Welcome to "Just Thinking...", a podcast where education is not just a profession, but a passion. Hosted by Kevin Dougherty, a seasoned educator with 40 years of experience, this show dives into the heart of educational discussions. Each episode of "Just Thinking..." invites educators, administrators, and thought leaders to share their insights, experiences, and ideas about the evolving landscape of education.
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September 8, 2025Episode 137 min
Just Thinking... About How Good Schools Foster Kindness, Curiosity, and Lifelong Learning
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly reshaping how schools, educators, and policymakers think about the future of learning. With OECD shifting its emphasis from test-based rankings toward human flourishing, and governments debating how to integrate digital tools without overwhelming already strained systems, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A McKinsey study found that 20 to 40% of teacher time could be automated with AI—yet the challenge remains: how to balance technology with human connection.So, how should schools redefine “a good education” in an AI-driven world, and what role does technology really play in shaping students for lifelong learning?In this episode of Just Thinking, host Kevin Dougherty sits down with Al Kingsley, Group CEO of NetSupport Limited and an international leader in EdTech. Their conversation explores what makes a “good school” in the 21st century, how AI can support rather than replace teachers, and why critical thinking and kindness remain at the heart of education reform.Key takeaways from the episode…Redefining success in schools: Kingsley argues that education should shift from narrow test performance to fostering resilience, creativity, and curiosity that empower lifelong learning.AI as a teaching partner, not a replacement: He stresses the importance of using AI to reduce teacher workload, support one-to-one learning, and build staff confidence—while ensuring transparency and student well-being.The role of community and kindness: Beyond policy and technology, Kingsley reminds us that education thrives on collaboration, sharing best practices, and simple human kindness.Al Kingsley serves as the Group CEO of NetSupport Limited, where he has led the development of award-winning EdTech solutions used globally for over 30 years. Alongside his corporate role, he is a prominent education leader—chairing Multi-Academy Trusts, serving on the UK Department for Education advisory board, and guiding digital strategy across the sector. He is also the author of several books on education and technology, including The Awkward Questions in Education: Unpicking the Elephants in the Room from AI to Teacher Retention.
January 16, 2025Episode 129 min
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 supportive educational environments prioritizing trust and collaboration.How can schools transform into spaces where educators feel empowered and supported to drive meaningful change?In this episode of Just Thinking, host Kevin Dougherty, Chief Strategy Officer for 806 Technologies, engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Joe Sanfelippo, former superintendent of the Fall Creek School District in Wisconsin. Together, they explore how schools can break cycles of isolation, foster trust, and reframe the narrative around education to inspire educators and students alike.Key Points of Discussion:Combatting Isolation in Education: Joe shares strategies for creating intentional opportunities for collaboration to address the isolating nature of teaching.The Critical Role of Trust: Building trust requires consistency and meaningful interactions that value every role within the school system.Reframing the Narrative: Changing how educators talk about their work can reshape public perception and boost morale within schools.Joe Sanfelippo is an education leader with 26 years of experience, including 12 years as superintendent in Fall Creek, Wisconsin. Known for his storytelling and innovative leadership, Joe has inspired educators across the globe to foster school cultures built on trust and empowerment. His experience includes roles as a teacher, counselor, and principal, equipping him with a broad understanding of the education system.
January 23, 2025Episode 134 min
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 readiness remains underexplored, despite its pivotal role in shaping disciplined, capable leaders. With 1.3 million active-duty service members in the U.S., the stakes for preparing the next generation of recruits are immense.Why does military readiness matter in today’s CCMR framework? How can educators and leaders foster a deeper understanding of military pathways while debunking misconceptions?In this episode of Just Thinking…, host Kevin Dougherty welcomes Joshua Roberts, a retired Senior Master Sergeant, resilience coach, and keynote speaker. Together, they explore the nuances of military readiness, its role within the CCMR framework, and the untapped potential for educators to shape future service members. From resilience in personal trials to the broader implications of military service, this episode offers a profound look at how education and leadership intersect with national service.Key takeaways from the episode:Military Service and Misconceptions: Why military service should be seen as a prestigious and impactful career option, rather than a fallback.Resilience and Leadership: How resilience, honed through personal and professional challenges, translates into leadership qualities essential for military and civilian life.Educators as Influencers: The critical role of teachers in guiding students toward military readiness, fostering critical thinking, and instilling values of discipline and service.Joshua Roberts is a seasoned leadership coach and keynote speaker with over 20 years of experience in guiding individuals and teams toward transformational growth. A retired U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sergeant, Joshua has led teams in high-pressure environments and conducted leadership workshops across industries, specializing in resilience, confidence, and strategic growth. As the founder of Fusewell Strategies, he offers personalized coaching, dynamic workshops, and impactful speeches, helping leaders and organizations achieve measurable results and unlock their full potential.
