The Embrace the Messy Podcast with Shannon Schinkel

In this episode, we're taking a fresh look at how you organize your grade book, challenging the conventional approach of focusing on task types. Discover how a simple shift toward standards-based categories can create a clearer picture of student learning, without the chaos of grade soup. Tune in to learn how you can rethink your assessment practices and bring intentionality to your grading.

In this episode, we're shifting the way we think about assessment—from static events to ongoing actions that shape our teaching. We'll explore how subtle changes in approach can transform your classroom, making assessment more dynamic, flexible, and meaningful for both you and your students. Ready to embrace the messiness? Tune in and find out how!

In this episode, Shannon talks with Ken O’Connor, an internationally recognized expert on grading and reporting practices in education. With years of classroom experience followed by decades of consulting and writing, Ken has become a leading voice advocating for standards-based grading. His work emphasizes the importance of separating academic achievement from behaviours like effort or participation to provide a clearer, more accurate picture of student learning. Known for his practical strategies, Ken has authored multiple books, including three editions of A Repair Kit for Grading, which helps educators rethink traditional grading systems. He has worked closely with the Canadian Assessment for Learning Network in which he is a co-founder and schools and districts worldwide, helping them implement effective, fair assessment practices. He is my assessment hero, one of the kindest, most thoughtful people I have ever met. Honestly, in the moments when I have thought to myself, why am I am on this grading reform journey, Ken’s books, interviews and presentations have kept me going.

***

Find out more about Ken O'Connor --> https://www.oconnorgrading.com/

***

Contact Shannon Schinkel about the podcast or consulting:

Website: mygrowthmindset.home.blog

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @dramaqueenbrc 

Threads: @dramaqueenbrc 

If you are an educator who exclusively uses the British Columbia curriculum join Shannon's group on Facebook, Beyond Report Cards. https://www.facebook.com/share/g/65juRisqcoN4FmTa/

I’m excited to introduce 'Messy Minutes: Assessment Edition,' dropping every Friday.

These micro episodes will be short, to the point, and all me—no guests. We’re talking 5-10 minutes nuggets where I’ll share my favorite assessment strategies, break down some of that tricky assessment stuff, answer a burning question a listener emails me, or maybe just give an exceptionally long shoutout to other podcasts that have helped me on my journey. It’s all about embracing the messy side of assessment, and trust me, it can get messy.

In this episode, Shannon talks with George Couros, speaker and author of The Innovator’s Mindset, Because of a Teacher and What Makes a Great Principal.  George worked at all school levels, from K-12 as a teacher, technology facilitator, and school and district administrator, and is currently an Adjunct Instructor with the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania. He is also the podcast host of the Innovator's Mindset Podcast.

***

Find out more about George Couros at https://georgecouros.com

***

Contact Shannon Schinkel about the podcast or consulting:

Website: mygrowthmindset.home.blog

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @dramaqueenbrc 

Threads: @dramaqueenbrc 

If you are an educator who exclusively uses the British Columbia curriculum join Shannon's group on Facebook, Beyond Report Cards. https://www.facebook.com/share/g/65juRisqcoN4FmTa/

In this brand new episode, season two premiere and perfect school year start-up prep, Shannon talks with Hannah Beach, an award-winning educator, author, emotional health consultant, and keynote speaker. She is the co-author of the best-selling book Reclaiming Our Students: Why Children Are More Anxious, Aggressive, and Shut-Down than Ever—and What We Can Do About It, with Tamara Neufeld Strijack, a trauma-informed resource for teachers and parents rooted in the relationship-based approach. She is the founder of celebrated experiential discovery programs at Dandelion Dance™ and Tournesol, Hannah has spent over 25 years developing and delivering programs for children and youth. She is a Neufeld Institute Authorized Presenter, delivers professional development services across the country, and provides emotional health consulting to schools. She also speaks at national and international conferences about the emotional roots of aggression and anxiety and how we can create the conditions for resilience.

This is a must-listen episode for educators navigating the ebbs and flows of student behaviour. 

***

Find out more about Hannah Beach at http://hannahbeach.ca

***

Contact Shannon Schinkel about the podcast or consulting:

Website: mygrowthmindset.home.blog

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @dramaqueenbrc 

Threads: @dramaqueenbrc 

If you are an educator who exclusively uses the British Columbia curriculum join Shannon's group on Facebook, Beyond Report Cards. https://www.facebook.com/share/g/65juRisqcoN4FmTa/

In this very special episode, Shannon reflects on her first year of podcasting. Included in this episode is a snippet from all 19 conversations she had from season 1. Season 2 drops September 2nd. 

