Just Thinking...

Schools today are navigating a whirlwind of change, from new expectations in the job market to the growing influence of AI and the constant push to rethink accountability. That’s why conversations about educator advocacy matter so much right now. Texas, for example, ranks among the lowest ten states in per-pupil funding—even while boasting the seventh-strongest economy in the world—highlighting the growing urgency for stronger public-school investment and a louder, more influential educator voice.

So, how do educators influence the systems that shape their classrooms—and how can their voices help build a more equitable future for students across diverse communities?

Welcome to Just Thinking. In the latest episode, host Kevin Dougherty sits down with DeAnn Lee—former teacher, principal, superintendent, and now Regional Advocacy Director for Raise Your Hand Texas—to explore the power of educator advocacy, the role of students in shaping public policy, and the profound importance of relationships in schools. Their conversation spans accountability, local needs, student voice, future readiness, and the hope that fuels the work of public-education champions everywhere.

What you’ll learn…

• Why educator advocacy matters now more than ever, especially in a state where local workforce needs vary dramatically across regions.

• How accountability systems must evolve to reflect real-world skills like critical thinking, collaboration, and adaptability—not just standardized test scores.

• The transformative impact of student voice, from advising district decisions to influencing state legislators with thoughtful, community-minded perspectives.

DeAnn Lee is an experienced education leader and advocate with more than three decades of service spanning teaching, special education supervision, federal programs management, and district leadership—including five years as Superintendent of Millsap ISD. She currently serves as the Regional Director of Advocacy & Outreach for Raise Your Hand Texas, where she leverages deep expertise in policy, funding, accountability, and educator engagement to strengthen public education across East Texas. A past State President of the Association of Texas Professional Educators, Lee has represented over 110,000 members at state and national levels, advocating for the needs of Texas’ five million students and the professionals who serve them.

Automation and AI aren’t arriving someday—they’re already reshaping factory floors, logistics hubs, and technical workplaces right now. That shift is putting schools, especially Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, on the spot: the jobs students are training for are evolving faster than most curricula. In its Future of Jobs Report 2025, the World Economic Forum finds that 39% of workers’ core skills are expected to change by 2030, a massive reset driven by AI, automation, and industry transformation. With that level of skills churn, training students to merely operate today’s equipment isn’t enough—the stakes are about building adaptable human intelligence for a future that won’t sit still.

So what does industry actually need from the next generation of technicians, and how should schools evolve now to prepare students not just for their first job, but for the shifting decades ahead?

In this episode of Just Thinking, host Kevin Dougherty sits down with Aaron Paul, Vice President of Sales at Advanced Technologies Consultants (ATC). Their conversation ranges from what industry partners are demanding right now, to how CTE programs can build transferable, durable problem-solving skills, to the role of human intelligence in a world increasingly shaped by AI. They also explore the need for closer collaboration between schools and industry, and why educators—especially in CTE—deserve stronger support and incentives.

Key points from the episode:

• Industry needs critical troubleshooters more than routine operators. Aaron explains that automation-heavy workplaces value technicians who can diagnose and fix systems quickly—because downtime can cost thousands or even millions per minute.

• CTE programs must teach foundations before showcasing realism. While “industry-look” labs are exciting, Aaron argues the real priority is helping students understand systems deeply enough to transfer skills across different technologies and future workplaces.

• AI belongs in classrooms as a tool that amplifies humanity. Instead of waiting for perfect policies, Aaron urges schools to start teaching AI in line with how local industries use it—while reinforcing human strengths like reasoning, creativity, and judgment.

Aaron Paul is the Vice President of Sales at Advanced Technologies Consultants (ATC) with Meteor, where he has spent the last 18 years helping schools and training centers build programs aligned to industry demand. ATC provides learning systems, equipment, and curriculum that develop workforce-ready skills for in-demand careers, especially in automation, manufacturing, and advanced technical trades. Paul works closely with industry partners nationwide, giving him a front-row seat to the evolving skills gap—and how education can respond to it.

Artificial intelligence has reached a crucial inflection point. Once imagined as a fast track to artificial general intelligence, the field has instead hit a plateau—prompting leaders, educators, and innovators to rethink AI’s true purpose. As companies and schools race to adopt automation, questions about cost, ethics, and human purpose are rising to the forefront. According to a 2024 Deloitte report, over 40% of organizations admit they’re still struggling to define and measure the real impact of their generative AI initiatives.

So, how can organizations and individuals make AI work with human intelligence, rather than in place of it? What would it look like to approach AI as a cognitive partner instead of a replacement?

