kalpana Rao, Kyle Conley, and Jennifer Dubey—are reimagining school leadership by centering lifelong learning, psychological safety, and global perspectives for principals who are often “one of one” in their buildings. They trace personal journeys through classroom teaching, turnaround schools, global education, burnout, and recovery to highlight the need for more holistic definitions of success for leaders and students, beyond test scores and rigid accountability systems. The conversation surfaces post-COVID challenges like sustainability, staffing crises, and rising student needs, and shows how Building Leaders creates peer communities, reflective school visits, and coaching to reduce isolation and elevate the expertise of current practitioners. Throughout, they argue for structural shifts—shared leadership models, ongoing coaching, and deeper community engagement—so principals can lead with vulnerability, purpose, and balance instead of exhaustion and compliance.​

The episode follows Paymon Rouhanifard's journey from an expected career in finance into teaching in West Harlem, where seeing “the Matrix” of classroom realities and systems-level decisions pulled him into education policy and district leadership before founding Timely, an AI-powered master scheduling tool for middle and high schools. He and host Hayley Spira‑Bauer unpack today's budget and enrollment headwinds, including declining birth rates, growing numbers of students with higher needs, and federal funding uncertainty that makes district leaders cautious even when core dollars remain intact. Rouhanifard explains how master schedules concentrate 80–90% of districts' budgets and can either hide inefficiencies or unlock major savings and student supports when built intentionally, sharing examples like Lubbock ISD identifying 37 unneeded vacancies and saving over $2 million without increasing class size or cutting electives. The conversation closes by exploring how tools like Timely can free hundreds of hours for school leaders, give teachers schedules before summer, and create the conditions for better instruction and student support, as well as Rouhanifard's advice that early-career educators should refuse to passively accept the status quo and instead think deeply about root causes and systems solutions.​

This episode of the Learning Can't Wait podcast features entrepreneur and EnlightApp founder Dieumerci Christel, a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree whose journey runs from a refugee camp in Tanzania to building an empathy-centered edtech company in the U.S. He shares how his father started the first school in the Nyarugusu refugee camp, how multilingual refugee youth's talents were often overlooked, and how culturally responsive educators in North Dakota unlocked his potential by seeing his assets and pushing him beyond labels like “ELL” or “C student.” These experiences fuel his mission to translate empathy and student voice into actionable data for teachers, so they can build ongoing, deeply relational classrooms where students feel they belong and can differentiate themselves in an AI-driven world.​

This episode explores how AI is reshaping school-based social work and youth mental health, through the lens of Dr. Marina Badillo-Diaz's work as a professor and founder of The AI Social Worker. The conversation covers global disparities in access to mental health care, how AI tools and AI companions are already part of students' lives, and why ethical, human-centered integration of technology is essential. Dr. Badillo-Diaz describes both the risks (from deepfakes to unsafe chatbots and child exploitation) and the possibilities (equity, access, support for neurodiverse learners, and time-saving tools for practitioners), emphasizing that AI should support—not replace—the human relationships at the heart of social work.​

This episode of the Learning Can't Wait podcast features Kunal Dalal, Chief Parentologist at AI Parentology, exploring how generative AI can support parents emotionally and practically while reshaping education and leadership. He traces his path from teacher and principal to startup founder and AI parenting advocate, explaining how tools like ChatGPT can reduce parental stress, deepen connection with children, and inspire creative rituals like AI-generated dream journals. The conversation also unpacks agentic AI as “AI as infrastructure,” examines how schools and leaders might adopt agentic mindsets, and urges parents to slow down, focus on being “present ready” rather than “future ready,” and intentionally model joyful, human-centered uses of AI for their kids.​

The episode explores how games can transform learning when they are used intentionally, highlighting Games for Change's work to help students and educators harness play, game design, and technology for deeper engagement and social impact. Arana Shapiro shares how she moved from being “not a games person” to seeing games and organized play as powerful tools for student-centered classrooms, purposeful technology integration, and empowering young people as changemakers through programs like the Games for Change Student Challenge and Game Plan.​

This episode of Learning Can't Wait features Transcend Network co-founders Alberto Arena and Michael Narea in a deep, human-centered conversation about what it really means to build in EdTech for the long term. They describe their own journeys—Michael seeking a true “co-pilot” for multi-decade visions, and Alberto being shaped by transformative opportunities like his experience at Minerva—and how these led them to create a founder network that prioritizes soul-nourishing support over short-term wins. They explain how Transcend's highly personalized onboarding, six-week fellowship, revenue-focused cohort programs, and early-stage fund are all designed to help founders clarify the transformation they want for their users before obsessing over features, capital, or growth hacks. Throughout, they emphasize empathy, global diversity, and the rise of end users (like teachers and school leaders) as founders, arguing that the future of learning will be shaped by humble, collaborative builders committed to decades-long impact rather than quick exits or yet another tool in an already overcrowded tech stack.​

This episode explores how Roberto Vargas, Managing Director of IT and Data Systems at Distinctive Schools, uses technology, data, and AI to better serve students while fiercely protecting their privacy. He shares his journey from Chicago Public Schools student to building tech and network data leader, emphasizing the often-invisible infrastructure and cybersecurity work that keeps modern schools running. The conversation dives into how his team evaluates edtech vendors for student data protection, builds a human-centered AI playbook with real student and staff voice, and pilots AI-powered learner profiles in Notebook LM to give teachers instant, holistic insight into each child. Throughout, Roberto stresses that AI is here to stay, that students are already “AI natives,” and that educators must stay ahead while grounding everything in relationships and deep knowledge of students.

