Expert in Education Assessments, Grading Practices & Educational Leadership; Author of "Ten Things that Matter from Assessment to Grading"

Vancouver, Canada
Live Event: $5,000 - $10,000 Virtual Event: $5,000 - $10,000 More Fee Info

Tom Schimmer Biography

Tom Schimmer is an internationally recognized author, speaker, and expert in educational assessment, grading, and feedback. Over his 35-year career, he has served as a classroom teacher, school administrator, and district-level leader, giving him a deeply practical foundation for his work. He is the author or co-author of ten books, including bestsellers "Grading from the Inside Out" and "Standards-Based Learning in Action," as well as his latest, "Rehumanizing Assessment: Gathering Student Evidence through Storytelling," all grounded in practical frameworks that emphasize learning over numerical scores.

As a keynote speaker, Schimmer is recognized for translating complex educational concepts into actionable strategies, making him a sought-after presenter at national and international conferences and professional development events. His work as a speaker and consultant has brought him to schools and districts throughout Canada, the United States, and 27 other countries to implement fair and accurate standards-based grading systems.

Schimmer is also the co-founder of the Canadian Assessment Centre and co-host of the "Assess THAT Podcast," where he explores modern assessment strategies through real-world applications and current research. His keynotes, workshops, and virtual appearances consistently address the transition to standards-based grading and the evolving needs of education.

Schimmer has received widespread recognition for tackling longstanding challenges such as biased grading practices and inconsistent feedback. His evidence-based approach equips educators with practical tools for assessment reform and supports systemic change at the school and district level, making him a leading voice in improving student outcomes through more thoughtful and humane grading practices.

BOOK Tom Schimmer

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 03/13/2026.

Tom Schimmer Speaking Topics

  • The Future of Assessment: Building Systems That Honour Identity and Inspire Agency

    This inspiring and forward-thinking keynote will invite educators to imagine what assessment could look like in the next decades of education. As we navigate an era defined by rapid technological innovation, growing cultural diversity, and the call to rehumanize learning, Tom explores how we can design assessment systems that are both deeply personal and boldly future-ready. He will examine how storytelling can make evidence of learning more meaningful, how culturally responsive practices can ensure every learner is seen and valued, and how artificial intelligence can amplify (rather than replace) the human side of teaching. With his blend of clarity, credibility, and care, Tom challenges participants to move beyond incremental reform and toward a shared vision of assessment that honours identity, cultivates agency, and prepares students for a world that is changing before our eyes.

  • Next Generation Grading: Humanizing Evidence in the Age of AI

    As AI transforms how students create and demonstrate learning, grading must evolve to reflect what remains unmistakably human, which is thinking, connection, and professional judgment. In this keynote, Tom explores how educators can reimagine grading as an act of meaning-making built on clarity, credibility, and care. Rather than reducing achievement to numbers or averages, Next Generation Grading envisions a future where grades tell the authentic story of learning and growth; where technology amplifies teacher expertise and strengthens trust in what we report. Tom will challenge educators to reconsider what counts as “evidence” in an AI-rich world, emphasizing the enduring value of observation, conversation, and reflection. He’ll illustrate how grading practices can move from transactional to transformational, where feedback fuels hope, not anxiety. This message will leave educators confident, courageous, and ready to lead the next generation of grading reform.

Read More +

Tom Schimmer Videos

198. Frequently Asked Questions about Assessment - YouTube

198. Frequently Asked Questions about Assessment - YouTube

This week's guest Tom Schimmer dives into the frequent struggles and misperceptions of assessment practices.

Growth Over Grades: Tom Schimmer "Assessment: What's Hope Got ...

Growth Over Grades: Tom Schimmer "Assessment: What's Hope Got ...

Thank you so much for tuning into the Growth Over Grades Podcast. In Episode 10 Educator Author & Speaker Tom Schimmer joins us.

Meaningful Conversation with Tom Schimmer // ISB Round-Table

Meaningful Conversation with Tom Schimmer // ISB Round-Table

Assessment expert Tom Schimmer joins members of the ISB Office of Learning along with Middle School and High School faculty to explore what ...

  • How do I book Tom Schimmer to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Tom Schimmer for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Tom Schimmer, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Tom Schimmer or any other speaker of your choice.
  • What are the speaker fees for Tom Schimmer

    Speaking fees for Tom Schimmer, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Tom Schimmer are under $10,000 for live events and under $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Tom Schimmer, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Tom Schimmer speak about?

    Tom Schimmer is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Author, Education, Education Reform, Educational Motivational, Leadership
  • Where does Tom Schimmer travel from?

    Tom Schimmer generally travels from Vancouver, Canada, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
  • Who is Tom Schimmer’s agent?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Tom Schimmer for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Tom Schimmer for your next private or corporate function.
  • What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

    AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Tom Schimmer or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
  • Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

    If you’re looking for the best, unbiased speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.

Tom Schimmer is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as The Future of Assessment: Building Systems That Honour Identity and Inspire Agency, Next Generation Grading: Humanizing Evidence in the Age of AI, The Grading Trap: How Misguided Grading Practices Sabotage Effective Teaching and Workshops. The estimated speaking fee range to book Tom Schimmer for your event is available upon request. Tom Schimmer generally travels from Vancouver, Canada and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Zack Kass, Eric Boles, Daymond John, Jelly Roll and Rocky Bleier. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Tom Schimmer for an upcoming live or virtual event.

Tell us about your event!

During normal business hours, we respond to most inquiries within 4 hours.
Please Select Event Budget
Please enter your message
Please Enter Your Name
Please Enter Your Email
  • Customized Service

    Our agents find the right fit for your event

  • Unparalleled Database

    Full access to all speakers & celebrities

  • One Stop Shopping

    A reliable and unbiased point of contact

  • Logistics Management

    Your personal Logistics Manager who takes care of all event details

This website is a resource for event professionals and strives to provide the most comprehensive catalog of thought leaders and industry experts to consider for speaking engagements. A listing or profile on this website does not imply an agency affiliation or endorsement by the talent.

All American Entertainment (AAE) exclusively represents the interests of talent buyers, and does not claim to be the agency or management for any speaker or artist on this site. AAE is a talent booking agency for paid events only. We do not handle requests for donation of time or media requests for interviews, and cannot provide celebrity contact information.

If you are the talent and wish to request a profile update or removal from our online directory, please submit a profile request form.

TOP