My take. The end of the #BammyAwards as we know it.

A little history...

When I first learned of the Bammy Awards I was thrilled to discover there was a formal way to share with the world the work of some seriously amazing educators. Personally, I was thrilled educators had the opportunity to let their peers know what an inspiration their work had been and how it touched the lives of so many. How wonderful to be able to introduce our country to those whose work and ideas were generally only celebrated in the small circle of educators. 

I was equally excited to learn the Bammys were planning to recognize connected educators who had worked so hard, often putting their own livelihood on the line, to speak up and share ideas that matter. While many may stand out locally, often in uncomfortable ways as disrupters, and even outcasts, the Bammys provided validation to educator voice not just via the awards, but also by providing opportunities for educators to host and be guests on BAM Radio’s professionally-produced shows which help shine a spotlight on and share this work to a wider audience.

After the Bammys first year there was room for improvement. Two biggies were 1) student recognition and 2) the addition of a few categories, like librarian.

The present...

In their second year they heard this feedback and adjusted adding new categories and concluding with the recognition of a student named Mallory Fundora who was doing work to make our world a better place. There were also some wonderful surprises such as their decision to honor Ed Camp, EdChat, and a Jesse Hagopian, a teacher who had the courage to speak out and help his school take action to ensure students were not unfairly accessed.

Not surprisingly for a fledgling endeavor, in addition to all the wonderful experiences the Bammys provide,  there was also room for improvement. Some were disappointed and even angry about parts of the event. I understand it. Educators have been under attack in this country and we have HIGH sensitivities, but we also need to recognize when organizations are not the enemy and could potentially partner with us to bring much needed attention to educator and student voice in this country. In those cases, it is our job to take note and advise by working to do our best to inform, rather than attack, a group that is trying to recognize, bring attention to, and help amplify the voice and ideas of educators.  

Too often, when a new endeavor is getting off the ground, should they make a misstep, we write them off before they’ve really had a chance to get their legs. We are teachers though. If we reconnect which our chosen profession, it can serve us well to help lift up, rather than tear down, the efforts which might benefit our profession.

I am pleased to share that this was the case with the Bammy Awards who heard the feedback from educators like Pernille Ripp, Chris Casal, me, and others, and as recently announced they are adjusting. In fact, they are discontinuing the Bammy Awards as we know it.

Many knew the Bammys to be about winners, but as the organizers pointed out before the most recent awards: There Will Be No Winners at the Bammy Awards. Unfortunately, though, this message had not spread widely enough. Many still many knew the awards as just that – a celebration of winners. 

The future and end of the Bammy Awards as we know it...

The Bammys are putting a deliberate discontinuation to what many knew these awards to be.

Going forward, the Bammys intentionally will not be about winners, but rather they will explicitly focus on selecting one of the many extraordinary educators in each sector of the education community to "represent" his or her part of the education village in a collective, national celebration of all the good being done in American education. 

They will serve as a chance to come together to collectively appreciate and acknowledge the contributions of the various members of the school community celebrating teachers, administrators, students, librarians, school board members, parent leaders, students and all who are vital to the process of helping to ensure young people are ready to pursue happy and successful lives.

Perhaps what is most exciting is that Bammy honorees represent the recognition of the contributions of their peers to the grand collaboration. Letting those who make the short list, or ultimately receive a Bammy Award, know that they are an important part of a community-wide honor for being a model contributor.

What's next?...

This blog, in part is about celebrating great ideas and the people behind them. I’m already thinking about who it is I’d like the world to recognize in a bigger way in 2014. What about you? Who are people doing work you’d like to see receive wider recognition?

Read More

A few of my favorite things about the #BammyAwards & a wish list too

The #BammyAwards brings folks together once a year to celebrate and recognize that which is good about education.  This awards show honors educators like celebrities honored on other shows, shedding a much-needed positive light on the profession.

There were some unexpected delights and even some disappointments (like those Pernille Ripp addresses here) at this year's fledgling celebration. That is no surprise as this program finds its legs, develops, and grows. Because the program is built on a foundation of great intentions, I have no doubt that it will continue to blossom into a beautiful celebration and recognition of all that is good about education. Those great intentions are to give educators both recognition and a voice in the conversations that matter around learning. Rae Pica and Errol St. Clair Smith have done a wonderful job of this with the BAM Radio Network which gives educators willing to share their ideas a platform to do so.

