
Assess THAT with Tom & Nat! (Assessment, Feedback, Grading, and Learning)
The Tom Schimmer Podcast is a show about learning, leadership, and life. Primarily, it’s a podcast that focuses on current topics in K-12 education. Each week, Tom Schimmer (a best-selling education author, keynote speaker, and consultant) will lean on his 30 years of experience to keep listeners informed and entertained on the prevailing stories dominating the conversations about teaching and learning. This podcast also focuses on educational leadership by exploring how leaders can truly engineer a culture of continued professional growth. Occasionally, this podcast will explore the pursuit of success and happiness as it relates to any walk of life. Through a mix of interviews, commentary, current news stories, questions from listeners, and other segments, listeners will be well-equipped to meet the needs of learners regardless of what role they serve.
Latest episodes

Dec 12, 2022 • 43min
No Holiday Trophy | Top 5 Holiday Movies | Empowerment Ecosystem
In Don’t @ Me (2:32), Tom reminds listeners that there is no trophy at the end of the holidays and that it is important to find time for ourselves and rest. Then (6:40) Tom, highlights his Top 5 Holiday Movies of all time. Finally, in Assessment Corner (20:02), Tom is joined by Natalie Vardabasso and Colleen Dawson to highlight the "Empowerment Ecosystem," a program Natalie created to create a support community for those change agents leading assessment and grading reform in their schools or districts.
Natalie on Twitter: @natabasso
EduCrush on Twitter: @educrushpod
EduCrush on Instagram: @educrushpod
Colleen on Twitter: @Mxhumanizingedu
Book a Meeting for Empowerment Ecosystem
https://calendly.com/natabasso/60-minute-meeting
NEW BOOKS BY TOM:
"Concise Answers to FAQs about Assessment & Grading"
"Jackpot: Nurturing Student Investment through Assessment"
CONNECT WITH TOM SCHIMMER
Email: tomschimmerpod@gmail.com
Twitter: @TomSchimmerPod
Twitter: @TomSchimmer
Instagram: @tomschimmerpodcast
TikTok: @tomschimmerpodcast
Facebook: Schimmer Education
Website: www.tomschimmer.com

Dec 5, 2022 • 1h 10min
Celebrate Your Wins | Kristine Tesoriero Mizzone | Culturally Responsive Assessment
In Don’t @ Me (2:44), Tom reminds listeners to celebrate their wins, no matter how small, medium, or large. Then, Tom is joined by education consultant Kristine Tesoriero Mizzone (8:40) to discuss the most important aspects of institutional coaching. Finally, in Assessment Corner (55:12), Tom highlights some big ideas from an article he recently wrote about eliminating implicit bias in assessment. Specifically, he talks about using cultural archetypes to create a more culturally responsive and expansive approach to assessment.
Kristine on Twitter: @Kristine_Tes
Kristine on LinkedIn: Kristine Tesoriero
Kristine's Website: www.collabconsulting.org
NEW BOOKS BY TOM:
"Concise Answers to FAQs about Assessment & Grading"
"Jackpot: Nurturing Student Investment through Assessment"
CONNECT WITH TOM SCHIMMER
Email: tomschimmerpod@gmail.com
Twitter: @TomSchimmerPod
Twitter: @TomSchimmer
Instagram: @tomschimmerpodcast
TikTok: @tomschimmerpodcast
Facebook: Schimmer Education
Website: www.tomschimmer.com

Nov 28, 2022 • 1h 5min
Now is the Time | Kyle Pearce | Procedure for Inferences
In Don’t @ Me (1:34), Tom opens by asserting that NOW is the time to take the first step to accomplish any personal and/or professional goals you have for yourself. Then, Tom is joined by math teacher and podcaster Kyle Pearce (6:37), to discuss the elements of effective math instruction. Finally, in Assessment Corner (55:12), Tom shares a view of assessment as a procedure for drawing inferences.
Kyle on Twitter: @MathletePearce
Kyle on Instagram: @mathletepearce
Kyle on LinkedIn: Kyle Pearce
MMM on Twitter: @MakeMathMoments
MMM on Instagram: @makemathmoments
MMM Website: makemathmoments.com
MMM Podcast: Making Math Moments
NEW BOOKS BY TOM:
"Concise Answers to FAQs about Assessment & Grading"
"Jackpot: Nurturing Student Investment through Assessment"
UPCOMING PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
Grading from the Inside Out (2-Day Workshop)
Minneapolis, MN (December 1-2, 2022)
Register Here
CONNECT WITH TOM SCHIMMER
Email: tomschimmerpod@gmail.com
Twitter: @TomSchimmerPod
Twitter: @TomSchimmer
Instagram: @tomschimmerpodcast
TikTok: @tomschimmerpodcast
Facebook: Schimmer Education
Website: www.tomschimmer.com

