The Tom Schimmer Podcast

In Don't @ Me (2:17), Tom opens this week by sharing his #OneWord for 2022. Then, Tom is joined by educator and author Andrew Maxey (11:52) for a conversation centered on his newly released book, "Elephant in the Classroom: Tracing the Complexity of Teaching by Exploring 13 Competencies and Practices."   Finally, in Assessment Corner (58:47), Tom addresses what he sees as an overcorrection in the...

In Don't @ Me (1:52), Tom opens with a recent experience that reminded him that even the smallest connections can make the biggest difference. Then, Tom is joined by George Sugai (12:24) in part two of their conversation about PBIS; they specifically talk about positive reinforcement & the critical role of Tier 2 interventions.  Finally, in Assessment Corner (1:08:11), Tom focuses on every educato...

In Don't @ Me (2:11), Tom opens by recounting his work with George Sugai in the early 2000s and describes why George is on his Mount Rushmore of career influencers. Then, Tom is joined by George Sugai (14:04) in part one of their conversation about the origins of the OSEP Center for Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports.  Finally, in Assessment Corner (1:04:28), Tom focuses on the importanc...

In Don't @ Me (2:11), Tom opens this week by talking about what career he would have chosen had he not gone into education. Then, Tom is joined by author and podcast host Hedreich Nichols (14:14) for a conversation about the anti-racism work and what it means to be a culturally responsive educator.  Finally, in Assessment Corner (1:02:55), Tom deconstructs six myths of summative assessment and wha...

In Don't @ Me (3:50), Tom opens this week by questioning why we've collectively become so brazen and disrespectful towards others. Then, Tom is joined by friend and colleague Brian Butler (16:03) for a conversation about why gifted education should be the floor for all learners if we are to achieve true equity in our schools.  Finally, in Assessment Corner (1:00:35), Tom talks about common assessm...

In Don't @ Me (2:41), Tom opens this week with some thoughts about reaching milestones as the podcast hits its 50th episode. Then, Tom is joined by friend, colleague, and co-author Garnet Hillman (12:30) for a conversation about assessment and grading.  Finally, in Assessment Corner (47:36), Tom focuses on engineering classroom conversations as a way to elicit formative assessment evidence.   Garn...

In Don't @ Me (3:48), Tom opens this week with a reminder that educators have more influence and control over the machinery of student achievement than some might think. Then, Tom is joined by teacher and podcast co-host Pav Wander (17:43) for a conversation about teacher-voice.  Finally, in Assessment Corner (1:00:30), Tom focuses on the importance of acceptable alternatives in assessment and gra...

In Don't @ Me (6:22), Tom takes aim at the (intentional or otherwise) divisiveness that seems to be emerging within the education profession, especially on social media. Then, Tom is joined by Doug Reeves (15:38) part two of their conversation; this week centers on leadership and implementation of change. Finally, in Assessment Corner (39:05), Tom highlights the importance of relevance in assessme...

In Don't @ Me (2:16), Tom opens with an assertion that risk-taking itself can and should be the reward (as opposed to playing the results and deciding in retrospect). Then, Tom is joined by Doug Reeves (12:47) in part one of their two-part conversation; this week centers on how creativity and innovation can become more of a driving force in a 21st century, K-12 education. Finally, in Assessment Co...

In Don't @ Me (1:42), Tom opens with a personal story that illustrates how the fear of regret can be a driver of success in our lives. Then, Tom is joined by Tina Boogren (19:08) to discuss the importance of self-care for educators and why focusing on ourselves is not selfish, but necessary for us to be at our best for students. Finally, in Assessment Corner (51:33), Tom talks briefly about whethe...

In Don't @ Me (2:46), Tom opens with a quick story from last week about how the small things in life – even if they are manufactured – can make a big difference in how we are feeling. Then, Tom is joined by friend and colleague Luis Cruz (11:19) to explore what it means to fulfill society’s new, more modern definition of ALL, as in all-means-all. Finally, in Assessment Corner (58:48), Tom talks br...

In Don't @ Me (1:36), Tom opens with a rant about student accountability and how so many, on a daily basis, disprove the theories they assert. Then, Tom is joined by LCPC, psychotherapist, and author Phyllis Fagell (12:57) for a discussion about the teacher-family dynamic and the uniqueness of middle-level learners. Finally, in Assessment Corner (45:07), Tom addresses a particular mindset around a...

In Don't @ Me (1:54), Tom opens with an assertion that educators should seek "second opinions" about the degree to which students have met learning goals. Then, Tom is joined by author, speaker, and expert Dr. Cathy Vatterott (15:23) for a discussion about homework and the larger issue of student stress and anxiety. Finally, in Assessment Corner (52:59), Tom focuses on peer assessment and the many...

