Just Thinking...

As federal funding hangs in the balance, California’s rural school districts face a stark challenge: how to maintain essential services amid the uncertain future of the Secure Rural Schools Act. Originally established to offset declines in timber revenue from federal lands, the Act has become a lifeline for hundreds of districts. But after failing to gain reauthorization in 2024, many schools now...

Dr. Karla Burkholder, talks about education technology facing concerns of removal in schools, or revamping for responsible student use.

The skilled trades industry is at a crossroads. With a growing labor shortage and an aging workforce, industries like construction and electrical work face urgent challenges in attracting and developing new talent. While the demand for skilled trade professionals is expected to continue rising, many young people remain unaware of the career opportunities available through apprenticeships and vocat...

The role of education in shaping military readiness is often overlooked, yet its impact on future generations is profound. As artificial intelligence reshapes how we think about career readiness, discussions on College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) highlight the pressing need for holistic preparation. While college and career pathways often dominate these conversations, military readiness...

Education stands at a pivotal moment. Rapid societal changes and evolving student needs are challenging traditional school structures. Teachers are facing significant stress, with 44% of K–12 educators reporting burnout "often" or "always," according to a Gallup survey. Feelings of isolation among educators further compound these challenges, emphasizing the need for more connected and supportive e...

In today’s evolving educational landscape, small school districts face unique challenges, especially in rural areas. From limited staffing to navigating red tape, these districts must balance providing quality education with overcoming systemic barriers. With nearly 69% of California’s school districts serving fewer than 5,000 students, finding sustainable solutions for these challenges has become...

As advancements in technology reshape how we learn, innovate, and engage with scientific research, how can we cultivate a scientific mindset in education and beyond? Today’s discussion highlights a growing emphasis on curiosity-led learning as a catalyst for systemic change in education. Curiosity plays a crucial role in learner engagement, with research showing that it not only prepares the brain...

Resilience isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a critical skill for navigating life’s toughest challenges. This week’s episode of Just Thinking dives into stories of individuals who turned adversity into strength, highlighting why personal narratives matter more than ever. A 2023 report by the American Psychological Association reveals that resilience is a learned skill, not an innate trait, underscoring i...

Education is at a crossroads, with schools worldwide striving to keep pace with rapid technological advancements. Research from the World Economic Forum predicts that 65% of today’s students will work in jobs that don’t yet exist, underscoring the need for education systems to foster creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. Despite these demands, many institutions still rely on outdat...

Principals significantly influence student outcomes, second only to classroom teachers. According to a Wallace Foundation report, effective school leadership plays a significant role in shaping a school's impact on student learning. However, principals face increasing pressures, juggling operational responsibilities with the need to foster academic success and school culture. These challenges unde...

The coaching industry is booming, with its market value reaching $4.5 billion in 2022. Yet this rapid expansion, coupled with its unregulated nature, leaves many wondering: how do you identify a coach who offers real value and expertise? For educators and professionals searching for meaningful mentorship, what distinguishes a truly transformative coach from the rest? What does effective coaching l...

Today’s education leaders are under immense pressure, juggling administrative duties while trying to stay connected to their students, staff, and communities. Many are searching for ways to lead with greater authenticity and purpose. With teacher burnout and turnover reaching critical levels, there’s an increasing need for leadership that prioritizes human connection and values-driven action. A wa...

The education sector is facing unprecedented challenges, with the pandemic further exposing long-standing issues like teacher burnout, mass exits from the profession, and the quest to find the right teaching tools. A recent National Education Association (NEA) survey found that 55% of educators are considering leaving the profession earlier than planned due to pandemic-related stress and burnout....

As school districts across the country navigate growing student populations and changing educational needs, many are turning to innovative solutions to drive progress. In Texas, the Northeast Independent School District (ISD) is leading the way by implementing School Improvement Plans (SIPs) and District Improvement Plans (DIPs) through the Plan for Learning platform. With 70 campuses and nea...

Teacher retention is a growing concern in today's education landscape. According to RAND’s 2023 State of the American Teacher Survey, 23% of teachers considered leaving the profession by the end of the 2022-2023 school year. Key factors contributing to this include stress, low pay, and overwhelming workloads. The need for strategies that empower leaders and educators to build resilience and manage...

Small school districts in California face unique challenges, from limited resources to staffing shortages. These districts often operate in rural areas where maintaining educational standards can be a daunting task. With the recent publication of the Rural (In)Equities: Building, Understanding, and Offering Solutions report, a conversation around these challenges has become more urgent. The report...

Dr. David Hyerle, creator of Thinking Maps, discusses the education landscape and how his tool is a solution.

In a world where success is often defined by material achievements, the conversation around what truly defines a successful life is more relevant than ever. With many individuals facing the challenges of retirement, the need for purpose, and the search for meaning, understanding how to navigate these life transitions becomes crucial. This episode, featuring retired Marine sergeant Charles Hamm, di...

As our world becomes increasingly dominated by digital content and social media, learners are feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information available at their fingertips. This constant influx raises critical questions about how we can best support students in filtering and processing this information to enhance their learning experiences. This is where visual learning comes in: Visual lea...

In an era where educational strategies are continually evolving, the need to make learning engaging and fun has never been more critical. As students navigate an increasingly digital world, educators are tasked with finding innovative ways to integrate technology into their teaching methods. This episode addresses the growing trend of digital innovation in classrooms, highlighting the importance o...

In an educational landscape marked by constant change and the ongoing challenge of adapting to new learning environments, the question of maintaining standards versus managing expectations remains pivotal. This discussion gains urgency as schools strive to balance traditional educational standards with the evolving needs of both students and educators. So, this begs the question: What does it real...

Future-forward educators are more crucial than ever in today's rapidly evolving educational landscape. With new technologies and generational shifts, a future-focused approach to education is essential to prepare students for the world they will inhabit. In this episode of Just Thinking, host Kevin Dougherty is joined by Raymond McNulty, President of the National Dropout Prevention Center (NDPC)....

Just Thinking host Kevin Dougherty, the Chief Strategy Officer at 806 Technologies, looks at the impact of AI on continuous improvement in education with Cindy Gibson, Chief Learning Officer at 806 Technologies. This discussion is set against the backdrop of the upcoming 806 Learning Summit, emphasizing the role of AI on continuous improvement within educational institutions. With 27 years of expe...

In this episode of Just Thinking, host Kevin Dougherty discusses the power of kindness in education with Jeff Kubiak, an Author and Former Educator. The conversation is framed against the backdrop of an education conference, emphasizing the need for compassion and connection in teaching. Dougherty, the Chief Strategy Officer for 806 Technologies, introduces Kubiak, highlighting his extensive backg...

In a time when educational priorities are often debated, “Just Thinking” shines a spotlight on student well-being, focusing on kids before content. The latest episode, hosted by Kevin Dougherty, features Lamond Dean, Superintendent of Chapel Hill ISD, who emphasizes addressing children's needs before academic content. Dougherty engages in a meaningful conversation with Dean about his unique journe...