I want more »

Read More

Innovative NYC DOE staff rock the #BammyAwards

The key to ensuring students are prepared to use social media for academic, social, and career success is bringing the right people to the table to guide and support those working with children and staff toward achieving success.  At the NYC DOE we are fortunate to have a team helping The Digital Communication + Strategy office do this work that consists of some of the nation’s most innovative librarians, technology teachers, and family engagement staff. These educators were recognized this weekend in Washington, D.C. at The Academy of Education Arts and Sciences Second Annual Bammy Awards.

Below are the four finalists that were selected from a large pool of educators nominated from across the nation. Two walked away with the prestigious 9 lb Bammy Award!

The Academy of Education Arts and Sciences Bammy Awards were created to bring attention to that which is good in education. The results are in and there is a whole lot of good in New York City! 

Check out who was honored below.

I want more »

Read More

Being a connected educator has helped me grow my BaMMily tree

Tonight I will have the honor of being recognized as a Bammy award finalist for my work as an education commentator along with recognition for being a top 100 influential voice in education for my work as a connected educator.

The first thing you should know is that you can tune in live tonight! The event takes place Sat Sep 21, 2013 7:30pm EDT — Sat Sep 21, 2013 9:30pm EDT At that time, hop right over to http://www.bammyawards.com/index.php/bammy-awaards-live where you will have a chance to see educators being recognized for their ed celeb status ;)

As a Bammy Finalist I was asked to put together a short two-minute video outlining what being a connected educator has meant to me.  Below is the video.

 

After watching the video I'd love to hear in the comments who has become members of the network that you have grown. How have they positively contributed to your practice? How would you convince a not-yet-connected educator that it is important to become connected? How would you convince your supervisor?  

Read More

Innovative Educators named Bammy Awards finalists!

The Academy of Education Arts and Sciences announced the finalists for the second annual Bammy Awards which recognizes the contributions of educators across 23 categories. Finalists include teachers, principals, superintendents, school nurses, education advocates, researchers, early childhood specialists, education journalists, education school professors, school board members, education bloggers, parents and other members of the broad education community. School librarians and school technologists are new to the list this year. 

Nominees were submitted from across the nation. Five finalists were selected in each category. I am thrilled to share that many of the nominees from "The Innovative Educator" here (for their work with student-centered learning) and here (for use of social media in education) made the cut. 

Here are the innovative educators from around the nation who made the cut, listed in alphabetical order.

Deven Black - School Librarian Deven makes a difference in many ways. For his students, he made a difference by taking over a library that had become moribund, out of date, anachronistic, completely disorganized and with no technology. In two years he turned it into a much more modern, way more up-to-date, fully automated functioning library that circulates 200 books a week. He also is always on a quest to support students in learning in ways aligned to their interests, strengths and talents as he wrote about in this great lesson that he implemented http://educationontheplate.com/2010/12/26/my-one-great-lesson-this-year/ For his colleagues at his school, Deven has led the development of a more technology-capable staff through one-to-one training of tech-phobic or reluctant teachers. On a larger scale, Deven has served on the review committee to help implement the new social media guidelines for NYC DOE employees.

Chris Casal - School Technology Support Chris Casal is making a difference by facilitating communication with all school community stakeholders to establish a fully connected and transparent digital learning environment designed to build and strengthen relationships. Parent’s can’t always come to school to meet with teachers, the administration can’t always observe every great lesson or activity. Chris helps to keep them in the know with the PS 10 social media platforms. This helps the school connect with parents & community members on a wide variety of digital platforms with a consistent message. There is the PS 10 Facebook page where he posts status updates with fliers about fundraisers, changes in schedules, links to news articles about the school or relevant NYC school information. He also manages the school’s Twitter account (@PS10Brooklyn) and hashtags #ps10bk & #ps10sw. This helps streamline the publishing of general information & student work, helping to create a very transparent learning environment. The transparency of Twitter and the school hastags allows parents and staff members alike to have a front row seat to the great things happening in school. Parents can follow teachers and get a regular glimpse into the classroom settings, even when they are unable to be there. The administration can more easily be aware of great instructional moments, even if they can’t be there first hand by keeping up with school hashtags and teacher handles. During Superstorm Sandy these social media outlets provided a lifeline for the school to keep all stakeholders up-to-date and supported. Whether it is child, teacher, parent, or community Chris Casal works to ensure all members of the school community are supported in becoming active, engaged, and involved members of the digital world in which they live.

