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. Th...
Latest episodes
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39 min
EP7: The Grading Trap!
In this episode, Tom and Natalie discuss the "Grading Trap," which inadvertently occurs when traditional grading practices - things like zeros for missing work, late penalties, and…
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34 min
EP6: Three Quick Assessment Wins
In this episode, Tom and Natalie discuss three quick assessment wins. Each "win" falls within a specific aspect of assessment. Formative: Engineer conversationsSummative: Reorganiz…
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51 min
EP5: The Anatomy of a Good Rubric
In this episode, Tom and Natalie discuss what makes a good rubric. They discuss the art and science of rubrics and what constitutes a high-quality rubric. They also discuss the dif…
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44 min
EP4: Are Common Assessments Worth It?
In this episode, Tom and Natalie ask, "Are Common Assessments Worth It?" Spoiler alert: they are, as long as certain fundamentals and conditions are adhered to. In particular, when…
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41 min
EP3: Feedback - Simple & Complex
In this episode, Tom and Natalie explore the topic of feedback. They discuss it as both simple and complex. It's simple because there is unanimous agreement in academia about the r…
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45 min
EP2: Quieting the Grading Noise
In this episode of Assess THAT, Tom and Nat discuss how educators can quiet the grading noise. Whether it be the traditional graders on one side or the undgraders on the other, man…
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34 min
EP1: Five Reasons we're still "doing" Assessment
In this first episode of Assess THAT, Tom & Nat discuss the five reasons assessment must still be an essential part of every educator's professional learning plan. UPCOMING PROFESS…
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7 min
TRAILER - Introducing Assess THAT with Tom & Nat (Assessment, Grading,
Introducing Assess THAT with Tom & Nat! Tom Schimmer and Natalie Vardabasso will be your go-to podcast for everything assessment. From formative assessment to feedback to grading,…
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49 min
[TSP Classic] Ken Williams (March 2022)
MARCH 2022: Tom was joined by Ken Williams, author of Ruthless Equity and Starting a Movement Ken on X: @unfoldthesoulKen on Instagram: @unfoldthesoulKen on Facebook: Unfold The So…
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1 h 19
[TSP Classic] John Hattie (October 2022)
OCTOBER 2022: Tom was joined by Dr. John Hattie for a conversation about his Visible Learning research. Visible Learning Website: www.visible-learning.orgHattie Foundation Website:…
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1 h 18
[TSP Classic] Yvette Jackson (May 2021)
MAY 2021: Tom was joined by Dr. Yvette Jackson, author of Pedagogy of Confidence, to discuss the equity issue surrounding Special Education and Gifted programs. Yvette Jackson does…
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3 min
INTRODUCING: UYES Podcast with Tom Schimmer & Natalie Vardabasso
Are you feeling stifled in your job? Have you gone from being celebrated to being the problem? Are you ready to become your boss and finally live the life you were always meant for…
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50 min
[TSP Classic] Zaretta Hammond: Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain
JUNE 2022: Tom was joined by author Zaretta Hammond to discuss her 2015 book, "Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain." Zaretta on X: @Ready4rigorZaretta on Instagram: @crtan…
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57 min
I'm Back | Paula Maeker | UYES!
In this episode, Tom shares where he has been and why it has been six months since his last episode. Then (4:54) Tom is joined by his good friend and colleague Paula Maeker to disc…
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1 h 08
Elevate Your Moments | Ashley Aoki | Assessment Pressure
In the Mindset Moment (2:44), Tom talks about why it is essential to elevate your moments. Elevating the little things will make your life feel elevated. Then (8:00) Tom is joined…
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53 min
BONUS: Assessment, Change, & Mindset through Story (w/ Natalie Vardabasso)
In this bonus crossover episode, Tom is joined by co-author Natalie Vardabasso to discuss their upcoming book "Rehumanizing Assessment through Story." This led to further conversat…
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57 min
Why Not Me? | Jon Orr | Implementation Errors
In the Mindset Minute (1:58), Tom shares the mantra "Why not me?" as one way of trying to combat imposter syndrome. Then (5:50) Tom is joined by Math expert and podcast host Jon Or…
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59 min
Allow the Negative | Alex Kajitani | Assessment Dilemma
In the Mindset Minute (1:53), Tom shares his thoughts on why we must allow our negative thoughts to flow through us. Then (6:18) Tom is joined by author, speaker, and trapping Math…
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27 min
Act Toward | Discipline as Noun | Judge Holistically
Mindset Minute (2:11) focuses on why we need to "act toward" what we want. Then (5:35), Tom describes how his view of school discipline evolved to one where "discipline" is somethi…
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28 min
Act as If | Relationships through Learning | Levels to %
Mindset Minute (2:23) focuses on the concept of "act as if" where we create present emotions that match how we want to feel when what we want manifests. Then (7:24), Tom asserts th…