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In this episode, Aurora Dreger sits down with Karla Phillips-Krivickas, co-founder of Champions for Kids and 2026 EALA New Champion. Drawing on over 20 years in state policy and her personal journey as a parent of two children with disabilities, Karla explores why the traditional "one-size-fits-all" schooling model doesn’t work for students and what we need to do to support all students.  Karla unpacks the pervasive myths surrounding special education and explains how Champions for Kids uses data and authentic student stories to dismantle stereotypes. Plus, Karla shares her urgent priority for Arizona education: improving third-grade reading outcomes. To learn more about Champions for Kids, visit azchampions.org. Access the full podcast transcript at tinyurl.com/DeepDive-Karla-PK

In this episode, we speak with Erin Mote, CEO of InnovateEDU, to discuss how the education sector can harness AI's potential while actively safeguarding against its risks. We dive into  Prioritizing Students with Disabilities in AI Policy, V2 of our policy paper developed in collaboration with New America. Erin breaks down the urgent challenges driving this updated guidance, key shifts in the EdTech landscape, and practical ways schools can deploy AI safely and responsibly – for all students. Tune in for actionable steps for district leaders, policymakers, families, and EdTech developers to ensure emerging tools deliver on their potential without compromising student civil rights or accessibility.  Access the full transcript: tinyurl.com/5MinWErinMote

In this episode, we speak with Suzanna Shamakhyan, Executive Director of the Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology (FAST) and a 2026 ASU GSV Innovation Showcase finalist. Susanna shares how FAST is transforming STEM education across Armenia by embedding advanced mathematics and artificial intelligence coursework directly into public high schools through their flagship Generation AI program. Discover how FAST leverages its deep mathematical legacy, global tech partnerships, and system agility to overcome geographic barriers, expand access to cutting-edge learning, and spark generational economic mobility for young people in every region. Access the full podcast at: tinyurl.com/5MinsWithFAST

Every spring, schools build schedules that shape students' experiences for an entire year. What if the students who need the most support were the first considered instead of the last? In this conversation, Nady Persons and KB Cunningham of Special Education Leader Fellowship (SELF) share how the Affirmed Access project is helping schools reimagine scheduling as an equity strategy. Together, they explore how school leaders can move from reactive service delivery to proactive systems design—ensuring students with disabilities and learning differences have access to the support they need from day one. Access the full podcast transcript at tinyurl.com/5MinW-SELF

In this episode, Aurora Dreger interviews Deb Hanmer, founder and CEO of Breakthrough Leadership Consulting, about her path into mission-driven work. They also discuss her years mentoring emerging education leaders through the EALA New Champions Fund.  This episode addresses the common challenges small nonprofits and school programs face when trying to scale, including limited capacity, competitive funding landscapes, and stepping away from the daily grind for strategic planning. Deb shares practical, real-world advice for stepping back, planning strategically, and leveraging data to scale impact. Access the full transcript at tinyurl.com/5MinWithDebHanmer

In this episode, Aurora Dreger sits down with Dr. Khara Schonfeld, Partner of Research at Education Reimagined, to discuss the transformative power of learner-centered education. Khara shares insights from her unique perspective as a researcher, former K-12 teacher, and parent  as she unpacks what sets learner-centered environments apart from traditional schooling.  We dive into Education Reimagined's multi-case study exploring how these innovative models support youth with learning differences and the incredible "ripple effect" they create. We also outline the practical first steps educators and families can take to shift the focus to the unique strengths of every learner. For more resources, visit education-reimagined.org Access the full transcript at tinyurl.com/5MinWEducationReimagined

Our June 2 webinar with Code in Motion by SPARKS was so vital that we adapted it into a podcast episode to share their inspiring work with our entire community. In this episode, the project’s leaders and coaches discuss how they are reimagining computer science education for students experiencing housing insecurity through community-led, dignified pathways to success. Access the full podcast transcript at: tinyurl.com/CodeInMotion

