Episodes

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 to them. Finally, in Assess...
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 comes through their learning, ...
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 to plan for impact, not j...
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, songwriter, and former stud...
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 discuss her latest offerin...
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) surrounding the implementa...
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 assessment. Finally, in Asse...
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 Assessment Corner (50:12)...
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-driven active and experient...
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 (9:47) Tom is joined by auth...
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, in Assessment Corner (57:0...
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), Tom highlights ten ways ...
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 aspects of equity, inclusion, & ...
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." Finally, in Assessment Cor...
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 essential characteristics o...
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 of assessment for learning...
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 ButlerTwitter: @TheKevinJButler ...
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. Finally, in Assessment Corn...
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 of institutional coaching....
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 Pearce (6:37), to discuss the ...
Nov. 21, 2022

Get What You Give | Genein Letford | Personalized Exams

In Don’t @ Me (1:30), Tom opens with a reminder that when it comes to professional learning, you get out of it what you put into it. Then, Tom is joined by Genein Letford (9:01), to discuss her book, Seven Gems of Intercultural Creativity. Finally, i...
Nov. 14, 2022

Two Choices | Eric Saibel | Rethinking Group Grades

In Don’t @ Me (2:11), Tom opens by addressing the widespread lack of student engagement and suggesting there are only two choices educators have in response. Then, Tom is joined by Eric Saibel (11:22), who is a co-founder of "Global School Play Day, ...
Nov. 7, 2022

Relationship with Research | Laura Rizo | Standardized Test Engagement

In Don’t @ Me (1:50), Tom opens by asking listeners to reflect on their relationship with educational research. Then, Tom is joined by teen coach and staff developer Laura Rizo (10:55) for a conversation about student relationships, SEL, & family eng...
Nov. 3, 2022

BONUS: Teach Better ’22 (Part 1)

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:   Suzanne Dailey Twitter: @DaileySuzanne Tricia Foster Twitter: @CBtmfo...