In this episode of Just Thinking, host Kevin Dougherty speaks with Jared McClure, CEO and Founder of NeuraPoints, about reimagining AI as a tool for human augmentation, not substitution. Together, they explore how AI can enhance thinking, creativity, and organizational effectiveness when grounded in cognitive frameworks rather than machine mimicry.

Top insights from the talk…

• Human Intelligence as the Driver of AI: McClure argues that AI’s evolution depends on human cognition, noting that “AI is a master pattern finder, but it can’t generate new meaning without us.”

• Cognitive Frameworks Bridge the Gap: Through NeuraPoints’ system—built on Dr. David Hyerle’s research—users can visualize and code their thinking in digital space, offering a new nonlinear approach to thought representation.

• From Fear to Partnership: Instead of fearing obsolescence, McClure says leaders should see AI as “a suit of armor” that amplifies human potential, ushering in a symbiotic future where technology augments our ability to think and create.

Jared McClure is a seasoned executive and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience leading technology and AI-driven companies. As CEO and Founder of NeuraPoints and Pria.ai, he specializes in applying cognitive science and machine learning to drive innovation, efficiency, and business growth. Known for building high-performing teams and delivering strategic, data-informed solutions, McClure’s career centers on bridging human intelligence with technology to revolutionize education and enterprise productivity.

Teachers today are facing a new reality: students have instant access to AI tools that can generate answers in seconds. The share of American teens using ChatGPT for assignments has climbed to 26%—twice as many as just two years ago. That shift raises urgent questions about how education should adapt for a generation that has never known a world without on-demand digital answers. Meanwhile, the latest national assessment reveals another challenge—student reading comprehension remains below expectations, despite years of focus on content coverage.

So, how do educators balance the need to “cover content” with the deeper imperative to equip students with transferable thinking skills—and ensure they remain engaged in a world of information overload?

Welcome to Just Thinking. In the latest episode, host Kevin Dougherty, Chief Marketing Officer at NeuraPoints, sits down with Dawn M. Bailey, M.Ed., an experienced educator, trainer, and advocate for learner-centered practices. Together, they explore how NeuraPoints—an instructional framework rooted in five core cognitive processes—helps teachers and students alike make content meaningful, build metacognition, and thrive in an AI-shaped future.

What you’ll learn…

• Beyond content coverage: Why today’s learners, especially Gen Alpha, need inquiry-based prompts, visual tools, and connections to personal relevance in order to sustain engagement.

• AI as a magnifier, not a disruptor: How AI highlights long-standing gaps in critical and creative thinking, and why empowering students to question, compare viewpoints, and identify bias matters now more than ever.

• The lead learner model: Why teachers who position themselves as “lead learners” alongside students can build trust, agency, and curiosity in ways that transform classrooms.

Dawn M. Bailey, M.Ed., is an experienced educational leader, consultant, and literacy specialist with expertise in curriculum design, differentiated instruction, and gifted education. She has held leadership roles as a principal, district coordinator, and gifted/talented coordinator in North Texas, and currently serves as an adjunct professor at Dallas College. A doctoral candidate researching school leadership and student achievement, Bailey brings both practical classroom experience and research-based strategies to help educators elevate rigor, engagement, and student success.

With roughly half of the new teachers in Texas stepping into classrooms without full certification, the need for strong and practical professional learning has never been more urgent. According to research, effective professional development among teachers can boost student achievement by up to 21 percentile points—yet many educators frequently report lacking both the time and support to implement what they learn. With rapid advances in technology, shifting student needs, and the rise of AI in education, ensuring educators are equipped to think critically and adapt has become an urgent priority.

So, how can professional learning be transformed to truly support teachers—both new and veteran—as they prepare students for an unpredictable future?

Welcome to Just Thinking. In the latest episode, host Kevin Dougherty sits down with Terri Iles, Educational Consultant, and Debi Tanton, Director of Business Operations, both with Learning Forward Texas. Together, they explore the evolving role of professional learning in sustaining teacher growth, fostering critical thinking among learners, and strengthening school communities in a post-pandemic and AI-driven world.

The main topics of conversation…

The growing challenge of preparing and supporting new teachers entering classrooms without certification, and why differentiated professional learning is key to retention.

How Learning Forward Texas leverages research-based strategies, free resources, and an annual statewide conference to model best practices for adult learning.

Why reflection, relationships, and structured collaboration are essential for turning professional development into classroom transformation.

Terri Iles has served in education for over four decades as a teacher, principal, Executive Director for Teaching and Learning, and as the former Executive Director of Learning Forward Texas. She is now a senior consultant with both Learning Forward Texas and Jim Shipley & Associates. Her lifelong commitment centers on elevating teacher practice and ensuring every child has an excellent educator.