School Board - Lisa Cooley Lisa Cooley brings real education change to the school board table. Her position on progressive education and opposition to high-stakes testing and standardization bring the wider world of school transformation to a rural New England school district. She brings her ideas on meaningful student learning to every aspect of school board activity, from the budget, to curriculum decisions, to student expulsion hearings. Her goals are to bring students’ interests, passions, enjoyments and curiosities to their everyday work at school are why she should receive this recognition.

Sara Cottone - Parent Leader Sara Cottone understands that in today’s struggling economy there are many more working parents. It is very hard for them to make the time to be at the school, but even a little time is so worth the effort so Cottone has come up with innovative approaches that not only support her school community, but have also become a model for the largest school district in American, New York City. The innovative practices Cottone incorporates to reach working parents are now used as a model and example for other parent coordinators across the city who are looking new ways to connect and coordinate with their school community. Cottone teaches us that even if parents can’t be at school, there are ways to keep them connected. Some of the ways she does this include creating online spaces where they can not only get information, such as the Parent Coordinator website (https://sites.google.com/site/ps46statenisland/), but also a space for them to interact, a Parent Coordinator Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/PS-46-Parent-Coordinator/100570000004967.

Secondary School Principal - Chris Lehmann Chris Lehmann not only talks the talk. He gets right in their and walks the walk...and in some cases, like when he does races with students, he'll run the run to keep up with his kids. The best way to explain why Chris should be recognized is to share some of the talking that Chris walks in his own words: "If you dare kids to do real stuff that matters, you better be prepared to get out of the way." “Technology should be like oxygen: ubiquitous, necessary, and invisible.” "I want kids to be "thoughtful, wise, passionate and kind." "Schools can be places of great passion where students learn what it means to be scholar-activists, fully invested in authentic work that matters to them today, not someday." When Chris is not talking the talk and walking the walk, he is writing about it. His blog (http://practicaltheory.org/blog) is a continual source of inspiration to educators, parents, and students around the globe.

Kris Nielsen - Middle School Teacher of the Year There are innovative educators in thousands of classrooms all across America. Having served as a middle grades educator and instructional leader for six years in New Mexico, Oregon, and North Carolina, Kris L. Nielsen is one of them.  Nielsen became frustrated as he watched political policies put in place that are strangling the drive and desire for educators to be the innovative class leaders they grew to be. As a result Nielsen was compelled to write Children of the Core www.childrenofthecore.com written with parents in mind, and with students as the inspiration. Nielsen says, “We--parents, students, and teachers--were promised a revolutionary new system that would narrow the achievement gaps in reading and math, create environments for deeper and critical thinking, and prepare our students for life, career, and college.  What we’re finding is that none of this is true.  It’s all totally opposite.”

Me! Education Commenter / Blogger I was excited to recently learn that I too was nominated for an award.  Exciting!!! Here’s what the nomination said: Lisa Nielsen thinks in very liberated and liberating ways about education. She pushes the envelope in the area of reinventing what schooling means, what the objectives should be and how do it. Outspoken and courageous, she has taken many bold and controversial positions based on her belief that educators and education must be reinvented to be relevant in a brave new, technology-driven world. Lisa is a strong collaborator and works with many groups to help move education reform forward. It's hard not to be impressed by the extent to which Lisa will go to push others forward, to empower and support the people she believes are on the right track. Her passion, energy and bias for action puts her in the league of proactive bloggers/commentators who go beyond writing and speaking about education reform to actually organizing and acting to advance the reforms she believes are critical to the field of education. Thoughtful, way out of the box thinker, more than and idea person...a "doer."

I want more »

Read More

Tell social media gurus #YouMatter with a #BammyAwards vote!

Envision a world that values education like it values entertainment. That is the goal of The Bammy Awards. Earlier this month I nominated educators from across the globe for an award.  This time around, I’m nominating those I have the pleasure of working and connecting with in New York City. These are movers and shakers that I have come to know because of their pioneering work in the use of social media to support teaching, leading, and learning that will help guide students toward success with college, career, and citizenship.

The Bammy Awards nominations, are an honor that identifies and acknowledges the extraordinary work being done across the education field every day.  The Bammy Awards were created to help reverse the negative national narrative that dominates the education field.

Now, you, the online community, have a chance to bring recognition to those we know, admire, and respect by placing a vote for the Educator's Voice Award to recognize the nominees that you believe are making a significant difference in the field.  Below are my second round of nominations. Please take a look and if you like what you read, click that little “vote” link to find out more and vote for this person if you agree they should be honored.  

