The Learning Can’t Wait Podcast is your view into how changemakers are driving innovation in the field of education. Each week we interview leaders who are challenging the status quo at a time when it is absolutely necessary to rebuild the system for our students.

SEASON 5 EPISODE 8

School to Home Connection - with Brandon Cardet-Hernandez

This week on the Learning Can’t Wait podcast, host Hayley Spira-Bauer sits down with Brandon Cardet-Hernandez, Chief Strategy Officer at Mrs. Wordsmith.

In this delightful conversation, Brandon describes how both rigor and play are central to his work helping kids to read and tackling the ‘30 million word gap’. Brandon also shares lessons from his early career and what it’s like to work on education at a political level. Lastly, Brandon emphasizes that “not all screen time is created equal” and shares tips for how adults can be more involved in children’s use of technology.


Previous Episodes

SEASON 5 EPISODE 7

Lessons on Achievement - with Doug McCurry

Welcome back to Season 5 of the Learning Can’t Wait podcast! Today, Hayley Spira-Bauer hosts a conversation with Doug McCurry, Former Co-CEO and Superintendent of Achievement First, now working as a consultant.

Doug shares insights on the resilience learned from his father and son, the impact of smartphones on school and mental health, and  why summer is a great time for both students and teacher development.  Doug also discusses his ideas around curriculum and standards, and shares how school leaders can support their teams through celebration and recognition.

SEASON 5 EPISODE 6

The Forefront of Innovation - with Brett Roer, Jacob Kantor, and Candice Sears

Welcome back to the Learning Can't Wait Podcast! This week, we're excited to present a panel discussion on innovation in education featuring Brett Roer, Jacob Kantor, and Candice Sears.

Tune in as host Hayley Spira-Bauer talks to our respected guests about what makes them hopeful about education today. They'll explore how we can make technology work with, not against, traditional teaching methods. The discussion also covers strategies for encouraging schools to adopt new approaches and why it's important to prioritize student input in innovation decisions.

SEASON 5 EPISODE 5

The Totality of Science Teachers: Solar Eclipse Special Episode - with John Dedeaux Davis Jr. and Talia Milgrom-Elcott

Join us today for a special solar eclipse episode of the Learning Can't Wait Podcast! Host Hayley Spira-Bauer dives into the universe of STEM with John Dedeaux Davis Jr., an Education Specialist at NASA's Office of STEM Engagement, and Talia Milgrom-Elcott, the Founder and Executive Director of Beyond100K.

In this captivating discussion, they explore how NASA shares scientific concepts with the public why the solar eclipse is an amazing opportunity to tap into the sense of mystery and wonder all around us. John shares a fascinating project involving tree seeds that traveled to the moon and back, while Talia emphasizes that just as reaching the moon is achievable, so is overcoming the shortage of STEM educators.

Helpful Links:

NASA Universe of Learning Eclipse Resources
Total Solar Eclipse Safety
Find Your Place in Space Week – April 6-13, 2024
Eclipse cloud map

Also mentioned:

PROOF POINTS: How Covid narrowed the STEM pipeline

Join us every Tuesday at fullmindlearning.com/podcast. Next week, we explore the Forefront of Innovation with Brett Roer, Jacob Kantor, and Candice Sears.

Celebrating Growth in Ourselves and Our Students - with Ben Marcovitz & Jerel Bryant
Cory Shaw Cory Shaw

Celebrating Growth in Ourselves and Our Students - with Ben Marcovitz & Jerel Bryant

In today's episode of the Learning Can't Wait podcast, host Hayley Spira-Bauer engages in a conversation with Ben Marcovitz and Jerel Bryant from Collegiate Academies. Join us as they delve into the significance of a growth mindset in the field of education and how their most challenging experiences have influenced their work. Ben and Jerel also shed light on their efforts to celebrate achievements, operationalize inspiration, and their unique approach to hiring, which emphasizes long-term growth over immediate satisfaction.

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What Teachers Unlock - with Talia Milgrom-Elcott
Cory Shaw Cory Shaw

What Teachers Unlock - with Talia Milgrom-Elcott

Welcome back to the Learning Can’t Wait podcast! Today Hayley Spira-Bauer hosts a great conversation with Talia Milgrom-Elcott, Executive Director of Beyond100K & Starfish Institute. Talia describes how coming from family of teachers has influenced her path, and she discusses how giving students a combination of agency and hard skills can help combat a crisis of despair.

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What Happens in High School Doesn't Stay in High School - with Kaycee Brock
Cory Shaw Cory Shaw

What Happens in High School Doesn't Stay in High School - with Kaycee Brock

In this week's installment of the Learning Can't Wait podcast, your host Hayley Spira-Bauer engages in a compelling conversation with College Access Expert, Kaycee Brock. Tune in as they delve into the intensifying competitiveness of college admissions and the strategies students employ to distinguish themselves and discover their ideal academic fit. Kaycee and Hayley also tackle the evolving complexities surrounding affirmative action, with Kaycee emphasizing the significance of choosing an educational environment where students feel valued and celebrated.

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Evaluating Impact in Education - with Michelle Oliva
Cory Shaw Cory Shaw

Evaluating Impact in Education - with Michelle Oliva

Today, on the Learning Can’t Wait podcast, host Hailer Spira-Bauer sits down with Michelle Oliver, Co-founder of EduDream to discuss her work elevating educational opportunities and learning experiences of racially and economically diverse students. Michelle discusses culturally responsible evaluation methods and her efforts to disrupt systemic inequities in education.

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The Origin of Online Learning - with Dr. Wallace Boston
Cory Shaw Cory Shaw

The Origin of Online Learning - with Dr. Wallace Boston

On today’s episode of the Learning Can’t Wait podcast, host Hayley Spira-Bauer talks to Dr. Wallace Boston about the origin of online learning and how online education can provide solutions for equity in education. They also discuss the controversial topic of AI, and how educators can and should embrace new technology.

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The Indelible Effect of Educators with Dr. Scott Muri
Cory Shaw Cory Shaw

The Indelible Effect of Educators with Dr. Scott Muri

The Learning Can’t Wait Podcast is back with Season 4! On our first episode of the new season, host Haley Spira-Bauer talks to Dr. Scott Muri, Superintendent of Schools at Ector County Independent School District.

Listen as Hayley and Scott discuss the indelible effect of educators. They talk about how to build strong leadership teams , how intentionality is at the root of everything, and how Ector County was able to push through an increase in teacher salaries.

Join us every Tuesday at fullmindlearning.com/podcast. Next week, we talk to Shaquira Langley from Meeting Street Schools

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Season 3