Debi Tanton recently retired from a 30-year career in Mesquite ISD, where she served as a teacher, instructional coach, principal, and in the Professional Learning Department. Now the Director of Business Operations at Learning Forward Texas, she brings her deep passion for teacher advocacy and designing impactful professional learning to statewide initiatives.

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.

Education is facing seismic shifts as schools adapt to the realities of the fourth industrial revolution and prepare for the fifth—driven by AI and rapid technological change. With superintendents and school leaders under increasing pressure, conversations about how to cultivate authentic intelligence and wisdom, not just data-driven decision-making, have never been more urgent. One leadership tool gaining traction is Power Thinking, a framework that emphasizes unlocking creativity and sustaining vision. The World Economic Forum predicts that 65% of today’s primary school students will end up in jobs that do not yet exist, underscoring the need for such approaches.

So, how do educational leaders balance artificial intelligence with authentic, human-centered wisdom? And what practices allow leaders to sustain themselves and their systems while shaping the future of learning?

On this episode of Just Thinking, host Kevin Dougherty welcomes Dr. Don Hooper, Ph.D., CTL, President of the Center for Quality Leadership and Executive Director of School Research Nexus. Together, they explore Don’s remarkable journey from classroom teacher to nationally recognized superintendent, the philosophy behind his bestselling book Power Thinking: Discover the Unknown by Unlocking Your Brain, and the importance of fostering both innovation and legacy in leadership.

The conversation delves into...

• Authentic vs. Artificial Intelligence: Dr. Hooper urges leaders to embrace “augmented intelligence,” where human wisdom and creativity work alongside AI tools, rather than being overshadowed by them.
• Sustainable Leadership: Through School Research Nexus, Hooper emphasizes getting superintendents “out of the pressure cooker” and into environments that recharge their capacity to lead with clarity and vision.
• Legacy and Purpose: Beyond titles and accolades, Don reflects on the importance of family, mentorship, and leaving behind tools—like his book—that help future generations think deeply and lead with purpose.

Dr. Don Hooper, Ph.D., CTL, is President of the Center for Quality Leadership and Executive Director of the School Research Nexus, where he develops transformative thought leaders and advances innovative practices in education. With more than 25 years as a superintendent, including leadership of Fort Bend ISD, he is recognized for driving cultural change, strengthening governance, and improving student outcomes. As a Certified Thought Leader, he has guided organizations to achieve meaningful results, attract top talent, and build sustainable leadership excellence.

Article written by MarketScale.

In today’s rapidly changing world, effective leadership in education is about more than managing schools—it’s about inspiring a culture of thinking that empowers both teachers and students. As classrooms adapt to new technologies, diverse learning needs, and shifting societal demands, leaders have the responsibility to guide not just the acquisition of knowledge but the development of critical, transferable thinking skills through metacognitive teaching strategies. Research shows that students who are taught explicit thinking strategies are better able to apply what they learn across disciplines and into real-life problem-solving, making leadership in this area essential for long-term success.

So how can educators prepare students to not only absorb information but to fuel their own learning journeys—becoming adaptable, empathetic, and creative problem-solvers in a world that changes daily?

In this episode of Just Thinking, host Kevin Dougherty, Chief Marketing Officer of NeuraPoints, Inc., sits down with long-time friend and retired educator/professor Dawn Bailey to explore the power of metacognition, the joy of learning, and how tools like NeuraPoints can help bridge the gap between content knowledge and deep, transferable thinking. Together, they revisit decades of shared passion for empowering both teachers and students. They share stories, analogies, and practical approaches built on explicit thinking strategies to elevate thinking in today’s classrooms.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

• The Apple as a Thinking Metaphor: Content is only the starting point; the deeper value comes from exploring multiple perspectives, connections, and applications that transcend the original subject.

• Human Intelligence Fuels AI: Technology can be a powerful vehicle for learning, but human intelligence—critical, reflective thinking—is the fuel that determines its direction and impact.
• The Power of Metacognition: Modeling “thinking about thinking” for students fosters not only academic growth but also the confidence and adaptability needed for lifelong learning, making metacognitive teaching strategies an essential part of modern classrooms.

Dawn Bailey is a retired educator and professor with over 33 years in the field, having served as a teacher, gifted education specialist, coordinator, and principal. She holds a master’s degree in gifted education and educational leadership and is currently completing her dissertation. Throughout her career, Dawn has specialized in empowering teachers and students to think critically, transfer knowledge, and apply learning to real-world challenges.