Nov 21, 2022 • 54min
Get What You Give | Genein Letford | Personalized Exams
In Don’t @ Me (1:30), Tom opens with a reminder that when it comes to professional learning, you get out of it what you put into it. Then, Tom is joined by Genein Letford (9:01), to discuss her book, Seven Gems of Intercultural Creativity. Finally, in Assessment Corner (44:44), Tom shares an idea on how to personalize final exams.
Genein on Twitter: @GeneinLetford
Genein on Instagram: @geneinletford
Genein on Facebook: Genein Letford
Genein on LinkedIn: Genein Letford
Genein's Website: www.geneinletford.com
Genein's Podcast: Caffe Strategies
Caffe Stategies Website: www.caffestrategies.com
NEW BOOKS BY TOM:
"Concise Answers to FAQs about Assessment & Grading"
"Jackpot: Nurturing Student Investment through Assessment"
UPCOMING PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
Grading from the Inside Out (2-Day Workshop)
Minneapolis, MN (December 1-2, 2022)
Register Here
CONNECT WITH TOM SCHIMMER
Email: tomschimmerpod@gmail.com
Twitter: @TomSchimmerPod
Twitter: @TomSchimmer
Instagram: @tomschimmerpodcast
TikTok: @tomschimmerpodcast
Facebook: Schimmer Education
Website: www.tomschimmer.com

Nov 14, 2022 • 1h 8min
Two Choices | Eric Saibel | Rethinking Group Grades
In Don’t @ Me (2:11), Tom opens by addressing the widespread lack of student engagement and suggesting there are only two choices educators have in response. Then, Tom is joined by Eric Saibel (11:22), who is a co-founder of "Global School Play Day, for a conversation about the importance of unstructured play for children and teens. Finally, in Assessment Corner (58:11), Tom highlights why he is rethinking his long-held stance against group grades.
Eric on Twitter: @ecsaibel
Eric on Instagram: @esaibel
GSPD on Twitter: @GSPlayDay
GSPD on Instagram: @gsplayday
Eric on LinkedIn: Eric Saibel
Eric's Website: www.ericsaibel.com
Peter Gray (2014): The Decline of Play
NEW BOOKS BY TOM:
"Concise Answers to FAQs about Assessment & Grading"
"Jackpot: Nurturing Student Investment through Assessment"
UPCOMING PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
Grading from the Inside Out (2-Day Workshop)
Minneapolis, MN (December 1-2, 2022)
Register Here
CONNECT WITH TOM SCHIMMER
Email: tomschimmerpod@gmail.com
Twitter: @TomSchimmerPod
Twitter: @TomSchimmer
Instagram: @tomschimmerpodcast
TikTok: @tomschimmerpodcast
Facebook: Schimmer Education
Website: www.tomschimmer.com

Nov 7, 2022 • 1h 3min
Relationship with Research | Laura Rizo | Standardized Test Engagement
In Don’t @ Me (1:50), Tom opens by asking listeners to reflect on their relationship with educational research. Then, Tom is joined by teen coach and staff developer Laura Rizo (10:55) for a conversation about student relationships, SEL, & family engagement. Finally, in Assessment Corner (51:23), Tom answers a listener's question about how to increase student engagement in standardized testing.
Rizo on Twitter: @rizospeakslife
Rizo on Instagram: @rizospeakslife
Rizo on Facebook: Rizo Speaks Life
Rizo on LinkedIn: Laura Rizo
Rizo's Website: www.rizospeakslife.com
NEW BOOKS BY TOM:
"Concise Answers to FAQs about Assessment & Grading"
"Jackpot: Nurturing Student Investment through Assessment"
UPCOMING PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
Grading from the Inside Out (2-Day Workshop)
Minneapolis, MN (December 1-2, 2022)
Register Here
CONNECT WITH TOM SCHIMMER
Email: tomschimmerpod@gmail.com
Twitter: @TomSchimmerPod
Twitter: @TomSchimmer
Instagram: @tomschimmerpodcast
TikTok: @tomschimmerpodcast
Facebook: Schimmer Education
Website: www.tomschimmer.com

Nov 3, 2022 • 46min
BONUS: Teach Better ’22 (Part 1)
In this bonus episode, Tom shares some highlights of the Teach Better '22 conference by interviewing presenters and participants while on Podcast Row. Today's Episode features:
Suzanne Dailey
Twitter: @DaileySuzanne
Tricia Foster
Twitter: @CBtmfoster
Ken Ehrmann
Twitter: @KenEhrmann
Rob Dunlop
Twitter: @robdunlopEDU
NEW BOOKS BY TOM:
"Concise Answers to FAQs about Assessment & Grading"
"Jackpot: Nurturing Student Investment through Assessment"
UPCOMING PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
Grading from the Inside Out (2-Day Workshop)
Minneapolis, MN (December 1-2, 2022)
Register Here
CONNECT WITH TOM SCHIMMER
Email: tomschimmerpod@gmail.com
Twitter: @TomSchimmerPod
Twitter: @TomSchimmer
Instagram: @tomschimmerpodcast
TikTok: @tomschimmerpodcast
Facebook: Schimmer Education
Website: www.tomschimmer.com