The episode follows Hallie Smith's journey from two decades in reading intervention and speech pathology to becoming a fractional marketing leader and founder of Hey There Insights, a new marketplace that connects edtech companies with educators for paid, unbiased product feedback. She explains how advances in technology and AI have lowered the barrier to building edtech tools while dramatically increasing competition and making it harder to get educators' attention and authentic input. The conversation highlights why early, specific, and compensated educator feedback is essential for true product‑market fit, reducing costly engineering missteps, and building tools that actually address on‑the‑ground pain points in schools.​

This episode centers on how the “science of reading” must expand beyond phonics to a broader “literacy science” that spans birth through adolescence, and how systems can better prepare and support teachers so no child learns to read “in spite of” their teacher. Dr. Paige Pullen shares her journey from feeling unprepared as an elementary teacher to leading large-scale professional learning and now launching a startup focused on bridging research to practice across entire district ecosystems. She and host Hayley Spira-Bauer unpack common instructional missteps (like over-relying on 3-cueing and running records), the need for explicit, systematic foundational skills for older struggling readers, and the importance of learning science, instructional science, and literacy science working together. They also examine legislation, district decision-making, and family engagement, emphasizing that reducing stigma for adolescent readers and rejecting teacher shame are essential to ensuring all students gain true literacy, not just early decoding.​

This episode of the Learning Can't Wait podcast features special education leaders Allie Nudelman and Vicki Trujillo, along with BCBA Allan Smith, sharing how their unlikely paths (from aspiring doctor, lawyer, and basketball player) led them into education and intensive behavior support in rural Arizona districts. They describe how partnering across Kingman Unified and Lake Havasu Unified with Allan has transformed how staff understand behavior, shifting from emotion and exclusion to data, operational definitions, relationships, and capacity-building so teachers and classified staff can support even the most complex learners in their own classrooms. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize Maslow's hierarchy of needs, the power of positive reinforcement, the science behind functions of behavior and extinction bursts, and the necessity of fidelity and proactive structures such as rotations and clear routines. The episode closes with concrete advice for new teachers: stay open and adaptable, seek mentors and supportive colleagues, avoid negativity, and relentlessly invest in relationships with students and adults.​

The episode of the Learning Can't Wait podcast features Matt Miller, CEO and Co-founder of OKO Labs, discussing how his team is innovating in education technology with a focus on tools that genuinely support teachers and students. Miller shares his journey from engineering and AI to educational impact, highlighting OKO Labs' strategy to empower small group learning and foster collaboration skills. The episode explores current challenges in EdTech, the evolution of AI, co-design practices, and Matt's view on sustainable, research-based innovation in a rapidly changing market.​

The episode features Michael Lombardo as he explores the core principles of authentic leadership, emphasizing trust, empathy, and open communication as essential foundations for building strong, effective teams. Drawing from his own career experiences, he shares practical strategies for fostering a positive workplace culture, navigating challenges with integrity, and empowering individuals to grow. His insights offer listeners actionable guidance on how to lead with purpose and create meaningful impact within their organizations.

The episode features an insightful discussion with guest Matt Giovanniello, focusing on the evolving landscape of digital transformation, the power of collaborative leadership, and strategies for successfully driving organizational change.

Lindsay Fuller, Executive Director of The Teaching Well and a legacy educator, shares her deep commitment to addressing educator burnout and mental health crises in education. Drawing from her experience as a teacher, administrator, and nonprofit leader, she highlights the systemic challenges educators face including understaffing, under-resourcing, and the lack of adequate mental health support. Fuller advocates for proactive self-care, workplace well-being, and structural reforms to retain and support educators, emphasizing the importance of managing stress rather than trying to eliminate it and reclaiming joy and sustainability in teaching.

In this episode of Learning Can't Wait, Dr. Bill Chapman, Superintendent of London ISD in Texas and president-elect of NREA, shares his journey from initially resisting a career in education to embracing leadership in rural schools. He discusses the unique qualities of rural education, including close-knit communities and student engagement through multiple activities, and addresses challenges such as absenteeism and teacher shortages. Bill emphasizes the importance of empathy, visibility, and collaborative leadership in creating strong school communities and offers advice for new superintendents to always prioritize what is best for students.

Emily Hartnett, Executive Director of Women Leading Ed, shares her journey from being a first-generation college student and teacher in post-Katrina New Orleans to leading a national nonprofit supporting women leaders in education. She discusses the unique challenges women face in education leadership, including higher standards of behavior and expectations, lack of training in negotiation and financial management, and the pressure to balance professional and personal responsibilities. Emily emphasizes the power of collective networks among women leaders for sharing opportunities, learning from mistakes, and pushing forward education equity and excellence. She also highlights current challenges such as AI in education, literacy, and fiscal uncertainty, while advocating for sustainability and resilience among women superintendents.

