The Future of School Leadership: Equity, AI, and Sustainable Change

The most recent Learning Can’t Wait episode featured a conversation buzzing with innovation and new ideas. Rob Schwartz and Hayley Spira-Bauer found themselves deep in conversation about one of the biggest challenges facing schools today: How do we create sustainable, effective leadership that truly represents and serves diverse communities?

During this discussion, Rob and Hayley dive into the evolving landscape of school leadership, the critical role of equity, and the potential of AI to reshape education. Their discussion sheds light on the challenges leaders face and what can be done to better prepare the next generation of educators.

Why School Leadership Needs a Rethink

For decades, the education sector has grappled with the challenge of leadership turnover and a lack of diversity in school administration. The problem isn’t just about filling positions—it’s about ensuring leaders are equipped to handle the unique challenges of their communities.

Rob highlights a key issue: “A lot of the leaders that are coming up in this space are from the local communities they serve. My biggest fear is that we are woefully underpreparing these folks and expecting miracles.”

The numbers back him up. According to a report from the Learning Policy Institute, schools with high principal turnover see a negative impact on student achievement and teacher retention. The stakes are even higher for leaders of color, who often lack the same systemic support their predecessors had. Organizations like the Diversity in Leadership Institute, which Rob supports, are trying to change this by providing leadership training with a strong equity lens.

The Role of AI in Education Leadership

Another major topic of discussion was the role of AI in education. While there’s been plenty of hype around AI’s potential, Rob and Hayley argue that its biggest immediate impact may be in supporting teachers and administrators rather than replacing them.

“Teachers and leaders just need time to play with it,” Rob notes. “There’s tons of potential for it to make teaching more effective and more efficient.”

This aligns with broader trends in the education space. A recent report from the Brookings Institution found that AI tools can significantly reduce administrative burdens, allowing teachers to focus more on student relationships. For instance, some educators are already using AI-powered lesson planning tools to free up time for student engagement.

Hayley shares a powerful example: a teacher who was able to close her laptop and support a student in crisis because AI had already helped her finish lesson planning. “It was more important for me to be there for that student than to add one final detail that AI could help me do.”

Keeping Teachers in the Classroom Longer

Sustainable leadership starts in the classroom. One of the podcast’s most crucial takeaways is the need to keep teachers—especially teachers of color—in the classroom longer so they can develop the expertise needed for leadership roles.

“The other piece is we need to keep more teachers of color in the classroom longer so that they can develop their own instructional expertise,” Rob emphasizes.

The statistics paint a concerning picture: A report from the Center for American Progress found that teachers of color leave the profession at higher rates than their white counterparts, often due to a lack of support and mentorship. This is why mentorship programs and leadership pipelines are critical in ensuring diverse educators don’t just enter the profession but thrive and advance within it.

A Playbook for New School Leaders

Rob closes the episode with key advice for new school leaders looking to build sustainable careers:

1. Become a great teacher first. “It takes six, seven, eight years to become exceptional. Learn everything you can about instruction and people.”
2. Build a strong team. Leadership isn’t about doing everything alone—it’s about empowering others.
3. Seek out excellence. Learn from others doing great work, even if their methods differ from yours.

These lessons serve as a playbook for any educator looking to make a lasting impact in their schools and communities.

Final Thoughts: The Path Forward

The conversation between Rob and Hayley underscores a critical reality: The future of education depends on strong, well-supported leadership. Whether through AI-driven efficiencies, equitable leadership training, or teacher retention strategies, the path forward requires intentionality and systemic change.

As schools continue to evolve, one thing is clear: Sustainable leadership isn’t just about filling positions—it’s about empowering leaders to make a lasting difference. And that, as Rob and Hayley emphasize, starts with the right support, the right tools, and the right people.