In Don't @ Me (1:52), Tom opens this week with a rant about how he's had enough with the educational fluff that seems to be more prominent than ever. Then, Tom is joined by educator, author, and EdTech expert Dr. Monica Burns (12:10) for a conversation about how to effectively and efficiently infuse technology into our classroom practices. Finally, in Assessment Corner (51:48), Tom highlights one simple question you can use to audit your assessment practices and know whether or not it’s something you should continue to utilize.
 
<ul><li>Monica on Twitter: <a href='https://twitter.com/ClassTechTips'>@ClassTechTips</a></li>
<li>Monica on Instagram: <a href='https://www.instagram.com/classtechtips/'>@cl</a><a href='https://www.instagram.com/classtechtips/'>asstechtips</a></li>
<li>Monica on Linkedin: <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicaaburns/'>Monica Burns</a></li>
<li>Monica on Pinterest: <a href='https://www.pinterest.com/classtechtips/_created/'>Class Tech Tips</a></li>
</ul>
 
<ul><li>Email the Podcast: <a>tomschimmerpod@gmail.com</a></li>
<li>Twitter: <a href='https://twitter.com/TomSchimmerPod'>@TomSchimmerPod</a></li>
<li>Twitter: <a href='https://twitter.com/TomSchimmer'>@TomSchimmer</a></li>
<li>Instagram: <a href='https://www.instagram.com/tomschimmerpodcast/?hl=en'>tomschimmerpodcast</a></li>
<li>TikTok: <a href='https://www.tiktok.com/@tomschimmerpodcast'>@tomschimmerpodcast</a></li>
<li>Facebook: <a href='https://www.facebook.com/SchimmerEducation/'>Schimmer Education</a></li>
<li>Website: <a href='https://tomschimmer.com/'>www.tomschimmer.com</a></li>
</ul>

In Don't @ Me (1:52), Tom opens this week with a rant about how he's had enough with the educational fluff that seems to be more prominent than ever. Then, Tom is joined by educator, author, and EdTech expert Dr. Monica Burns (12:10) for a conversation about how to effectively and efficiently infuse technology into our classroom practices. Finally, in Assessment Corner (51:48), Tom highlights one simple question you can use to audit your assessment practices and know whether or not it’s something you should continue to utilize. Monica on Twitter: @ClassTechTips Monica on Instagram: @classtechtips Monica on Linkedin: Monica Burns Monica on Pinterest: Class Tech Tips Email the Podcast: tomschimmerpod@gmail.com Twitter: @TomSchimmerPod Twitter: @TomSchimmer Instagram: tomschimmerpodcast TikTok: @tomschimmerpodcast Facebook: Schimmer Education Website: www.tomschimmer.com

In Don't @ Me (1:52), Tom opens this week with a rant about how he's had enough with the educational fluff that seems to be more prominent than ever. Then, Tom is joined by educator, author, and EdTech expert Dr. Monica Burns (12:10) for a conversation about how to effectively and efficiently infuse technology into our classroom practices. Finally, in Assessment Corner (51:48), Tom highlights one simple question you&nbsp;can use to audit your assessment practices and know whether or not it’s something you should continue to utilize.
&nbsp;
<ul><li>Monica on Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/ClassTechTips" rel="noopener noreferrer">@ClassTechTips</a></li>
<li>Monica on&nbsp;Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/classtechtips/" rel="noopener noreferrer">@cl</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/classtechtips/" rel="noopener noreferrer">asstechtips</a></li>
<li>Monica on Linkedin:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicaaburns/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Monica Burns</a></li>
<li>Monica on&nbsp;Pinterest: <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/classtechtips/_created/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Class Tech Tips</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<ul><li>Email the Podcast: <a rel="noopener noreferrer">tomschimmerpod@gmail.com</a></li>
<li>Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/TomSchimmerPod" rel="noopener noreferrer">@TomSchimmerPod</a></li>
<li>Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/TomSchimmer" rel="noopener noreferrer">@TomSchimmer</a></li>
<li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tomschimmerpodcast/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer">tomschimmerpodcast</a></li>
<li>TikTok:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@tomschimmerpodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer">@tomschimmerpodcast</a></li>
<li>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SchimmerEducation/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Schimmer Education</a></li>
<li>Website: <a href="https://tomschimmer.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.tomschimmer.com</a></li>
</ul>

Enough with the Fluff | Monica Burns | Would You Accept It?

Assess THAT with Tom &amp; Nat is a bi-weekly podcast where co-hosts Tom Schimmer and Natalie Vardabasso unpack what it really means to deepen assessment literacy in schools. Known for their dynamic, insightful, and sometimes provocative conversations, Tom and Nat create a space where educators can rethink grading, feedback, and accountability in ways that put student learning first. Each episode blends practical strategies with big-picture thinking, helping teachers and leaders translate research into action without losing sight of the human side of education.
Listeners can expect honest discussions, fresh perspectives, and plenty of take-home ideas. From reimagining final exams to exploring the role of assessment in equity and Universal Design for Learning, Assess THAT is for any educator ready to challenge the status quo and embrace assessment as a tool for growth—not just measurement.