Trevor Mackenzie Embraces the Messy - 7:19

Natalie Vardabasso Embraces the Messy - 8:27

Phil String Embraces the Messy - 9:49

Dr. Heather Lyon Embraces the Messy - 12:10

Lisa Baylis Embraces the Messy - 13:59

Dr. Shelley Moore Embraces the Messy - 14:48

Katie White Embraces the Messy - 16:54

Lainie Rowell Embraces the Messy - 18:10

Tom Schimmer Embraces the Messy - 19:55

Chris Carson Embraces the Messy - 22:32

Marisa Thompson Embraces the Messy - 23:42

Livia Chan Embraces the Messy - 26:42

Annick Rauch Embraces the Messy - 28:14

Bryon Carpenter Embraces the Messy - 28:50

Eric Francis Embraces the Messy - 29:56

Tyler Rablin Embraces the Messy - 32:40

Patrice Bain Embraces the Messy - 34:18

Kim Strobel Embraces the Messy - 35:10

Dr. Jody Carrington Embraces the Messy - 38:23

***

Have a suggestion for someone Shannon should interview, a question about an episode, or some feedback about the podcast, email Shannon here: [email protected]. 

Shannon's blog can found here: www.mygrowthmindset.home.blog

Shannon's Facebook groups:

-Beyond Report Cards (for educators who use the British Columbia curriculum)

-The Humanities Zone (for any educator who teaches Social Studies or English)

Shannon is on Twitter (X) and Threads : @DramaQueenBRC

Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss an episode.

In this episode, Shannon has an amazing conversation with Dr. Jody Carrington, a registered psychologist in Alberta, Canada. They talk about educators these days, kids, and connection... what Jody does best (with a special cameo from Victoria Schinkel, Shannon's daughter.)

Before the conversation, Shannon talks about cell phones and what she thinks about the upcoming cell phone ban in B.C. schools and she has a lot to say about it.

***

Connect with Jody Carrington:

Instagram: @drjodycarrington

X: @DrJCarrington

www.drjodycarrington.com

Books: Kids These Days, Teachers These Days (with Laurie McIntosh), and Feeling Seen

***

Have a suggestion for someone Shannon should interview, a question about an episode, or some feedback about the podcast, email Shannon here: [email protected]. 

Shannon's blog can found here: www.mygrowthmindset.home.blog

Shannon's Facebook groups:

-Beyond Report Cards (for educators who use the British Columbia curriculum)

-The Humanities Zone (for any educator who teaches Social Studies or English)

Shannon is on Twitter (X) and Threads : @DramaQueenBRC

Founder Of Strobel Education, Motivational Speaker, Education Consultant, And Happiness Coach, Kim Strobel is the author of TEACH HAPPY: Small Steps to Big Joy.

As it says on her website, strobeleducation.com, “I’m also a real-talk, no-fluff, truth-teller…. but I haven’t always been that way.”  In this conversation, Kim talks about her journey and what she hopes for educators. This is a real-talk, no-fluff, truth-telling episode and it will tug at your heart strings a bit, but it will also give you the shot in the arm we all need this time of year. 

Before the interview with Kim, Shannon talks about how a Spring Break hiatus from social media did wonders for her mind, body and soul.

***

Connect with Kim Strobel

kimstrobel.com

StrobelEducation.com 

Amazon.com: Teach Happy: Small Steps to Big Joy: 9781948334716: Strobel, Kim: Books

***

Have a suggestion for someone Shannon should interview, a question about an episode, or some feedback about the podcast, email Shannon here: [email protected]. 

Thankyou for listening! Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss an episode.

Shannon's blog can found here: www.mygrowthmindset.home.blog

Shannon's Facebook groups:

-Beyond Report Cards (for educators who use the British Columbia curriculum)

-The Humanities Zone (for any educator who teaches Social Studies or English)

Shannon is on Twitter (X) and Threads : @DramaQueenBRC

In this episode, Shannon and Patrice Bain talk about how simple power tools can unleash the science of learning in your classroom...tomorrow!  These power tools were created with how students learn in mind and they really help to make learning stick over the long term.

Patrice is a veteran K–12 teacher, Patrice recently completed more than 25 years teaching social studies at a middle school in Illinois. She is the co-author of POWERFUL TEACHING with Pooja Agarwal. 

Prior to the conversation, Shannon tells the story about learning the hard way and its impact on her.

***

You can find out more about Patrice Bain:

Powerteaching.org

https://www.facebook.com/groups/powerfulteaching/

@PatriceBain1 on X

***

Have a suggestion for someone Shannon should interview, a question about an episode, or some feedback about the podcast, email Shannon here: [email protected]. 

Thankyou for listening! Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss an episode.

Shannon's blog can found here: www.mygrowthmindset.home.blog

Shannon's Facebook groups:

-Beyond Report Cards (for educators who use the British Columbia curriculum)

-The Humanities Zone (for any educator who teaches Social Studies or English)

Shannon is on Twitter (X) and Threads : @DramaQueenBRC