Episodes
Jan. 15, 2024
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 by teacher and former student Ashley Aoki to…
Dec. 11, 2023
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 conversations about the power of stories:
Assessment…
Oct. 9, 2023
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 Orr to discuss the state of the Math Wars and …
Sept. 25, 2023
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 Mathematician Alex Kajitani to discuss his lates…
Sept. 11, 2023
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 something we help students become, not what we do t…
Aug. 28, 2023
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 that building relationships with students come…
Aug. 7, 2023
Spot Upfront | Cale Birk | Know Your Purpose
In the Mindset Minute (2:13), Tom shares a mantra that he's used to create a mindset that everything always works out for him. Then (6:06) Tom is joined by author, speaker, and friend Cale Birk to talk about why leaders need…
July 24, 2023
Biology of Belief | Nikta Afonso | Time to Pushback
In the Mindset Minute (2:36) Tom highlights the book, “The Biology of Belief” by Dr. Bruce Lipton. It is one of the most influential books in terms of Tom’s mindset and outlook on life. Then (8:36) Tom is joined by singer, s…
July 10, 2023
Mindset Minute | Julie Schmidt Hasson | Now is the Time
In the Mindset Minute (2:22) - a new segment - Tom asserts that the power of positive thinking is as much about the present as it is about the future. Then (6:35) Tom is joined by educator and author Julie Schmidt Hasson to …
June 7, 2023
BONUS: New BC Reporting Order
In this bonus episode, Tom offers his perspective on the New Reporting Order in British Columbia set to be implemented in the 2023-24 school year. In PART 1, Tom highlights the backstory and development (and poor messaging) …
May 22, 2023
Reset on Failure | Dylan Wiliam (Pt. 2) | Fake Grading War
In Don’t @ Me (2:31), Tom opens with an assertion that it's time for a collective societal reset on what it means to fail. Then (12:24) Tom is once again joined by Dylan Wiliam for part 2 of a conversation about classroom as…
May 8, 2023
Exceptions Prove the Rule | Dylan Wiliam | Cumulative Effect
In Don’t @ Me (3:56), Tom opens by explaining why the exceptions prove the rule rather than discredit it. Then (10:57) Tom is joined by Dylan Wiliam for part 1 (of 2) of a conversation about classroom assessment. Finally, in…
April 24, 2023
Can vs Should | Shaunak Roy | Redefining Student Accountability (2)
In Don’t @ Me (1:45), Tom opens by contrasting the difference between what we can do and what we should do in education, especially with ChatGPT. Then (8:43) Tom is joined by Shaunak Roy, founder of Yellowdig, a community-d…
April 10, 2023
Less is More | Eric Sheninger | Redefining Student Accountability
In Don’t @ Me (2:11), Tom opens by reminding listeners that when it comes to making an argument in favour of something, or when you are trying to convince others to change to a more favourable practice, less is more! Then (9…
March 27, 2023
Thank you! | Ron Ritchhart | Idea Cults in Assessment
In Don’t @ Me (2:19), Tom celebrates episode 100 with a thank you to listeners. Then (7:50) Tom is joined by researcher and author Dr. Ron Ritchhart to discuss how we develop cultures of thinking in our classrooms. Finally, …
March 13, 2023
ChatGPT in Education | Jessica Vance | ChatGPT & Assessment
In Don’t @ Me (2:17), Tom discusses the pros & cons of ChatGPT in K-12 education. Then (8:23) Tom is joined by author Jessica Vance to discuss her book, "Leading with a Lens of Inquiry." Finally, in Assessment Corner (43:16)…
Feb. 27, 2023
Last Thing You Said | Shelley Moore | Portfolios
In Don’t @ Me (2:37), Tom asked listeners to consider the question, "what's the last thing you said to yourself about yourself?" Then (10:11) Tom is joined by author and speaker, Shelley Moore to discuss the important aspect…
Feb. 13, 2023
Impact Update | Rob Dunlop | Overrater Explains
In Don’t @ Me (2:31), Tom provides an "impact" update, an update on how his #OneWord challenge is going so far. Then (9:20) Tom is joined by author Rob Dunlop to discuss his latest book, "Strive for Happiness in Education." …
Jan. 30, 2023
Cost of NOT Changing | Tim Stephenson | Next Generation Assessment
In Don’t @ Me (2:56), Tom discusses why, when considering any change, it's important to consider the cost of NOT changing as well. Then (8:53) Tom is joined by science teacher and podcast host Tim Stephenson to discuss the e…
Jan. 16, 2023
One Word Failure | Jan Chappuis | Anything but Arbitrary
In Don’t @ Me (2:46), Tom discusses how his One Word for 2022 was an epic failure and how he's going to give itone more shot. Then (7:35) Tom is joined by mentor, author, and consultant Jan Chappuis to discuss the evolution …
Dec. 29, 2022
BONUS: Teach Better ’22 (Part 2)
In this bonus episode, Tom shares some highlights of the Teach Better '22 conference by interviewing presenters and participants while on Podcast Row. Today's Episode features:
Megan Balduf
Twitter: @MBalduf
Kevin Butler…
Dec. 12, 2022
No Holiday Trophy | Top 5 Holiday Movies | Empowerment Ecosystem
In Don’t @ Me (2:32), Tom reminds listeners that there is no trophy at the end of the holidays and that it is important to find time for ourselves and rest. Then (6:40) Tom, highlights his Top 5 Holiday Movies of all time. F…
Dec. 5, 2022
Celebrate Your Wins | Kristine Tesoriero Mizzone | Culturally Responsive Assessment
In Don’t @ Me (2:44), Tom reminds listeners to celebrate their wins, no matter how small, medium, or large. Then, Tom is joined by education consultant Kristine Tesoriero Mizzone (8:40) to discuss the most important aspects …
Nov. 28, 2022
Now is the Time | Kyle Pearce | Procedure for Inferences
In Don’t @ Me (1:34), Tom opens by asserting that NOW is the time to take the first step to accomplish any personal and/or professional goals you have for yourself. Then, Tom is joined by math teacher and podcaster Kyle Pear…