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…
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…
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…
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…
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:…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
In Don’t @ Me (2:06), Tom addresses the current obsession with false dichotomies and asserts that one in education has to stop. Then, Tom is joined by Catlin Tucker (17:05), author, speaker, leader, and expert in Blended Learning to discuss the ways…
In Don’t @ Me (2:01), Tom tells the story of Father Phil and why he was responsible for Tom choosing education as a career. Then, Tom is joined by LaVonna Roth (16:26), Founder and Lead Presenter at IGNITE your S.H.I.N.E.™ for a discussion about…
In Don’t @ Me (1:50), Tom discusses how, by taking a balanced approach to issues or topics, people end up debating the extreme positions on both sides. Then, Tom is joined by Dr. Muhammad Khalifa (18:07) to discuss his book “Culturally Responsive…
In Don’t @ Me (2:37), Tom, as a counter to last week, identifies the most efficient and effective happiness booster. Then, Tom is joined by Dr. Lee Ann Jung (14:37) to discuss sound assessment practices within the Universal Design for Learning…
In Don’t @ Me (2:16), Tom identifies the most efficient and effective happiness killer. Then (15:11) hear how the first 24 guests have answered the question, “What’s your definition of success?” Finally, in Assessment Corner (37:02), Tom describes why…
In Don’t @ Me (1:24), Tom takes aim at the relentlessly outraged and details why we are all at risk of losing all perspective, resiliency, individuality, & common-sense. Then, Tom is joined by Dr. Matt Townsley (15:30) to discuss the implementation of…
In Don’t @ Me (2:45), Tom examines the question of why it’s so hard for us to be happy for others. Then, Tom is joined by Dr. Peter DeWitt (17:38) to discuss what it means to be an instructional leader. Finally, in Assessment Corner (1:19:07), Tom…
In Don’t @ Me (3:51), Tom outlines the challenges we face when deciding whether someone is defending themselves or being defensive. Then, Tom is joined by Alexa Schmid (16:42), Middle School Principal at the International School of Kenya, to discuss…
In Don’t @ Me (2:13), Tom highlights the psychological phenomenon of “introspection illusion” (via Dr. Emily Pronin) and talks about its impact on both our disagreements with colleagues and on student self-reflection. Then, Tom is joined by Natalie…
In this bonus episode, Tom is joined by Tom Guskey to discuss the recent decision by the Biden Administration to mandate that standardized tests proceed this spring. The conversation focuses on this acute decision and standardized tests in general….
In Don’t @ Me (2:05) Tom takes aim at those who (wrongly) use the terms like “EduSpeak” or “Buzzword” to refer to important, research-validated processes. Then, Tom is joined by Trevor MacKenzie (10:02) to discuss inquiry-based learning and how to…
In Don’t @ Me (1:34) Tom shares his thoughts on why (now more than ever) people use labels to undercut the credibility of those with whom they disagree. Then, Tom is joined by Starr Sackstein (10:48) to discuss her assessment journey and her quest to…
In Don’t @ Me (6:18) Tom examines the strange relationship some educators have with research and suggests that our experience be used to add the nuances of implementation. Then, Tom is joined by Jay McTighe (15:15) to discuss “Designing Authentic…
In Don’t @ Me (2:50) Tom explains why he’s done talking about the “COVID learning loss” and why rich, engaging opportunities now are all students need going forward; that “catching-up” is a manufactured narrative. Then Tom is joined by Shauna Brown…
In Don’t @ Me (1:58) Tom explores the psychological motives behind why some people believe strongly in conspiracy theories and potentially how to support those who realize the theories were wrong. Then, in the interview (14:08), Tom is joined by…
In Don’t @ Me (2:48) Tom asserts that now is the time for teachers to reclaim their professional judgment; however, to do so, he also asserts that teachers must be prepared for the responsibilities that come with it. Then, in the interview (15:14),…
In Don’t @ Me (2:35), in the wake of the events in Washington, DC on January 6, Tom makes the case for why we need to rehumanize our human connections. Then, in the interview (15:42), Tom is joined by Canadian author, speaker, and consultant Tom…
In Don’t @ Me (4:28), Tom celebrates educators and their incredible work over the first half of this school year. Then, in a solo segment (15:42), Tom highlights five leadership lessons he has learned through his personal experience as a school-based…
In Don’t @ Me (4:48), Tom explores the feeling of gratitude and how it can actually impact you and your brain; he also expresses his gratitude for you, the listening audience. In the Interview (15:19), Tom is joined by Erik Francis to discuss what…
In Don’t @ Me (4:09), Tom takes aim at the prevalence of hyperbole, especially on social media, and why it actually weakens one’s argument. In the Interview (16:47), Tom is joined by his close friend and colleague Cassandra Erkens to discuss how…
In Don’t @ Me (3:32), Tom makes the case for why educators need to push themselves with trying new strategies and practices, and why getting it wrong is a positive. In The Interview (13:29), Tom is joined by Tara Barton, Founder and Director of Serve…
In Don’t @ Me (4:29) Tom asserts that leaders must find their charisma, develop their charisma, so they can lead with their charisma. Then, Tom is joined by Bill Ferriter (18:18), a middle school science teacher from North Carolina, to discuss…
In Don’t @Me (4:58) Tom explores the single biggest challenge people face when they need to gain buy-in for a good idea. Then, Tom is joined by Katie Martin (16:54) to discuss her book “Learner-Centered Innovation” and what it means to empower…
In Don’t @ Me (3:48), Tom wonders aloud about what has happened to the debate of ideas and why all debate seems to get so personal so quickly. Then, Tom is joined by Canadian assessment author, speaker, and consultant Katie White (18:04) where they…
In Don’t @ Me (3:29), Tom takes aim at the curriculum reform efforts in the province of Alberta. Then, Tom is joined by Josh Ogilvie (12:49), PHE Department Head at Burnaby South Secondary School to discuss PHE during the pandemic as well as the…
In Don’t @ Me (2:41), Tom discusses why parents have the right to be heard. Then, Tom is joined by Tim Stuart (14:40), Head of School at the International Community School in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to discuss Covid-19, International Teaching, and…
In Don’t @ Me (2:31), Tom discusses why details matter when it comes to proposing new and/or progressive ideas for educational change. Then Tom is joined by Aniya Bailey, Teontay Bryson, and Nathan Genene (15:38), three students from Thrive Ed. to…
In Don’t @ Me (1:49), Tom asserts that now is the time for authentic, grounded optimism rather than toxic positivity; that tending to people’s emotional well-being is what’s needed. Then Tom is joined by Nicole Dimich (14:15), Executive Director of…
In Don’t @ Me, Tom asserts that building our assessment literacy is the most efficient and effective professional investment any teacher can make. Then Tom is joined by Anthony Muhammad (12:50) for part two of their discussion about racial equity,…
In Don’t @ Me (2:05), Tom talks about why it’s time to retire the expression “Wait until they get into the Real World.” Tom is then joined by best-selling author Dr. Anthony Muhammad (15:32) for part 1 of their discussion about the racial equity work…
In Don’t @ Me (1:45), Tom talks about why it’s important to find our back-to-school balance. Tom is then joined by Dr. Tom Guskey for The Interview (11:45) to discuss the legacy of Benjamin Bloom and the necessary assessment and grading mindsets for a…
In this Bonus Episode, Tom has five announcements ahead of Episode 1: The Podcast has a new Twitter account @TomSchimmerPod (1:01); Details and requests for “The Interview” (1:57) and “Assessment Corner” (3:36); A Book Giveaway contest that will…
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…