February 19, 2025Episode 126 min
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 through apprenticeships and vocational training.How can we bridge this gap and make the trades a first-choice career path rather than a backup option?Welcome to Just Thinking. In this episode, host Kevin Dougherty sits down with Josh Nieves, the Principal and CEO of Ascender Consulting, Founder of This Hudson Farm, and Regional Workforce Development Lead at Miller Electric. They discuss how education, industry partnerships, and company culture can transform workforce readiness and help create a strong pipeline of skilled trade professionals.The main topics of conversation…Attracting Talent: Why early exposure to trade careers is critical and how schools can help shift perceptions about vocational education.Training and Development: The role of mentorship, hands-on learning, and leadership training in shaping a resilient workforce.Retention Strategies: How companies can build loyalty through culture, career growth opportunities, and competitive benefits.Josh Nieves is a seasoned workforce development leader, master electrician, and business strategist with extensive experience in the construction and electrical industries. He specializes in talent development, leadership training, and strategic workforce planning for the skilled trades. With a background in managing large-scale projects—including the Brooklyn bridge restoration, LaGuardia airport redevelopment, and Google headquarters—Josh is dedicated to elevating construction professionals through education, mentorship, and career transformation.
February 25, 2025Episode 135 min
The Future of Education Technology Relies on Responsible Technology Use
Dr. Karla Burkholder, talks about education technology facing concerns of removal in schools, or revamping for responsible student use.
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 confront steep budget cuts—some losing up to 20% of their funding.What happens to rural education when vital federal dollars suddenly vanish—and what can educators do to make their voices heard?In this episode of Just Thinking, host Kevin Dougherty, Chief Strategy Officer at 806 Technologies, welcomes back Yuri Calderon, Executive Director of the Small School Districts Association (SSDA). Together, they unpack the historical importance and current jeopardy of the Secure Rural Schools Act, explore how legislative advocacy plays a critical role in sustaining small school systems, and share practical strategies for engaging lawmakers.Key discussion points from the episode:The Secure Rural Schools Act’s impact: How the loss of this critical funding—up to $700,000 for some districts—threatens staffing, services, and student outcomes.Why legislative engagement matters: Calderon shares his recent efforts lobbying all 51 California congressional offices and explains how educators can effectively advocate for their communities.SSDA’s on-the-ground support: From the E3 Forums (Engage, Empower, Elevate) to statewide initiatives focused on school culture and attendance, SSDA is bringing resources and relationships to the most remote parts of California.Yuri Calderon is the Executive Director of the Small School Districts Association, representing over 600 school districts across California, many of which serve rural and isolated communities. With a background in education leadership and a reputation for passionate, hands-on advocacy, Calderon works tirelessly to secure funding, support leadership development, and elevate the voices of small district educators statewide.
