
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

Mar 21, 2022 • 1h 3min
Beware of the Curious | Rosa Perez-Isiah | Assessment Mantra
In Don't @ Me (1:55), Tom opens with a warning to beware of the "just curious." Then, Tom is joined by Rosa Perez-Isiah (9:25) to discuss what it means to create a school culture of equity and access. Finally, in Assessment Corner (51:24), Tom highlights an assessment mantra that brings assessment into balance in any classroom.
.
Rosa on Twitter: @Rosaisiah
Rosa on Instagram: @rosaperezisiah
Rosa on LinkedIn: Rosa Perez-Isiah
Rosa's Website: www.rosaisiah.com
Grading from the Inside Out Workshop
Virtual (Apr. 5 & 12)
https://tinyurl.com/mpz947rm
Des Moines, IA (Mar. 28-29)
https://tinyurl.com/2mfj5bhj
San Antonio, TX (Apr. 25-26)
https://tinyurl.com/4svcwkz6
Standards-Based Learning in Action Workshop
San Antonio, TX (Apr. 27-28)
https://tinyurl.com/yvxmvphe
Email: tomschimmerpod@gmail.com
Twitter: @TomSchimmerPod
Twitter: @TomSchimmer
Instagram: tomschimmerpodcast
TikTok: @tomschimmerpodcast
Facebook: Schimmer Education
Website: www.tomschimmer.com

Mar 14, 2022 • 1h 11min
Relationship with Research | Ken Williams | Unnecessary Overkill
In Don't @ Me (2:35), Tom opens by sharing an observation about our convenient relationship with research. Then, Tom is joined by Ken Williams (14:32) to discuss his forthcoming book "Ruthless Equity." Finally, in Assessment Corner (1:03:21), Tom discusses what he believes is an unnecessary overkill when it comes to assessment methods.
.
Ken on Twitter: @unfoldthesoul
Ken on Instagram: @unfoldthesoul
Ken on Facebook: Unfold The Soul
Ken on LinkedIn: Kenneth C. Williams
Ken on YouTube: Unfold The Soul
Ken's Website: www.unfoldthesoul.com
Grading from the Inside Out Workshop
Virtual (Apr. 5 & 12)
https://tinyurl.com/mpz947rm
Des Moines, IA (Mar. 28-29)
https://tinyurl.com/2mfj5bhj
San Antonio, TX (Apr. 25-26)
https://tinyurl.com/4svcwkz6
Standards-Based Learning in Action Workshop
San Antonio, TX (Apr. 27-28)
https://tinyurl.com/yvxmvphe
Email: tomschimmerpod@gmail.com
Twitter: @TomSchimmerPod
Twitter: @TomSchimmer
Instagram: tomschimmerpodcast
TikTok: @tomschimmerpodcast
Facebook: Schimmer Education
Website: www.tomschimmer.com

Mar 7, 2022 • 57min
Do Something | Sascha Heckmann | Art of Corrections
In Don't @ Me (2:04), Tom opens by sharing a personal mantra he uses when the to-do list is piling up and the workload is relentless. Then, Tom is joined by Sascha Heckmann (10:25) who is the Assistant Superintendent for Innovation & Learning at the American School Foundation of Monterrey, Mexico. Finally, in Assessment Corner (45:38), Tom discusses the art of corrections and how we can provide feedback & guidance but still accurately assess students independently.
.
Sascha on Twitter:@sascha_heckmann
Sascha on Facebook: Amplifying Agency
Sascha Website: www.8degreesup.com
Grading from the Inside Out Workshop
Virtual (Apr. 5 & 12)
https://tinyurl.com/mpz947rm
Des Moines, IA (Mar. 28-29)
https://tinyurl.com/2mfj5bhj
San Antonio, TX (Apr. 25-26)
https://tinyurl.com/4svcwkz6
Standards-Based Learning in Action Workshop
San Antonio, TX (Apr. 27-28)
https://tinyurl.com/yvxmvphe
Email: tomschimmerpod@gmail.com
Twitter: @TomSchimmerPod
Twitter: @TomSchimmer
Instagram: tomschimmerpodcast
TikTok: @tomschimmerpodcast
Facebook: Schimmer Education
Website: www.tomschimmer.com

