Learning Can’t Wait

Shalinee Sharma | Math Minds, Zearn, Math Education, Numeracy

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 

Patrick Fredricks | Rural Education, Work Based Learning, Career Readiness, Southwest Colorado Education Collaborative

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.

Vriti Saraf | Ed3 DAO, AI in Education, Blockchain, Project Based Learning

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.

Nicole + Izzy Galante | Mosaic IP, AI in Education, Instructional Planning, Individualized Learning

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 imparting knowledge and instead fostering a learning journey. They emphasize the importance of building genuine relationships, inspiring students, and empowering them to engage actively, even if that means teachers need to embrace their own learning curve with new tools like AI. Reflecting on their experience with new teachers, Nicole and Izzy highlight the importance of vulnerability, preparation, and adaptability, encouraging teachers to be both reflective and flexible in the face of classroom challenges. Mosaic’s goal is to support teachers in developing these core skills, ultimately aiming to disrupt traditional teacher preparation by making high-quality, intentional instruction accessible to every educator.
Read more here.

Dr. Vallerie Cave + Shawn Blanchard | Rural Education, Innovation, Student Success

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 career and technical education programs to early college pathways. Meanwhile, Shawn Blanchard reflects on the creativity and resilience required in rural schools, where educators often make the most of limited resources to drive student success. Together, they discuss the importance of visionary leadership, the need for courageous conversations in education, and their shared mission to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has the tools to succeed. 
Don’t miss this conversation filled with practical insights and heartfelt advice for educators everywhere.
Read more
Check out Shawn Blanchard's book 

Heather Rubin | Cultural Responsiveness, ELL, Project-based Learning, Digital Age Teaching

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 equitable education for all students, especially English language learners. We explore how the digital age has transformed teaching, the power of AI in education, and the importance of building trust and creating inclusive, engaging learning environments. Plus, Heather talks about her innovative partnership with Fullmind and how virtual learning programs are providing equitable access to language support, Regents prep, and enrichment opportunities for students. This is a must-listen for educators, school leaders, and anyone passionate about the future of education!
 
Read Heather's Book: Digital-Age Teaching for English Learners: A Guide to Equitable Learning for All Students

Dr. Stephanie Elizalde | Dallas ISD, Teacher Retention, Equity in Education

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 teacher compensation to performance, resulting in a stable workforce of top educators.
We dive into how Dallas ISD fosters a positive culture and climate for teachers and students, the importance of recruiting diverse talent, and the role of community partnerships in closing opportunity gaps for students. Dr. Elizalde also discusses leadership development for principals and emphasizes the need for educators to stay connected to their "why."
This episode is packed with actionable takeaways for education leaders looking to implement systems that truly make a difference in the classroom and beyond.
Tune in to learn how Dallas ISD is not only transforming its own district but also setting the stage for national educational reform.

Dr. Kelsey Young | Curriculum Associates, Post-Pandemic Student Performance, Targeted Interventions

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 discusses the ongoing challenges of student recovery, highlighting that many students are still not performing at pre-pandemic levels, with younger students being disproportionately affected.
The conversation explores the national implications of these findings, the emotional toll on educators, and the need for continued intervention, despite funding challenges. Dr. Young emphasizes the importance of targeted interventions, such as phonics-based reading instruction and high-dosage tutoring, and shares the nuanced data about how specific subpopulations, especially vulnerable students, have been impacted. As they dissect the complexities of educational recovery, they also offer practical advice for school leaders and educators on how to use this data to make informed decisions moving forward.
Tune in to hear Dr. Young’s expert perspective on what schools and policymakers can do to address the gaps and continue to support student learning, even in the face of limited resources.
Learn more here.