In Don't @ Me (1:48), Tom shares a daily habit that has contributed to both his personal and professional success. Then, Tom is joined by author, speaker, and expert Rachel Carrillo Fairchild (10:29) for a discussion on how we effectively and efficiently support Multilingual Learners. Finally, in Assessment Corner (56:36), Tom focuses on why we should not include point-fives (.5) in our grading sc...

In Don't @ Me (2:58), Tom wonders if we (as a society) have become too serious and makes the distinction between taking things seriously and taking ourselves too seriously. Then, Tom is joined by Greg Wolcott (10:54), author of SIGNIFICANT 72: UNLEASHING THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS IN TODAY’S SCHOOLS to discuss the critical role student-teacher relationships play in both the academic and social suc...

The 2021 Summer Series continues with a roundtable discussion on Trauma-Informed Education. Joining Tom for this discussion are Jill Reedy, Joshua Stamper, & John Eller.   Jill Reedy is currently Assistant Regional Superintendent for the Macon/Piatt Regional Office of Education #39 located in Decatur, IL (24 yrs in education). She is a former elementary and middle school teacher and principal, as...

The 2021 Summer Series continues with a roundtable discussion on Wome in Leadership. Joining Tom for this discussion are Zandra Jo Galván, Anisa Baker-Busby, & Brittany Rincón   Zandra Jo Galvan has been serving as Superintendent of the Greenfield Union School District since August 10, 2017. Zandra has worked in public education for the past 28 years. Prior to joining GUSD, she served as the Assis...

The 2021 Summer Series continues with a roundtable discussion on Standards-Based Grading. Joining Tom for this discussion are TElaine Klauer, Megan Knight, & Katelynn Giordano   Elaine Klauer is the Director of Academics and Instructional Programs at San Benito High School in Hollister, CA. She works closely with secondary teachers on teaching, learning, grading, and assessment; specifically on em...

The 2021 Summer Series continues with a roundtable discussion on Social-Emotional Learning. Joining Tom for this discussion are Tre' Gammage, Jessica Hannigan, & John Hannigan.   Tre' Gammage is a Dean of Students & SEL Consultant from South Carolina. Tre’ has always had a passion for helping others. With a vast background in speaking, podcasting, and consulting, Tre’ was once told “when you see s...

The 2021 Summer Series opens with a roundtable discussion on Universal Design for Learning. Joining Tom for this discussion are Fatima Sammy, Jackie Duncan, & Alisha Poling.   Fatima Sammy (M.Ed, MPH) is the 8th-grade science teacher and teacher leader at the Putnam Avenue Upper School in Cambridge, MA. Her teaching focuses on instructional practices and routines that enable students to develop in...

In Don't @ Me (3:34), Tom discusses a few highlights from the book, "Calling Bullshit" and how they remind him of some important principles in education. Then, Tom is joined by Ken O'Connor (16:00) to discuss his journey from Melbourne to Toronto, to talk assessment & grading (of course), and to learn about his illustrious Field Hockey umpiring career!. Finally, in Assessment Corner (1:11:21), Tom...

In Don't @ Me (1:56), Tom explores the lessons about creativity he learned from the television show, Songland. Then, Tom is joined by Mandy Stalets (15:20) to discuss teaching during the pandemic, math instruction & assessment, as well as her forthcoming book. Finally, in Assessment Corner (1:04:48), Tom focuses on a critical end-of-year question that so many teachers face and how to refocus ourse...

In Don't @ Me (2:11), Tom discusses why public proclamations of humility are really an attempt to cover up a hidden superiority complex. Then, Tom is joined by Jennifer Abrams (13:15) to discuss how we prepare for (and follow through on) difficult conversations. Finally, in Assessment Corner (1:04:48), Tom explores the research on quality constructed-response items and offers some suggestions spec...

In Don't @ Me (1:18), Tom explores the societal contradiction that emerges when we finish the expression, "With Ages Comes Wisdom." Then, Tom is joined by Dr. Yvette Jackson (13:55), author of Pedagogy of Confidence to discuss the equity issue surrounding Special Education and Gifted programs. Finally, in Assessment Corner (1:32:14), Tom discusses the formative role of non-verbal cues in making in...

In Don't @ Me (1:58), Tom expresses his appreciation to all teachers who have, over the past 12-14 months, done heroic work in supporting learners through these unprecedented times. Then, Tom is joined by Natalie Vardabasso (12:57), Assessment Instructional Design Lead at Calgary Academy and host of the EduCrush Podcast. Finally, in Assessment Corner (58:35), Tom discusses the importance of knowin...