Deven Black - School Librarian Deven makes a difference in many ways. For his students, he made a difference by taking over a library that had become moribund, out of date, anachronistic, completely disorganized and with no technology. In two years he turned it into a much more modern, way more up-to-date, fully automated functioning library that circulates 200 books a week. He also is always on a quest to support students in learning in ways aligned to their interests, strengths and talents as he wrote about in this great lesson that he implemented http://educationontheplate.com/2010/12/26/my-one-great-lesson-this-year/ For his colleagues at his school, Deven has led the development of a more technology-capable staff through one-to-one training of tech-phobic or reluctant teachers. On a larger scale, Deven has served on the review committee to help implement the new social media guidelines for NYC DOE employees. You can read more about Deven and vote here.

I want more »

Read More

Yeeah! #BammyAwards nominates The Innovative Educator

Well isn't this fabulous? While I was out nominating awesome folks from around the nation for the Bammy Awards, I opened up my own email to find the Bammy Nomination Committee had selected me for the Education Commentator/Blogger category. How cool is that?

Click here to check it out and vote.

If you haven't heard of the Bammy's, it is the Academy of Education Arts and Sciences Award.  "The Academy exists solely to recognize what is right in education by identifying, honoring and celebrating the collective contributions of professionals, paraprofessionals and support staff across the entire education community." 

Here is the nomination:

Lisa Nielsen thinks in very liberated and liberating ways about education. She pushes the envelope in the area of reinventing what schooling means, what the objectives should be and how do it. Outspoken and courageous, she has taken many bold and controversial positions based on her belief that educators and education must be reinvented to be relevant in a brave new, technology-driven world.

Lisa is a strong collaborator and works with many groups to help move education reform forward. It's hard not to be impressed by the extent to which Lisa will go to push others forward, to empower and support the people she believes are on the right track. Her passion, energy and bias for action puts her in the league of proactive bloggers/commentators who go beyond writing and speaking about education reform to actually organizing and acting to advance the reforms she believes are critical to the field of education. Thoughtful, way out of the box thinker, more than and idea person...a "doer."

Perhaps most important to me is the fact that each vote has a short statement by the voter. It's an amazing feeling to be praised for exactly those qualities that I value and strive for. This one comes from my friend and fellow-nominee, Lee Kolbert:

"Lisa is a truly innovative educator who clearly articulates that which the rest of us are thinking. She is very knowledgeable and courageous. She deserves this award."

I would be honored if any of you who have believed in, been inspired by, or taken action as a result of my words, showed your support by clicking this link, then registering or logging in with Facebook, and submiting your vote (and if you’d like, I'd love to read a statement from you as well).

Read More

Tell educators #YouMatter. Place your #BammyAwards Vote!

Educator's make their way to the red carpet.
I'm in the purple dress with my boyfriend, back right.

Envision a world that values education like it values entertainment. That is the goal of The Bammy Awards. It’s time for The Bammy nominations, a cross-discipline honor that identifies and acknowledges the extraordinary work being done across the education field every day-- from teachers, principals and superintendents, to advocates, researchers, education journalists and parents.  The Bammy Awards were created to help reverse the negative national narrative that dominates the education field.

Now, you, the online community, have a chance to bring recognition to those we know, admire, and respect by placing a vote for the Educator's Voice Award to recognize the nominees that you believe are making a significant difference in the field.  Below are my first round of five nominations. Please take a look and if you like what you read, click that little “vote” link to find out more and vote for this person if you believe they should be honored.  