March 29, 2025Episode 130 min
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: 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 doing the self-work it takes to grow, lead, and live with purpose.. According to a report, 44% of workers globally experience daily stress, and leaders who emphasize well-being report higher engagement across their teams.So how do we bridge personal healing with professional development—and what happens when we actually start to look inward to lead outward?In this episode of Just Thinking, host Kevin Dougherty welcomes Michael David, a Holistic Health Coach and Sales Leader, to unpack how his unique journey through physical fitness, emotional self-awareness, and professional leadership led to a more holistic life—and how he now helps others do the same. Together, they explore the evolving meaning of leadership, why movement and mindfulness matter in every context from classrooms to boardrooms, and how radical self-work and reflection are the keys to sustainable success.The key topics of discussion...From gym rat to grounded guide: How early motivations rooted in recognition evolved into a more grounded and others-focused approach to leadership.Leading by looking inward: Michael discusses how healing his own inner narrative transformed the way he mentors others in sales and life.The new markers of health and success: Why the gym mirror can lie, and how redefining movement and self-care is key to long-term performance.Michael David is a seasoned sales leader and holistic health coach with over five years of experience managing and mentoring SDR teams, directly leading 25+ reps and influencing over 100 across his career. As Senior Manager of Business Development at Axiom, he has twice been named BDR Manager of the Year for his contributions to North American revenue growth. Passionate about people development, Michael also hosts the Men in the Arena podcast, where he explores mental health, wellness, and leadership through thoughtful conversation.we’re not just working anymore—we’re working on ourselves. According to a report, 44% of workers globally experience daily stress, and leaders who emphasize well-being report higher engagement across their teams.So how do we bridge personal healing with professional development—and what happens when we actually start to look inward to lead outward?In this episode of Just Thinking, host Kevin Dougherty welcomes Michael David, a Holistic Health Coach and Sales Leader, to unpack how his unique journey through physical fitness, emotional self-awareness, and professional leadership led to a more holistic life—and how he now helps others do the same. Together, they explore the evolving meaning of leadership, why movement and mindfulness matter in every context from classrooms to boardrooms, and how radical self-reflection is the key to sustainable success.The key topics of discussion…From gym rat to grounded guide: How early motivations rooted in recognition evolved into a more grounded and others-focused approach to leadership.Leading by looking inward: Michael discusses how healing his own inner narrative transformed the way he mentors others in sales and life.The new markers of health and success: Why the gym mirror can lie, and how redefining movement and self-care is key to long-term performance.Michael David is a seasoned sales leader and holistic health coach with over five years of experience managing and mentoring SDR teams, directly leading 25+ reps and influencing over 100 across his career. As Senior Manager of Business Development at Axiom, he has twice been named BDR Manager of the Year for his contributions to North American revenue growth. Passionate about people development, Michael also hosts the Men in the Arena podcast, where he explores mental health, wellness, and leadership through thoughtful conversation.
April 16, 2025Episode 128 min
Just Thinking… About the Role of Marketing, Advocacy & Storytelling in 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 support educators in nurturing every aspect of student growth.So, what happens when someone outside of the classroom—yet deeply embedded in education—starts asking questions from a completely different angle? What fresh insights can marketing, advocacy, and storytelling bring to the conversation about holistic learning?In this episode of Just Thinking, host Kevin Dougherty, the Chief Strategy Officer, sits down with Kennedy Kilpatrick, Marketing Director at 806 Technologies. What begins as a look at her unconventional education journey turns into a thoughtful exploration of student advocacy, educator adaptability, and the role of empathy in holistic education and learning design.Key takeaways from the conversation...Missing the Basics: Kennedy reflects on how being fast-tracked into gifted programs led her to master advanced concepts while never fully grasping foundational skills—a common yet often overlooked gap in specialized education.The Power of Listening: Whether in classrooms or marketing meetings, Kennedy champions the value of asking questions over giving answers—and how honest conversations unlock meaningful engagement.Plan, Pivot, Progress: Drawing on her marketing background, Kennedy emphasizes the importance of reverse engineering goals and staying flexible when plans don’t pan out—a lesson with huge implications for educators developing student learning strategies.Kennedy Kilpatrick is a results-driven Marketing Director at 806 Technologies with expertise in strategy development, team leadership, and digital marketing. She has led successful multi-channel campaigns, increasing summit attendance by 29% and LinkedIn engagement by 23%, while producing over 40 high-impact collateral pieces. With a strong background in SEO, video production, event planning, and performance analysis, Kennedy excels at crafting data-driven campaigns that enhance brand visibility and drive organizational growth.