About the Hosts Tom Schimmer and Natalie Vardabasso are internationally recognized speakers, authors, and consultants who have spent their careers helping schools modernize assessment and grading practices. Together, they are the co-founders of the Canadian Assessment Centre (CAC), a national professional learning hub created by Canadians, for Canadians to bring clarity, credibility, and care to assessment in classrooms across the country.
<ul>
<li>
Tom Schimmer is the author and co-author of multiple best-selling books, including Grading from the Inside Out and Standards-Based Learning in Action. With 35 years of experience as a teacher, leader, and consultant, Tom is known for his ability to translate big ideas into practical tools educators can use right away.
</li>
<li>
Natalie Vardabasso is a leading voice in assessment and equity, recognized for her innovative approaches to standards-based learning, feedback, and student agency. As a speaker, writer, and coach, she has helped thousands of educators create assessment systems that are not only accurate but also deeply humanizing.
</li>
</ul>
Together, Tom and Natalie bring complementary perspectives, humour, and a deep commitment to making assessment meaningful. Their partnership in Assess THAT and at the Canadian Assessment Centre reflects a shared belief that when educators improve how they assess, they unlock the full potential of every learner.
Tom and Natalie are also the authors of Rehumanizing Assessment: Gathering Evidence of Learning Through Storytelling, a book that challenges traditional grading systems and shows how assessment can honour student voice and identity.

Why Listen? Whether you’re a classroom teacher, school leader, or policy maker, Assess THAT with Tom &amp; Nat will challenge your assumptions, equip you with actionable strategies, and inspire you to see assessment as the most powerful driver of student success.

Education

Assess THAT with Tom & Nat is a bi-weekly podcast where co-hosts Tom Schimmer and Natalie Vardabasso unpack what it really means to deepen assessment literacy in schools. Known for their dynamic, insightful, and sometimes provocative conversations, Tom and Nat create a space where educators can rethink grading, feedback, and accountability in ways that put student learning first. Each episode blends practical strategies with big-picture thinking, helping teachers and leaders translate research into action without losing sight of the human side of education. Listeners can expect honest discussions, fresh perspectives, and plenty of take-home ideas. From reimagining final exams to exploring the role of assessment in equity and Universal Design for Learning, Assess THAT is for any educator ready to challenge the status quo and embrace assessment as a tool for growth—not just measurement. About the HostsTom Schimmer and Natalie Vardabasso are internationally recognized speakers, authors, and consultants who have spent their careers helping schools modernize assessment and grading practices. Together, they are the co-founders of the Canadian Assessment Centre (CAC), a national professional learning hub created by Canadians, for Canadians to bring clarity, credibility, and care to assessment in classrooms across the country. Tom Schimmer is the author and co-author of multiple best-selling books, including Grading from the Inside Out and Standards-Based Learning in Action. With 35 years of experience as a teacher, leader, and consultant, Tom is known for his ability to translate big ideas into practical tools educators can use right away. Natalie Vardabasso is a leading voice in assessment and equity, recognized for her innovative approaches to standards-based learning, feedback, and student agency. As a speaker, writer, and coach, she has helped thousands of educators create assessment systems that are not only accurate but also deeply humanizing. Together, Tom and Natalie bring complementary perspectives, humour, and a deep commitment to making assessment meaningful. Their partnership in Assess THAT and at the Canadian Assessment Centre reflects a shared belief that when educators improve how they assess, they unlock the full potential of every learner. Tom and Natalie are also the authors of Rehumanizing Assessment: Gathering Evidence of Learning Through Storytelling, a book that challenges traditional grading systems and shows how assessment can honour student voice and identity. Why Listen?Whether you’re a classroom teacher, school leader, or policy maker, Assess THAT with Tom & Nat will challenge your assumptions, equip you with actionable strategies, and inspire you to see assessment as the most powerful driver of student success.

Assess THAT with Tom &amp; Nat is a bi-weekly podcast where co-hosts Tom Schimmer and Natalie Vardabasso unpack what it really means to deepen assessment literacy in schools. Known for their dynamic, insightful, and sometimes provocative conversations, Tom and Nat create a space where educators can rethink grading, feedback, and accountability in ways that put student learning first. Each episode blends practical strategies with big-picture thinking, helping teachers and leaders translate research into action without losing sight of the human side of education.
Listeners can expect honest discussions, fresh perspectives, and plenty of take-home ideas. From reimagining final exams to exploring the role of assessment in equity and Universal Design for Learning, Assess THAT is for any educator ready to challenge the status quo and embrace assessment as a tool for growth—not just measurement.

About the Hosts Tom Schimmer and Natalie Vardabasso are internationally recognized speakers, authors, and consultants who have spent their careers helping schools modernize assessment and grading practices. Together, they are the co-founders of the Canadian Assessment Centre (CAC), a national professional learning hub created by Canadians, for Canadians to bring clarity, credibility, and care to assessment in classrooms across the country.
<ul>
<li>
Tom Schimmer is the author and co-author of multiple best-selling books, including Grading from the Inside Out and Standards-Based Learning in Action. With 35 years of experience as a teacher, leader, and consultant, Tom is known for his ability to translate big ideas into practical tools educators can use right away.
</li>
<li>
Natalie Vardabasso is a leading voice in assessment and equity, recognized for her innovative approaches to standards-based learning, feedback, and student agency. As a speaker, writer, and coach, she has helped thousands of educators create assessment systems that are not only accurate but also deeply humanizing.
</li>
</ul>
Together, Tom and Natalie bring complementary perspectives, humour, and a deep commitment to making assessment meaningful. Their partnership in Assess THAT and at the Canadian Assessment Centre reflects a shared belief that when educators improve how they assess, they unlock the full potential of every learner.
Tom and Natalie are also the authors of Rehumanizing Assessment: Gathering Evidence of Learning Through Storytelling, a book that challenges traditional grading systems and shows how assessment can honour student voice and identity.

Why Listen? Whether you’re a classroom teacher, school leader, or policy maker, Assess THAT with Tom &amp; Nat will challenge your assumptions, equip you with actionable strategies, and inspire you to see assessment as the most powerful driver of student success.

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Enough with the Fluff | Monica Burns | Would You Accept It?

Enough with the Fluff | Monica Burns | Would You Accept It?

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