Oct 31, 2022 • 59min
Respectful Engagement | Dave Schmittou | AP Exam Format
In Don’t @ Me (1:50), Tom opens by contemplating the rules of "respectful" engagement when debating contentious issues. Then, Tom is joined by education author & speaker Dave Schmittou (8:55) for a conversation about his new book (co-authored with Katelyn Giordano) entitled, "Poking the Bear: A guide for engaging in the conversations that matter most." Finally, in Assessment Corner (54:52), Tom answers a listener's question about whether it is wise to purposefully utilize the AP Exam format in AP classroom assessment.
Dave on Twitter: @daveschmittou
Dave on Instagram: @daveschmittou
Dave on Facebook: Dave Schmittou
Dave on LinkedIn: Dave Schmittou
Dave's Website: www.schmittou.net
Dave's Book: Poking the Bear
NEW BOOKS BY TOM:
"Concise Answers to FAQs about Assessment & Grading"
"Jackpot: Nurturing Student Investment through Assessment"
UPCOMING PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
Grading from the Inside Out (2-Day Workshop)
Minneapolis, MN (December 1-2, 2022)
Register Here
Michigan Assessment Consortium
November 2, 2022 (1:00-3:30pm ET)
Register Here
CONNECT WITH TOM SCHIMMER
Email: tomschimmerpod@gmail.com
Twitter: @TomSchimmerPod
Twitter: @TomSchimmer
Instagram: @tomschimmerpodcast
TikTok: @tomschimmerpodcast
Facebook: Schimmer Education
Website: www.tomschimmer.com

Oct 24, 2022 • 1h 7min
Dear Society | Dawn Harris | Reassessing ’Big Rocks’
In Don’t @ Me (1:22), Tom opens with a Letter to Society regarding why so many teachers are leaving the profession. Then, Tom is joined by education author & teacher Dawn Harris (16:43) for a conversation about her book, "Plan like a PIRATE." Finally, in Assessment Corner (54:52), Tom answers a listener's question about reassessment.
Dawn on Twitter: @DHarrisEdS
Dawn on Instagram: @dharriseds
Dawn on Facebook: Dawn Harris
Dawn on LinkedIn: Dawn Harris
Dawn's Website: www.educationundone.com
Dawn's Wakelet: Dawn Harris
Dawn's Book: Plan like a PIRATE
NEW BOOKS BY TOM:
"Concise Answers to FAQs about Assessment & Grading"
"Jackpot: Nurturing Student Investment through Assessment"
UPCOMING PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
Grading from the Inside Out (2-Day Workshop)
Minneapolis, MN (December 1-2, 2022)
Register Here
Michigan Assessment Consortium
November 2, 2022 (1:00-3:30pm ET)
Register Here
CONNECT WITH TOM SCHIMMER
Email: tomschimmerpod@gmail.com
Twitter: @TomSchimmerPod
Twitter: @TomSchimmer
Instagram: @tomschimmerpodcast
TikTok: @tomschimmerpodcast
Facebook: Schimmer Education
Website: www.tomschimmer.com

Oct 17, 2022 • 1h 25min
Complainers | Joe Feldman | Rubrics 101
In Don’t @ Me (2:29), Tom complains about complainers who have turned complaining into a personality trait driven by ego. Then, Tom is joined by Joe Feldman (12:38) for a conversation about his book, "Grading for Equity." Finally, in Assessment Corner (1:01:35), Tom reviews some important aspects needed to develop high-quality rubrics.
Joe on Twitter: @JoeCFeldman
Facebook Group: Grading for Equity
Crescendo ED Website: www.crescendoedgroup.org
Grading for Equity Website: gradingforequity.org
NEW BOOKS BY TOM:
"Concise Answers to FAQs about Assessment & Grading"
"Jackpot: Nurturing Student Investment through Assessment"
UPCOMING PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
Grading from the Inside Out (2-Day Workshop)
Minneapolis, MN (December 1-2, 2022)
Register Here
Michigan Assessment Consortium
November 2, 2022 (1:00-3:30pm ET)
Register Here
CONNECT WITH TOM SCHIMMER
Email: tomschimmerpod@gmail.com
Twitter: @TomSchimmerPod
Twitter: @TomSchimmer
Instagram: @tomschimmerpodcast
TikTok: @tomschimmerpodcast
Facebook: Schimmer Education
Website: www.tomschimmer.com
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