Learning Can’t Wait

In this episode of Learning Can’t Wait, host Hayley Spira-Bauer sits down with Peter Relan , chairman of MathGPT , to explore how AI-powered tools are transforming math education. Peter discusses how AI can alleviate the burden on educators by automating course management, generating assignments and quizzes, and providing Socratic-style tutoring that encourages critical thinking—without giving awa...

In this episode of Learning Can’t Wait, host Hayley Spira-Bauer sits down with Louise Baigelman , Founder and CEO of Storyshares , to explore how educators can engage struggling readers through high-interest, age-appropriate content. Louise shares how Story Shares collaborates with teachers at every stage of content development, using direct classroom feedback to refine their literacy resources. S...

In this episode of Learning Can’t Wait, we sit down with Malvika Bhagwat , Partner and Head of Outcomes at Owl Ventures , to dive deep into the evolving landscape of EdTech efficacy and research. Malvika challenges the traditional "gold standard" of randomized controlled trials, explaining why more dynamic, iterative approaches are essential for measuring the impact of rapidly evolving educational...

In this episode of Learning Can’t Wait, Hayley Spira-Bauer sits down with Kate Eberle Walker , CEO of Presence , to explore how teletherapy is transforming education. Kate dives into the power of remote evaluations, the importance of early intervention, and how Presence is tackling the nationwide backlog of assessments.   We also discuss a game-changing partnership with Move This World that’s simp...

In this episode of The Learning Can’t Wait Podcast, host Hayley Spira-Bauer engages in an important conversation with Richard Carranza , a seasoned education leader with a passion for leveraging technology to create more equitable learning experiences. Richard shares his journey from working in the New York City school system to joining IXL Learning , emphasizing how data-driven EdTech tools can h...

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 o...

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 educat...

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 educa...

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 conce...

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...

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...

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, a...

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. Th...

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-emotio...

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 t...

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 civic...

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. Tog...

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 Drywal...

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 he...

In this podcast episode, Hayley engages Nicole and Izzy Galante from Mosaic Instructional Planning about their perspectives on what makes teaching excellent and how their tool, Mosaic, supports that vision. They describe excellent teaching as a vulnerable, empathetic, and collaborative experience where teachers learn with and in front of their students, moving away from the traditional model of im...

On this inspiring episode of the Learning Can’t Wait podcast , our host Hayley Spira-Bauer sits down with Dr. Vallerie Cave , Superintendent of Allendale County Schools , and renowned educator and speaker Shawn Blanchard to explore the unique challenges and triumphs of rural education. Dr. Cave shares her innovative strategies for providing Allendale students with high-quality opportunities, from...

In this episode of the Learning Can't Wait podcast, our host Hayley Spira-Bauer takes a dive deep into the evolving landscape of education with Heather Rubin , the administrative coordinator for ENL and bilingual programs with Eastern Suffolk BOCES in New York State. Heather shares her insights on cultural responsiveness, project-based learning, and the critical role of technology in fostering equ...

In this episode of The Learning Can't Wait podcast, Hayley Spira-Bauer sits down with Dr. Stephanie Elizalde , Superintendent of Dallas Independent School District (ISD) , to explore the innovative strategies that have made Dallas ISD a national leader in teacher retention and student achievement. Dr. Elizalde shares insights into the district's unique Teacher Excellence Initiative , which ties te...

In this episode of the Learning Can't Wait podcast, host Hayley Spira-Bauer welcomes back Dr. Kelsey Young , Associate Director of Research Insights and Analytics at Curriculum Associates. Together, they dive into the latest research reports released by Curriculum Associates, including data from i-Ready that reveals significant insights into student academic performance post-pandemic. Dr. Young di...

In this episode of the Learning Can't Wait podcast, we dive into the vital role of civic education in shaping engaged, responsible citizens. Host Hayley Spira-Bauer is joined by Beverly Leon , Founder and CEO of Local Civics , and Dr. Peter Tragos , Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning at New Trier High School District , to explore how educators can cultivate civil discourse, critica...