April 24, 2025Episode 130 min
Just Thinking… about Reimagining Education for the AI Era with the Human Intelligence Movement
As artificial intelligence reshapes education, work, and daily life, educators are grappling with how to prepare students for a future where human skills—not just knowledge—will be paramount. In fact, a growing number of reports highlight that employers increasingly value collaboration, communication, and emotional intelligence over memorized content. Amid this transformation, the Human Intelligence Movement is gaining traction as a grassroots call for reimagining how we teach and learn.So, what does it really mean to equip students with “human intelligence” in an AI-driven world—and how can our schools rise to meet the moment?In this episode of Just Thinking, host Kevin Dougherty speaks with Dr. Michelle Ament, Co-President of the Human Intelligence Movement. Together, they explore why now is the time for bold change in education—and how we move from theory to action.Main topics of conversation…Outdated education models: Dr. Ament argues that schools are still stuck in a “knowledge era” mindset, preparing students for a world that no longer exists. Instead, she advocates for realigning education around application, critical thinking, and adaptability.Redefining assessment and success: Traditional assessments focus on knowledge acquisition, but the Human Intelligence Movement calls for measuring skills like emotional intelligence, adaptability, and collaboration—key competencies for future-ready learners.Learning through doing: Dr. Ament champions experiential, student-driven learning. Whether it’s student-run banks or real-world problem-solving, she shares how hands-on, relevant learning inspires deeper engagement and skill-building.Dr. Michelle Ament, EdD, is an education leader with deep expertise in experiential learning, human-centered curriculum design, and systems-level transformation. As Chief Academic Officer at ProSolve, she pioneered a K–8 human skills curriculum and developed the Learning, Experienced (LXP) model to embed real-world problem solving and social-emotional learning into schools. In her role as Co-President of the Human Intelligence Movement, she is leading a national effort to shift education away from standardized assessments toward a future that prioritizes adaptability, critical thinking, and collaboration in an AI-driven world.
May 12, 2025Episode 124 min
JUST THINKING… about Artificial Intelligence vs. Human Intelligence with Dr. Michael Harvey
As artificial intelligence continues to evolve at lightning speed, the conversation is shifting from what AI can do to what it should do—and how it compares with, or complements, the uniquely human traits we bring to learning, work, and society. While schools grapple with AI’s integration into classrooms, some educators are asking a deeper question: what does it mean to be truly intelligent in this new era—and how do we protect and elevate human intelligence in the process? McKinsey’s analysis on generative AI forecasts that by 2030, up to 30% of work hours in the U.S. could be handled by machines, highlighting a growing urgency for the workforce to strengthen skills in areas like critical thinking and emotional intelligence.So, in a world rapidly reshaped by AI, how do we safeguard and elevate the distinct power of human intelligence (HI)? Can technology serve as a tool for connection, rather than a replacement?In this episode of Just Thinking, host Kevin Dougherty speaks with Dr. Michael Harvey, Teacher in Charge of Electronics and Director of E-learning at Marlborough Boys College in Blenheim, New Zealand. Drawing from Māori knowledge systems and his work in the Human Intelligence Movement, Dr. Harvey explores how AI can enhance—not replace—human intelligence (HI), especially when grounded in indigenous principles of collective learning, relational teaching, and community connection.Key moments from the conversation:Dr. Harvey explains how indigenous frameworks and relational learning models in New Zealand emphasize the collective over the individual—offering an alternative to traditional Western metrics of intelligence.He shares how AI tools, when used thoughtfully, can enhance social-emotional learning by providing data-driven insights into student well-being and engagement.Harvey makes the case for radically reimagining education—from abolishing age-based grade levels to fostering student-teacher role reversals—as part of a broader transition to human-centric learning.Dr. Michael Harvey is a future-focused educator and digital learning leader with expertise in integrating AI, culturally responsive pedagogy, and learner agency into secondary education. As Director of E-learning and Electronics at Marlborough Boys College, he leverages tools like ChatGPT, NotebookLM, and AR/VR to design inclusive, metacognitive learning experiences grounded in both cutting-edge tech and Māori educational values. Harvey’s international teaching experience, content development roles, and leadership in communities like the AI Forum of New Zealand reflect his commitment to reimagining education for equity, innovation, and human connection.
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