Learning Can’t Wait

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 chall...

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 acti...

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...

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 shorta...

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...

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...

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-cre...

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 voice...

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...

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 leverag...

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 tea...

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 hig...

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 learne...

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 success...

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 famili...

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 empha...

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 cover...