Education Technology
Just Thinking…About the Focus on Kids Before Content
A superintendent explains why meeting students' basic needs must come before tackling academic material
Key takeaways
A superintendent explains why meeting students' basic needs must come before tackling academic material
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.
focusing on kids before content.
Dougherty engages in a meaningful conversation with Dean about his unique journey from student to superintendent. They explore how Dean's upbringing and experiences shape his educational leadership, focusing on the critical philosophy of "Maslow before Bloom." The discussion sheds light on the significant impact of addressing students' basic needs to foster a conducive learning environment and the philosophy of kids before content.
Maslow before Bloom.
About the author
Kevin Dougherty is the Chief Strategy Officer for 806 Technologies. He has spent the past 39 years as an educator and serving educators. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts/Amherst, Kevin earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Multicultural Education. He later earned a Master of Education Degree in Education Administration from the University of Massachusetts/Lowell. Kevin was a classroom teacher for ten years in the Dallas, Boston, and Houston areas. He then served as an assistant principal/principal of Title I/Bilingual campuses in Fort Bend ISD and Irving ISD. For the past 22 years, Kevin has been serving educators throughout Texas and the nation in various roles supporting sales/marketing, professional learning, and overall company strategy. He has been married to his wife, Michelle, for 33 years. They have two grown children who both live in the DFW area.