Feb 28, 2022 • 1h 9min
Funny about Money | Tim Cavey | High School GPA
In Don't @ Me (2:36), Tom opens with an observation about how people have a funny relationship with money. Then, Tom is joined by MS Assistant Principal and the host of the Teachers on Fire podcast, Tim Cavey (13:50) for a conversation about an array of educational topics. Finally, in Assessment Corner (49:08), Tom answers a listener question about High School GPA, credit & grade determination.
.
Tim on Twitter: @TeachersOnFire
Tim on Instagram: @teachersonfire
Tim on Facebook: Teachers on Fire
Tim on LinkedIn: Teachers on Fire
Tim on YouTube: Teachers on Fire
Grading from the Inside Out Workshop
Virtual (Apr. 5 & 12)
https://tinyurl.com/mpz947rm
Des Moines, IA (Mar. 28-29)
https://tinyurl.com/2mfj5bhj
San Antonio, TX (Apr. 25-26)
https://tinyurl.com/4svcwkz6
Standards-Based Learning in Action Workshop
San Antonio, TX (Apr. 27-28)
https://tinyurl.com/yvxmvphe
Email: tomschimmerpod@gmail.com
Twitter: @TomSchimmerPod
Twitter: @TomSchimmer
Instagram: tomschimmerpodcast
TikTok: @tomschimmerpodcast
Facebook: Schimmer Education
Website: www.tomschimmer.com

Feb 21, 2022 • 1h 8min
Advocate Honestly | Tom Murray | Trauma-Informed Assessment (2)
In Don't @ Me (2:09), Tom calls on all educators to advocate their positions honestly, rather than resorting to creating caricatures on the other side of a debate. Then, Tom is joined by Dr. Thomas Murrary (9:33) for a conversation about what means for students to be "future-ready." Finally, in Assessment Corner (57:05), Tom (in part 3 of 3) shares his thoughts on which assessment & grading practices are trauma-informed, as they serve to create an atmosphere of calm rather than fear.
.
Tom Murray on Twitter: @thomascmurray
Tom Murray on Instagram: @thomascmurrayedu
Tom Murray on Facebook: @thomascmurrayedu
Tom Murray on LinkedIn: @thomascmurray
Tom Murray on YouTube: Thomas C. Murray
Tom Murray Website: www.thomascmurray.com
Grading from the Inside Out Workshop
Virtual (Apr. 5 & 12)
https://tinyurl.com/mpz947rm
Des Moines, IA (Mar. 28-29)
https://tinyurl.com/2mfj5bhj
San Antonio, TX (Apr. 25-26)
https://tinyurl.com/4svcwkz6
Standards-Based Learning in Action Workshop
San Antonio, TX (Apr. 27-28)
https://tinyurl.com/yvxmvphe
Email: tomschimmerpod@gmail.com
Twitter: @TomSchimmerPod
Twitter: @TomSchimmer
Instagram: tomschimmerpodcast
TikTok: @tomschimmerpodcast
Facebook: Schimmer Education
Website: www.tomschimmer.com

Feb 14, 2022 • 1h 2min
Leave Wordle Alone | Allison Dillard | Trauma-Informed Assessment
In Don't @ Me (2:25), Tom expresses his concern that we - educators and society as a whole - are on the verge of ruining "Wordle," the online viral trend of 2022 so far. Then, Tom is joined by adjunct professor and podcast host Allison Dillard (10:09) for a conversation about MAth instruction. Finally, in Assessment Corner (46:41), Tom (in part 2 of 3) shares his thoughts on why being trauma-informed with our assessment practices is needed.
.
Allison on Twitter: @AllisonLuvsMath
Allison on Instagram: @AllisonLovesMath
Allison on Facebook: Allison Loves Math
Allison Loves Math Website: www.allisonlovesmath.com
Allison Loves Math Podcast:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Grading from the Inside Out Workshop
Virtual (Apr. 5 & 12)
https://tinyurl.com/mpz947rm
Des Moines, IA (Mar. 28-29)
https://tinyurl.com/2mfj5bhj
San Antonio, TX (Apr. 25-26)
https://tinyurl.com/4svcwkz6
Standards-Based Learning in Action Workshop
San Antonio, TX (Apr. 27-28)
https://tinyurl.com/yvxmvphe
Email the Podcast: tomschimmerpod@gmail.com
Twitter: @TomSchimmerPod
Twitter: @TomSchimmer
Instagram: tomschimmerpodcast
TikTok: @tomschimmerpodcast
Facebook: Schimmer Education
Website: www.tomschimmer.com

