Assess THAT with Tom & Nat! (Assessment, Feedback, Grading, and Learning)
Tom Schimmer
100 episodes
5 days ago
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.
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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.
16 - First Impressions, Lasting Impact: Designing Your Assessment Culture from Day One
Assess THAT with Tom & Nat! (Assessment, Feedback, Grading, and Learning)
35 minutes 31 seconds
3 months ago
16 - First Impressions, Lasting Impact: Designing Your Assessment Culture from Day One
In this back-to-school episode, Tom and Nat dive into the often-overlooked reality that your first assessments and grading decisions send powerful messages to students that can shape the classroom culture for the entire year.
They unpack how early assessment choices communicate your values, influence student confidence, and either build or erode trust. From designing low-stakes, feedback-rich tasks to avoiding common grading traps, you’ll discover practical ways to set a learning-focused tone from day one. Whether you’re a new teacher or a seasoned pro, this episode will help you start the year with clarity, intention, and an assessment culture that inspires growth.
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING EVENTS
September 22-23 (Tom) Grading from the Inside Out
Atlanta, GA
October 22-23 (Tom) Grading from the Inside Out
San Diego, CA
October 23-24 (Natalie) Grading from the Inside Out
Spokane, WA
December 2-3, 2025 (Tom) Standards-Based Learning in Action
San Diego, CA
NEW BOOK FROM TOM & NAT
Rehumanizing Assessment
Unleash YES
Unleash YES Instagram
CONNECT WITH TOM & NATALIE
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Tom on X
Natalie on X
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Natalie on IG
Email: assessthat24@gmail.com
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.
