Assess THAT with Tom & Nat! (Assessment, Feedback, Grading, and Learning)
 

Assess THAT with Tom & Nat! (Assessment, Feedback, Grading, and Learning)

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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 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.

  • 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.

Episodes

Summer Series: Trauma-Informed Education

Tuesday Aug 17, 2021

Tuesday Aug 17, 2021

The 2021 Summer Series continues with a roundtable discussion on Trauma-Informed Education. Joining Tom for this discussion are Jill Reedy, Joshua Stamper, & John Eller.

 

Jill Reedy is currently Assistant Regional Superintendent for the Macon/Piatt Regional Office of Education #39 located in Decatur, IL (24 yrs in education). She is a former elementary and middle school teacher and principal, as well as a district-level curriculum director. Jill led the work of the TIP (Trauma-Informed Partnership) consisting of the Macon/Piatt Regional Office, the Education Coalition of Macon County (community organization), the IEA (Illinois Education Association teacher union), and SIU School of Medicine Department of Population Science and Policy (Dr. Sameer Vohra,  Dr. Jeanne Koehler, Dr. Anne Scheer). Jill presents to administrators and teachers throughout Illinois with Dr. Nancy Brodbeck on “Implementing Trauma-Informed Practices in Schools” and “Creating a Culture of Care Through Mindful Leadership." She was recently invited to participate in the development of a new Children’s Mental Health Plan for Illinois with the ICMHP (Illinois Children’ Mental Health Partnership) and is currently working with the IL Governor’s R3 (Restore, Renew, Reinvest) grant to foster positive relationships between youth and law enforcement and build capacity within community leaders to implement restorative practices

 

 

Joshua Stamper is a middle school Assistant Principal for a North Texas School District, where he's had the amazing opportunity to serve at four campuses and in two school districts. Prior to Joshua's current position, he was a classroom art educator and athletic coach for 6 years working with students in grades 6-8. In addition to his administrative position, Joshua is a podcaster, author, leadership coach, education presenter, and Podcast Network Manager for the Teach Better Team.

 

 

John Eller has served in many roles in education. He has been an elementary and secondary school teacher, a principal at several schools, a National Distinguished Principal with the US Department of Education, a principal center director, and a college professor. John consults with schools and districts across the United States, Canada, and Australia and in South America, Europe, and Asia. John has authored or co-authored over a dozen books for Solution Tree and Corwin Press. His newest publication, Trauma-Sensitive Instruction, is designed to help teachers, leaders, and schools to work more effectively with trauma-impacted students.

 

 

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