Just Thinking

The Waymaker Approach: Leading with Purpose, Authenticity, and Curiosity

waymaker

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….

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Latest

Education & EdTech
Education Sector Needs to Focus on Tailoring Solutions to Meet Student and Teacher Needs

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…

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Education & EdTech
Using Data for Continuous Improvement in Student Learning and Development

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…

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Education & EdTech
Building Strong Leadership in the Education Landscape: Harnessing Effort, Focus, and the Power of a Great Team

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…

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Articles
Just Thinking… About the Unique Needs of Small School Districts

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…

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Articles
Just Thinking… Harnessing a Path for Success with Charles Hamm

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…

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Articles
JUST THINKING…about the POWER of VISUAL LEARNING with Dr. David Hyerle

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…

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Latest

rankings
Krow Knows: How Fair Are the College Football Playoff Rankings?
November 22, 2024

The college football playoff rankings generate intense debate as the sport undergoes significant shifts due to conference realignments, NIL deals, and transfer portal dynamics. The dominance of the SEC and Big Ten raises questions about fairness, while committee inconsistencies frustrate fans and analysts. For instance, four of the top five ranked teams hail from…

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OEM in the AV Industry
The Role of OEM in the AV Industry: Shaping Innovation, Quality, and Market Competition
November 22, 2024

As technology reshapes the AV industry, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are emerging as critical partners for businesses seeking tailored solutions. Whether it’s bespoke LED displays or high-end audio systems, OEM in the AV industry is redefining how companies innovate, differentiate, and meet market demands. This raises a crucial question for professionals navigating this space—how…

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Staying Competitive in a Changing Parcel Landscape
Staying Competitive in a Changing Parcel Landscape
November 20, 2024

In the latest episode of On Time in Full, host Gabrielle Bejarano welcomes Satyen Pathak, a Senior Account Executive at Designed Conveyor Systems (DCS), to discuss trends shaping the parcel market and strategies for companies to remain competitive. With over 20 years of industry experience, Pathak shares his insights into the evolving needs within supply…

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blue collar
Building Efficient and Engaged Blue-Collar Workforces Begins with Leadership Rooted in Personal Development
November 20, 2024

According to a study by Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute, over 2.1 million manufacturing jobs could remain unfilled by 2030 due to a lack of skilled talent. This workforce shortage reveals a critical gap in leadership within blue-collar industries. Without strong leadership to develop teams and foster growth, businesses face inefficiencies, low morale, and…

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Latest Just Thinking -Videos

Ashley Boothe discusses adversity and leadership
Articles
Where Adversity Stands as a Catalyst that Fuels Leadership in Education
June 27, 2024

Turning adversity into a leadership tool has never been more critical with the educational landscape being so fast-paced. Recent ongoing challenges, from the pandemic’s aftermath to the evolving technological demands, educators now have to harness resilience to inspire and lead effectively. Studies show that leaders who have faced significant personal challenges are often more…

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CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT and COMPLIANCE in LOUISIANA SCHOOLS

Balancing continuous improvement and compliance for student success is crucial in the educational landscape, particularly within Louisiana’s schools. This topic forms the core of an engaging conversation between Just Thinking host Kevin Dougherty and Gleacia Durand, a Professional Learning Specialist at 806 Technologies. Their discussion offers insights into the significance of setting strategic goals…

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JUST THINKING…Talking CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT with Lesli Laughter

Innovative planning and continuous improvement in education stands at the forefront of school improvement, a strategic linchpin that propels institutions toward a future of achievement and excellence. At the heart of this transformation is adopting a continuous improvement mindset, where educators and administrators constantly seek better strategies and outcomes for their students. Just Thinking…

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Other Just Thinking
Just Thinking About…Putting the Fun Back into Learning: Brandon Ligon’s Insights on Enhancing Student Engagement
July 5, 2024

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,…

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Just Thinking…Standard Vs Expectation with Dr Q
July 2, 2024

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:…

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Just Thinking…About the Impact of AI on Continuous Improvement in Education
July 1, 2024

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…

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Just Thinking…About The Importance of Being Future-Forward Educators
July 1, 2024

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…

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Just Thinking…About Focusing on Kindness in Education
June 28, 2024

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,…

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Just Thinking…About the Focus on Kids Before Content
June 28, 2024

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…

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Where Adversity Stands as a Catalyst that Fuels Leadership in Education
June 27, 2024

Turning adversity into a leadership tool has never been more critical with the educational landscape being so fast-paced. Recent ongoing challenges, from the pandemic’s aftermath to the evolving technological demands, educators now have to harness resilience to inspire and lead effectively. Studies show that leaders who have faced significant personal challenges are often more…

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Just Thinking…About the Educational Perspective From Down Under with Brett Salakas
June 27, 2024

Just Thinking’s Kevin Dougherty explores the educational perspective from Down Under with Brett Salakas, an Author and HP Education Ambassador. This timely discussion aligns with ongoing global conversations about AI’s role in education and how different regions are adapting to these changes. Salakas, a leading voice in education from Australia and one of DA…

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Thoughts on Effectively Equipping Educators for Impact
March 25, 2024

The demands of an increasingly complex education landscape increase the need for effectively equipping educators to transform the learning environment. This episode of Just Thinking, with host Kevin Dougherty, examines this pressing issue with Dr. Sam Nix, the Chief of Schools for the Duncanville Independent School District. Dr. Nix offers a wealth of experience…

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