EALA welcomes Kate Cochran, the Managing Director of the Partnership for Student Success, to discuss the critical intersection of mentoring, transition-planning, and student outcomes. Learn how centering the voices of students with disabilities in mentoring programs creates stronger paths toward post-secondary education and career success. Find out how your school or district can access their new open-source training toolkits to strengthen your student support pipelines. To learn more visit: https://www.partnershipstudentsuccess.org/online-training/ and check out https://eepm.mentoring.org/ for Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring. Access the full podcast transcript at: tinyurl.com/DeepDive-PSS

How can school leaders move beyond traditional instruction to truly center the needs of every student? In this episode, we sit down with two visionary principals from San Diego: Andrea Pino-Antl of Creative Performing and Media Arts and Jennifer Chien of Casita Center for Technology, Science, and Math. Listen as we dive into a candid conversation about overcoming the fixed mindset in math instruction and explore the specific strategies and tools that support students who learn differently. From fostering a culture of belonging to practical advice for fellow administrators, Andrea and Jennifer share how they are turning learner variability into a school-wide strength. Access the full podcast transcript at tinyurl.com/DeepDive-SanDiego

The shortage of special education teachers isn't just a staffing issue—it’s a student outcomes issue. When turnover is high, the consistency and quality of support for students with disabilities suffer. How do we move beyond "filling gaps" to building sustainable pipelines that prepare educators for the reality of the modern classroom? In this episode, we’re joined by Sabrina Baptiste, Project Director for the Pathways Alliance. Sabrina shares insights into how innovative preparation models are ensuring new teachers are ready to support diverse learning needs from the start. We dive into what’s working in the field, the systemic shifts still needed, and how we can center the needs of all learners by investing in the people who teach them. Access the full transcript at: tinyurl.com/5MinPathways

Dive into this episode as Aurora from EALA chats with Michelle Soriano, a Professional Learning Specialist at CAST’s Accessibility Solutions team. Explore how Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and innovative accessibility strategies are transforming education. From policy shifts to practical wins, discover actionable insights for creating equitable learning environments for all.  For more information, reach out to [email protected].  Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to EALA’s newsletter to stay up to date: https://innovateedunyc.formstack.com/forms/eala_newsletter_signup Access the full transcript at https://tinyurl.com/5MinsWithCAST

In this episode, Michelle Maher, Co-Founder and Teacher Leader of Mountain Juniper Montessori, shares the journey of establishing Colorado’s first Wildflower Montessori public charter micro-school. Listen in as Michelle describes how they maintain high-fidelity Montessori practices in a tuition-free setting and the importance of being deeply community-embedded to ensure every child is truly known and supported. To learn more, visit https://www.wfcopublicschools.org/.  Access the full transcript at: https://tinyurl.com/5MinsWithMJMontessori  Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to EALA’s newsletter to stay up to date: https://innovateedunyc.formstack.com/forms/eala_newsletter_signup

In this episode, Aurora Dreger speaks with Stephanie Atenco-Torres, a Latina activist, journalist, teacher in training, and disability advocate, about her experiences as a Latina student navigating the education system with an invisible disability. Stephanie reflects on the power of sharing lived experience and how speaking up can create change for students who are left unseen by their school leaders and teachers. This conversation is an important reminder that personal stories can influence systems, and that your voice may be the one someone else needs to hear. After listening, be sure to read Stephanie’s article on Tr!ll. Access the full podcast transcript at https://tinyurl.com/whenlivedexperienceleads

Multilingual learners (MLLs) are an essential part of today’s classrooms, not an exception. In this episode, Aurora Dreger speaks with Dr. Molly Faulkner-Bond of WestEd about why education systems must be designed with MLLs in mind from the start. They explore asset-based language, the connection between MLL and disability advocacy, and how centering students with the most complex learning profiles leads to better assessment and instruction for all students. Access the full podcast transcript at bit.ly/5MinsWithWestEd

In this episode, Aurora Dreger speaks with Annie Shan, Samantha Senajon, and Sanvi Nethikunta, the high school leaders behind Mindset Math. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to ensuring K-12 students in underserved communities have access to high-quality STEM education. Additionally, Mindset Math focuses on creating accessible learning pathways for every student. They discuss their work on various initiatives, specifically an AI-powered learning platform developed in collaboration with learning scientists to support students with disabilities such as dyscalculia, autism, and ADHD. Access the full podcast transcript at bit.ly/5MinsWithMindsetMath