A Conversation With Brian

Tom Schimmer is a respected education author, speaker, and consultant hailing from Vancouver, British Columbia. He boasts a wealth of experience and expertise in assessment, grading, leadership, and behavioral support. With a background that includes roles as a high school principal, school administrator, teacher, and district-level leader, Tom's insights are deeply rooted in practical educational contexts. His recent publication, "Redefining Student Accountability: A Proactive Approach to Teaching Behavior Outside the Gradebook," underscores his commitment to improving student learning by fostering positive behavior. As an accomplished speaker, Tom delivers presentations internationally to schools and districts, sharing his knowledge and insights. Tom's educational journey began at Boise State University, where he earned a teaching degree in 1990. Subsequently, he obtained a Master's Degree in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of British Columbia in 1999. His early career included seven years as a classroom teacher, followed by a decade as a school administrator. In 2011, after two decades in the school system, he transitioned to a full-time role as an education author, speaker, and consultant. His writing includes six books, such as "Grading from the Inside Out" published by Solution Tree in 2016. Tom's work extends beyond North America, with international workshops conducted in countries like Vietnam, China, and the U.A.E. Tom's approach to assessment challenges conventional myths, emphasizing authentic strategies for meaningful reporting centered on student learning. His presentations are noted for their engaging and friendly demeanor, providing profound yet accessible insights into assessment, evaluation, and reporting practices in education.

In Season 2, episode 29, Brian speaks with Author Bo Ryan. Bo RyanBo Ryan is Bloomfield, Connecticut's Ana Grace Academy of the Arts Magnet School principal. He is passionate about building and sustaining professional learning communities (PLCs) and creating high-performing teams. He has led two different schools to Model PLC at Work®certification: Woodside Intermediate School in 2012 and Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts Middle School in 2016, just four years after it opened. Bo has worked in education since 1994 as a teacher, coach, director, adjunct professor, and principal. He started his career in education as a graduate assistant football coach for Syracuse University, coaching in two bowl games. Bo began his teaching career at John C. Clark Elementary School in Hartford, Connecticut, where he was recognized as the city’s Teacher and Educator of the Year. While there, Bo created various before- and after-school programs for hundreds of students a year. In the summers, he directed a camp called the National Youth Sports Program, which served over 400 children in the city. Bo also instructed a graduate class on PLCs and interventions as an adjunct professor at the University of Saint Joseph in Hartford, Connecticut.Bo’s article "Learning by Doing: The Arts Middle Way" is published in AllThingsPLC Magazine. Bo also wrote The Brilliance in the Building: Effecting Change in Urban Schools With the PLC at Work Process, a collection of all his experience teaching and learning in urban schools over the last 20 years. His passion for writing this book arose from his incredible experiences growing up in an urban neighborhood.

In Episode 26, Brian speaks with Dr. Anthony Muhammad, Dr. Anthony Muhammad is the CEO of New Frontier 21 Consulting, a position he has held for almost 20 years. Throughout his career, he has gained extensive experience as an educator, serving as a middle school teacher, assistant principal, middle school principal, and high school principal. His dedication and expertise have earned him numerous accolades, including several awards as a teacher and principal. 2005 Dr. Muhammad was honored as the Michigan Principal of the Year. Dr. Muhammad's contributions to the field of education extend beyond his practical experience. He is regarded as one of the foremost experts in school culture and professional learning communities. This recognition has been solidified by his inclusion in the esteemed Global Gurus organization's list of the world's 30 most influential educational thought leaders. He recently achieved the impressive rank of number 6 on this prestigious list. In addition to his esteemed reputation, Dr. Muhammad is a bestselling author, having written several impactful books. Some of his notable works include "Revisiting Professional Learning Communities at Work," "Time for Change: The Four Essential Skills of a Transformational School Leader," "Transforming School Culture: How to Overcome Staff Division," and his most courageous book, "Overcoming the Achievement Gap Trap." These books reflect his deep understanding of educational practices and offer valuable insights for school leaders. Furthermore, Dr. Muhammad's contributions to the academic discourse are evident through his extensive publications. He has authored 26 articles in education journals and publications, widely read and appreciated in seven countries. Dr. Anthony Muhammad's illustrious career, vast expertise, influential writings, and recognition as a thought leader demonstrate his significant contributions to education and his commitment to improving school cultures and professional learning communities.

In Season 2, Episode 23, Brian Speaks with prolific education authors Dr. Sharon Kramer and Sarah Schuhl who have a new book, "Acceleration for All!" Dr. Sharon Kramer knows firsthand the demands and rewards of working in a professional learning community. She served as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction of Kildeer Countryside School District 96 in Illinois. In this position, she ensured all students were prepared to enter Stevenson High School, a model PLC created by late Dr. Richard DuFour. Sharon is an author of numerous books including her newest book, Acceleration for All, coauthored with our other guest Sarah Schuhl.Sharon has been a Comprehensive School Reform consultant to schools that have received grant funding to implement the PLC at Work process as their Whole School Reform model, and her customized PLC coaching academies have empowered school and district leadership teams across the nation.Sarah Schuhl has worked with districts throughout the United States and has written several books to aid school teams in their work including the popular coathored book with Sharon Kramer, School Improvement for ALL, which provides resources and rubrics for leaders and collaborative teams to work more effectively and efficiently, and has coauthored her most recent book Acceleration for All with Dr. Kramer as well. Sarah has also coauthored a mathematics of books for school teams.Her practical approach includes working with teachers and administrators to create a guaranteed and viable curriculum, implement assessments for learning, analyze data and instructional practices, and collectively respond to student learning. She is a consultant and coach in many schools, including those targeted in school improvement. She has been a secondary mathematics teacher, high school instructional coach, and K–12 mathematics specialist.Sarah serves as a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Editorial Panel for the journal Mathematics Teacher.

In season 2 episode 22 Brian speaks with sought after Australian authors and educators Gavin Grift and Colin Sloper.Gavin Grift is a best-selling co-author with numerous books under his belt and is founder and CEO of Grift Education. His passion, commitment, humor, and highly engaging style have made him one of Australia’s most in-demand presenters. Gavin strongly believes that all students should have the same chances of success, but this is often dependent on the teacher they get. His mission is to help reduce ‘teacher lottery’ by developing teachers and leaders through transformational programs that focus on coaching, collaboration, and teaching practice. His leadership in the education industry fueled the development of PLC networks across Australia and culminated in the establishment of the Centre for Professional Learning Communities, a cohort informed by the work and legacies of Richard and Rebecca DuFour.Colin Sloper is a best-selling author and presenter and has been a teacher, assistant principal, and principal in government schools in Arkansas for the past 35 years. In the course of his career, he has been involved in the establishment of five new state government schools, including his time as principal of Pakenham Springs Primary School in Victoria. Because of Colin's leadership and collaborative work with the school community, Pakenham Springs became the first recognized model of a professional learning community (PLC) in Australia. His leadership has emphasized student engagement while achieving substantial results for both the students and teachers he has served. Colin's schools are highly sought after as sites of professional learning for staff across all educational sectors.

On Episode 21 of Season 2, Brian speaks with two of the best literacy educators he has ever known in Jacquie Heller & Paula Maeker. They travel the country working with teacher teams, schools and districts to help ensure literacy success for each and every student. Their soon to be released book (May 2023) "Literacy in a PLC" is already the #1 pre-ordered book in its category on Amazon. These passionate and powerful educators share with Brian their heartfelt personal stories and professional journeys that led them to writing this must read and re-read book!