	School Board - Lisa Cooley Lisa Cooley brings real education change to the school board table. Her position on progressive education and opposition to high-stakes testing and standardization bring the wider world of school transformation to a rural New England school district. She brings her ideas on meaningful student learning to every aspect of school board activity, from the budget, to curriculum decisions, to student expulsion hearings. Her goals are to bring students’ interests, passions, enjoyments and curiosities to their everyday work at school are why she should receive this recognition. Vote for Lisa here.
	David Bernstein - Education Reporter David is a passionate father of two sons both of whom have learning differences. He has become a prolific writer for such publications as the Washington Post and Education Week on education innovation and learning differences. Some of his thoughtful work includes this article in the the Washington Post’s “Answer Sheet”  http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2013/02/06/is-school-reform-making-america-less-competitive/ and this from Education Week http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2013/04/03/27bernstein_ep.h32.html You can vote for david here.
	Kris Nielsen - Middle School Teacher of the Year There are innovative educators in thousands of classrooms all across America. Having served as a middle grades educator and instructional leader for six years in New Mexico, Oregon, and North Carolina, Kris L. Nielsen is one of them.  Nielsen became frustrated as he watched political policies put in place that are strangling the drive and desire for educators to be the innovative class leaders they grew to be. As a result Nielsen was compelled to write Children of the Core www.childrenofthecore.com written with parents in mind, and with students as the inspiration. Nielsen says, “We--parents, students, and teachers--were promised a revolutionary new system that would narrow the achievement gaps in reading and math, create environments for deeper and critical thinking, and prepare our students for life, career, and college.  What we’re finding is that none of this is true.  It’s all totally opposite.” Vote for Kris here.
	Secondary School Principal - Chris Lehmann Chris Lehmann not only talks the talk. He gets right in their and walks the walk...and in some cases, like when he does races with students, he'll run the run to keep up with his kids. The best way to explain why Chris should be recognized is to share some of the talking that Chris walks in his own words: "If you dare kids to do real stuff that matters, you better be prepared to get out of the way." “Technology should be like oxygen: ubiquitous, necessary, and invisible.” "I want kids to be "thoughtful, wise, passionate and kind." "Schools can be places of great passion where students learn what it means to be scholar-activists, fully invested in authentic work that matters to them today, not someday." When Chris is not talking the talk and walking the walk, he is writing about it. His blog (http://practicaltheory.org/blog) is a continual source of inspiration to educators, parents, and students around the globe. Vote for Chris here.
	Education School Professor - Mark Naison Ever since the community history projects he was doing in Bronx Schools were pushed out to make room for high stakes testing, Mark Naison has been taking a stand to end the demonetization of teachers and restore what is best for students, staff, and parents who are a part of our schools. Naison is the funky fresh Fordham University professor known as Notorious PhD. He spreads his message via his blog “With a Brooklyn Accent” (http://withabrooklynaccent.blogspot.com); through his “Teachers Talk Back” listserve; and through the speeches and educational raps he gives at rallies and demonstrations in defense of public education. Check out his “Achievement Rap” which he performed here (http://youtu.be/IZfj5XMKVyc)at a “Save Our Schools” March. His most recent initiative is a Teachers Oral History project (http://withabrooklynaccent.blogspot.com/2013/03/teacher-oral-history-project-to.html) that will document the damage that has been done to public education and  teachers professionalism in the age of high stakes tests. Vote for Mark here!
	Jessica Smock - Education Policy Research Jessica served as a teacher and curriculum coordinator for more than a decade before turning to research and writing. She recently defended her doctoral dissertation about the educational experiences of African American female graduates of a nonprofit. Currently, her focus is related to the role of innovative programs and individuals to transform education. Specifically she has been looking at what can be learned from models such as home education that empower young people to learn outside school settings which you can read here http://gettingsmart.com/cms/edreformer/what-an-educator-learned-from-home-schooling-parents/ You can read more of her work on her blog, School of Smock (http://www.schoolofsmock.com) Vote for Jessica here!
	Jean McTavish, High School Principal Jean Schutt McTavish is a unique school leader for her activism in ensuring our children have healthy bodies and minds. She gave up a considerable amount of office space to build a student kitchen where students can cook food that they have grown in the school’s garden and teaches a spin class at 7 a.m. three days a week. In addition to supporting the health and fitness of students’ bodies, she also works hard to support their minds. McTavish works to instill students with self confidence and the belief that they can do anything they set their minds to. Part of her work to instil confidence in students and ensure their success involves speaking out about the deleterious effects of high stakes testing on students who are most at risk in America. McTavish believes educational leaders must stand up for our children and will fearlessly call out any leader willing to sell out the education of children to advance their career. She speaks, writes, and acts to effect change in this area and opts her own children out of high stakes testing. You can find her activism at Our Village, Our Schools Vote for Jean here!
	Me! Education Commenter / Blogger I was excited to recently learn that I too was nominated for an award.  Exciting!!! Here’s what the nomination said: Lisa Nielsen thinks in very liberated and liberating ways about education. She pushes the envelope in the area of reinventing what schooling means, what the objectives should be and how do it. Outspoken and courageous, she has taken many bold and controversial positions based on her belief that educators and education must be reinvented to be relevant in a brave new, technology-driven world. Lisa is a strong collaborator and works with many groups to help move education reform forward. It's hard not to be impressed by the extent to which Lisa will go to push others forward, to empower and support the people she believes are on the right track. Her passion, energy and bias for action puts her in the league of proactive bloggers/commentators who go beyond writing and speaking about education reform to actually organizing and acting to advance the reforms she believes are critical to the field of education. Thoughtful, way out of the box thinker, more than and idea person...a "doer." Vote for me here :)

Read More