Just Thinking

Just Thinking… About the Role of Marketing, Advocacy & Storytelling in Holistic Education

Holistic education

As schools increasingly prioritize holistic education, the conversation around whole-child development is gaining momentum. A national survey by the American Institutes for Research reveals that while a large majority of teachers support whole-child approaches, many still need additional guidance and resources to implement them effectively. This gap between belief and practice raises important questions about how best to…

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Latest

Education & EdTech
Just Thinking… About Why Self-Work Is the Foundation of Great Leadership

As conversations around workplace wellness, mental health, and burnout intensify across industries, many professionals are waking up to the reality that productivity and personal growth must go hand-in-hand. The rise of holistic health coaching, combined with a renewed focus on emotional intelligence in leadership, reflects a larger cultural shift: we’re not just working anymore—we’re…

Read More
Education & EdTech
Funding Crisis Hits California’s Rural Schools: Advocates Call for Action Now!

As federal funding hangs in the balance, California’s rural school districts face a stark challenge on 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…

Read More
Articles
The Future of Education Technology Relies on Responsible Technology Use

Education technology is currently at a critical standpoint. While schools are increasingly integrating digital tools into learning, there’s also a growing awareness highlighting the amount of screen time students are exposed to with a possible solution of removing technology from classrooms. Per a 2022 study by JAMA Network, the COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the time…

Read More
Articles
Just Thinking… About Developing the Next Generation of Skilled Trade Professionals with Josh Nieves

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…

Read More
Articles
JUST THINKING… about CCMR with a Focus on Military Readiness

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…

Read More
Education & EdTech
Just Thinking… About Breaking Educator Isolation Through Trust and Collaboration

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…

Read More

Latest

Global Health Staffing: Beyond Ethical Recruitment
Global Health Staffing: Beyond Ethical Recruitment
April 16, 2025

In this episode of Care Anywhere: The Global Health Workforce Podcast, host Lea Sims, Chief Marketing Officer of TruMerit, welcomes Earl Dalton, MHA, MSL, BSN, NEA-BC, Chief Clinical Officer & VP of Clinical Services at Health Carousel, for a powerful conversation on building a more ethical, sustainable future for global healthcare staffing. Earl shares…

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Holistic education
Just Thinking… About the Role of Marketing, Advocacy & Storytelling in Holistic Education
April 15, 2025

As schools increasingly prioritize holistic education, the conversation around whole-child development is gaining momentum. A national survey by the American Institutes for Research reveals that while a large majority of teachers support whole-child approaches, many still need additional guidance and resources to implement them effectively. This gap between belief and practice raises important questions about how best to…

Read More
CHIME
Mari Savickis with CHIME
April 15, 2025

Mari Savickis, VP of Public Policy for CHIME, joins Panda Perspectives live from the VIVE show floor to break down how shifting federal priorities and political uncertainty are impacting digital health progress. As a longtime healthcare policy expert, Mari offers a behind-the-scenes look at how providers are reacting to rapid changes in Washington, highlighting how…

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ochsner health
Charlotte Piper with Ochsner Health
April 15, 2025

Charlotte Piper, Assistant Vice President of Ochsner Ventures, joins Panda Perspectives to explore how Ochsner Health is leveraging innovation, strategic investment, and deep collaboration to drive real change in healthcare. With a mission to create new value—financial and operational—for the health system, Charlotte shares how her team works across partnerships, internal ventures, and digital transformation…

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Latest Just Thinking -Videos

Holistic education
Education & EdTech
Just Thinking… About the Role of Marketing, Advocacy & Storytelling in Holistic Education
April 15, 2025

As schools increasingly prioritize holistic education, the conversation around whole-child development is gaining momentum. A national survey by the American Institutes for Research reveals that while a large majority of teachers support whole-child approaches, many still need additional guidance and resources to implement them effectively. This gap between belief and practice raises important questions about how best to…

Read More
Just Thinking… About Why Self-Work Is the Foundation of Great Leadership

As conversations around workplace wellness, mental health, and burnout intensify across industries, many professionals are waking up to the reality that productivity and personal growth must go hand-in-hand. The rise of holistic health coaching, combined with a renewed focus on emotional intelligence in leadership, reflects a larger cultural shift: we’re not just working anymore—we’re…

Read More
Funding Crisis Hits California’s Rural Schools: Advocates Call for Action Now!

As federal funding hangs in the balance, California’s rural school districts face a stark challenge on 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…

Read More
The Future of Education Technology Relies on Responsible Technology Use

Education technology is currently at a critical standpoint. While schools are increasingly integrating digital tools into learning, there’s also a growing awareness highlighting the amount of screen time students are exposed to with a possible solution of removing technology from classrooms. Per a 2022 study by JAMA Network, the COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the time…

Read More
Skilled trade professionals
Articles
Just Thinking… About Developing the Next Generation of Skilled Trade Professionals with Josh Nieves
February 19, 2025

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…

Read More
JUST THINKING… about CCMR with a Focus on Military Readiness

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…

Read More
Just Thinking… About Breaking Educator Isolation Through Trust and Collaboration

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…

Read More
Just Thinking…How Networking, Advocacy and Innovation Fuels Success in Small School Districts

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 critical….

Read More
Scientific research
Articles
Just Thinking… About Bridging the Gap Between Classrooms and Real-World Scientific Research
January 7, 2025

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…

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Just Thinking… About Perseverance, Overcoming Adversity, and the Power of Resilience in Leadership

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. The American Psychological Association states that resilience is a learned skill, not an innate trait, underscoring its…

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Just Thinking…About Principal Coaching, Planning, and Engagement for Stronger Schools and Better Outcomes with Dr. Jordan Goines

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 underscore the importance…

Read More
Just Thinking… About a Perspective on Coaching with Matt Gagnon

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…

Read More
Other Just Thinking
Just Thinking…How Networking, Advocacy and Innovation Fuels Success in Small School Districts
January 9, 2025

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 critical….

Read More
Just Thinking… About Bridging the Gap Between Classrooms and Real-World Scientific Research
January 7, 2025

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…

Read More
Just Thinking… About Perseverance, Overcoming Adversity, and the Power of Resilience in Leadership
December 16, 2024

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. The American Psychological Association states that resilience is a learned skill, not an innate trait, underscoring its…

Read More
Just Thinking…How Meaningful Innovation Can Redefine Education
December 13, 2024

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…

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Just Thinking…About Principal Coaching, Planning, and Engagement for Stronger Schools and Better Outcomes with Dr. Jordan Goines
December 12, 2024

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 underscore the importance…

Read More
Just Thinking… About a Perspective on Coaching with Matt Gagnon
December 11, 2024

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…

Read More
The Waymaker Approach: Leading with Purpose, Authenticity, and Curiosity
October 4, 2024

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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Education Sector Needs to Focus on Tailoring Solutions to Meet Student and Teacher Needs
October 4, 2024

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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Using Data for Continuous Improvement in Student Learning and Development
September 25, 2024

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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