Matt Winters, an AI Education Specialist, shares his unique journey from a radio DJ to a key player in Utah's AI education landscape. He discusses Utah's leadership in AI policy and infrastructure, emphasizing collaboration, open expertise, and strategic investment that supports schools statewide. Matt highlights projects like teacher professional development, AI policy advising, and the recent creation of an AI-infused student and educator portrait, underscoring the importance of human-centered AI use and fostering creativity in classrooms.

Rebecca Boltsma, an AI ethics researcher and K-12 strategist, shares her journey from a communications background to becoming deeply immersed in AI ethics driven by her fascination with ChatGPT. She discusses the cognitive dissonance she experiences between excitement for AI's potential and concern over its ethical challenges, particularly in education and society. Rebecca highlights the importance of curiosity, inquiry, and co-creating policies around AI, focusing on transparency and trust-building in schools. She emphasizes teaching ethical values through modeling and conversation rather than direct AI literacy at an early age. Rebecca advises educators to personally explore AI tools first and engage students in open dialogue about responsible AI use while acknowledging the need for parent advocacy and learning.

Season 9 ends with a bang. Check out this highlight episode covering the incredible guests and conversations that made this season our best one yet.

This episode of "Learning Can't Wait" features JW Marshall, Vice President of Marketing at Summit K-12 and a seasoned podcaster, who shares his journey from growing up in a learning-rich environment to becoming a passionate advocate for EdTech and multilingual learners. JW discusses the evolution of EdTech from its early days to the current competitive market, highlighting the importance of storytelling and authentic customer voices in marketing. He emphasizes the power of podcasts in building relationships, sharing impactful education stories, and advocating for student and teacher voices, especially in underrecognized areas like multilingual education. JW's heartfelt stories, including recognizing dedicated teachers and encouraging districts and students to start podcasts, underscore how storytelling can inspire change and build community in education.

Kimberly Smith and Seth Walker discuss the transformative power of education and innovative cybersecurity pathways for students, especially in rural communities. Kimberly credits her parents for emphasizing the value of education that changed her life trajectory, and Seth echoes this by sharing how mentorship and opportunity helped him find his passion in cybersecurity despite early challenges. Together, they highlight a nationally expanding cybersecurity program that blends industry credentials, hands-on competitions, and regional collaboration to create thriving talent pipelines, retain local youth, and prepare students for a future shaped by cybersecurity and emerging technologies like AI.

Tara Carrozza, Director of Digital Learning and Innovation at New York Public Schools, shares her unique journey from college basketball and acting to teaching and leading digital innovation in the largest U.S. public school system. She emphasizes the centrality of people in technology integration, focusing on equity, personalized support for teachers, and the importance of foundational skills and data infrastructure before leveraging AI. Tara discusses creating AI literacy, gathering student voice, and developing an AI governance framework that ensures safe and responsible use. Her leadership is marked by a commitment to shifting mindset away from mere technology consumption to demanding educational tools that meet real needs, while fostering trust and psychological safety for educators and students alike.

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.

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.

Dr. Barron Davis, Senior Advisor at Digital Promise, returns to "The Learning Can't Wait" podcast to share his work building the Collaborative Innovation Studio—a national initiative empowering communities to co-create solutions to persistent educational challenges. He and host Hayley Spira-Bauer discuss authentic partnership, the value of centering student voice, and the power of collaboration and feedback in driving sustainable change for schools.

AI strategist and K-12 innovation consultant Merissa Sadler-Holder joins Hayley Spira-Bauer on "The Learning Can't Wait" podcast to share her journey from French teacher to tech advocate and founder. Merissa discusses how the pandemic and GameStop phenomenon sparked her move into edtech innovation, the empowering parallel between teaching students and guiding AI tools, and her call for educators to reject martyrdom and own their value. Tune in for a candid conversation about embracing change in education and building the future together.

Chéla Wallace's journey from science teacher to school founder is shaped by family adversity, a passion for STEM equity, and a drive to revolutionize girls' education. Through candid reflection on her career pivots and the mentors who helped along the way, Chéla shares her plans for a new K-8 STEAM school in Greensboro focused on social justice, innovation, and empowering girls of color. Her story underscores the importance of community, high expectations, and embracing both tradition and playful curiosity to transform what is possible in education.

This podcast episode features Dr. Kiesha King discussing her innovative approach to education, from her early adoption of technology in the classroom to her current leadership at T-Mobile, where she champions digital equity through initiatives like Project 10 Million. The conversation covers the importance of creativity, student agency, and inclusivity in schools, the urgent need for cross-sector collaboration to close the digital divide, and the responsibility of edtech companies to prioritize ethics and equity. Dr. King encourages new teachers to overcome fear, embrace community, and collaborate widely to provide meaningful, future-ready learning experiences for all students.

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.