Feb 7, 2022 • 51min
Generation Wrong? | Defining Success | Emotional Side of Assessment
In Don't @ Me (2:51), Tom opens with a question about why society defers to the younger generations to set societal norms and whether they ever get it wrong. Then, the podcast circles back (17:01) to previous guests and how they each defined success. Finally, in Assessment Corner (37:13), Tom begins a three-part exploration or think aloud about trauma-informed assessment practices; part one this week focuses is on the emotional side of assessment.
Grading from the Inside Out Workshop
Virtual (Apr. 5 & 12)
https://tinyurl.com/mpz947rm
Des Moines, IA (Mar. 28-29)
https://tinyurl.com/2mfj5bhj
San Antonio, TX (Apr. 25-26)
https://tinyurl.com/4svcwkz6
Standards-Based Learning in Action Workshop
San Antonio, TX (Apr. 27-28)
https://tinyurl.com/yvxmvphe
Email the Podcast: tomschimmerpod@gmail.com
Twitter: @TomSchimmerPod
Twitter: @TomSchimmer
Instagram: tomschimmerpodcast
TikTok: @tomschimmerpodcast
Facebook: Schimmer Education
Website: www.tomschimmer.com

Jan 31, 2022 • 1h 15min
Ruining Words | Susan Brookhart | Trust the Process
In Don't @ Me (2:05), Tom opens with a warning about how overusing words will ruin them and weaken their impact. Then, Tom is joined by renowned researcher, Susan Brookhart (10:48) for a conversation about a breadth of assessment and grading topics. Finally, in Assessment Corner (1:02:27), Tom shares some experiences he's had in supporting schools and districts in their efforts to transform their assessment and grading cultures and why you, especially if you are part of leading this effort, need to trust the process.
.
Susan on Twitter: @SusanBrookhart
Susan on LinkedIn: Susan Brookhart
Susan's Website: www.susanbrookhart.com
Grading from the Inside Out Workshop
Virtual (Apr. 5 & 12)
https://tinyurl.com/mpz947rm
Des Moines, IA (Mar. 28-29)
https://tinyurl.com/2mfj5bhj
San Antonio, TX (Apr. 25-26)
https://tinyurl.com/4svcwkz6
Standards-Based Learning in Action Workshop
San Antonio, TX (Apr. 27-28)
https://tinyurl.com/yvxmvphe
Email the Podcast: tomschimmerpod@gmail.com
Twitter: @TomSchimmerPod
Twitter: @TomSchimmer
Instagram: tomschimmerpodcast
TikTok: @tomschimmerpodcast
Facebook: Schimmer Education
Website: www.tomschimmer.com

Jan 24, 2022 • 1h 6min
Why Not You? | Heather Lyon | Instructional Efficiency
In Don't @ Me (2:50), Tom opens this week with a simple question that can shift your mindset away from self-doubt. Then, Tom is joined by educator and author, Heather Lyon (13:15) for a conversation about student engagement. Finally, in Assessment Corner (57:30), Tom revisits an important residual effect of formative assessment and that is becoming more instructional efficient.
Heather on Twitter: @LyonsLetters
Heather on Instagram: @cl@lyonsletters
Grading from the Inside Out Workshop
Virtual (Apr. 5 & 12)
https://tinyurl.com/mpz947rm
Des Moines, IA (Mar. 28-29)
https://tinyurl.com/2mfj5bhj
San Antonio, TX (Apr. 25-26)
https://tinyurl.com/4svcwkz6
Standards-Based Learning in Action Workshop
San Antonio, TX (Apr. 27-28)
https://tinyurl.com/yvxmvphe
Email the Podcast: tomschimmerpod@gmail.com
Twitter: @TomSchimmerPod
Twitter: @TomSchimmer
Instagram: tomschimmerpodcast
TikTok: @tomschimmerpodcast
Facebook: Schimmer Education
Website: www.tomschimmer.com

Jan 17, 2022 • 1h 5min
Enough with the Fluff | Monica Burns | Would You Accept It?
In Don't @ Me (1:52), Tom opens this week with a rant about how he's had enough with the educational fluff that seems to be more prominent than ever. Then, Tom is joined by educator, author, and EdTech expert Dr. Monica Burns (12:10) for a conversation about how to effectively and efficiently infuse technology into our classroom practices. Finally, in Assessment Corner (51:48), Tom highlights one simple question you can use to audit your assessment practices and know whether or not it’s something you should continue to utilize.
Monica on Twitter: @ClassTechTips
Monica on Instagram: @classtechtips
Monica on Linkedin: Monica Burns
Monica on Pinterest: Class Tech Tips
Email the Podcast: tomschimmerpod@gmail.com
Twitter: @TomSchimmerPod
Twitter: @TomSchimmer
Instagram: tomschimmerpodcast
TikTok: @tomschimmerpodcast
Facebook: Schimmer Education
Website: www.tomschimmer.com
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.