Silence is no longer an option.

The relentless national criticism of America's public schools that is driving the negative public perception of education is leading to a decrease in public confidence and support. This is seen in demands to reduce funding, drives for privatization, highstakes standardized testing  and decreasing influence of frontline educators in the policies that impact you every day.  This is true despite the great work and best efforts of the millions who actually work inside education.  

Dilligently working with kids in isolation, while quietly believing that humility is the best posture for educators just assures that  the negative public perception will continue.  To change public perception the voices of educators must be amplified. The stories of what's right in American education must be told and you can start right now by acknowledging your nomination for a Bammy Award.

Be part of the solution.

"The depth of discouragement among educators in the trenches is at an all-time high and cannot be overstated," said former Assistant Secretary of Education Diane Ravitch in a recent BAM Radio interview.

  This was backed up by Gail Connelly, executive director at the National Association of Elementary School Principals, who said, "I have never seen anything like it in 30 years." 

Educators are being intensely scrutinized, but not as intensely recognized for the great work being done. Together we can change this.

A Bammy Award nomination  is meaningful recognition that matters.  

Bammy nominations are made by the Academy of Education Arts and Sciences International, comprised of very accomplished, respected and recognized education leaders. The aggregate achievements and contributions of the Academy's members makes recognition by this group a substantive and unparalleled honor to be highly valued, coveted and respected across the education community and beyond. 

Your nomination means that you have made enough of a difference in education that you have caught the attention of a member of the Academy and are a leader in the field yourself. You help bring positive recognition to the education  field, yourself and your organization by spreading the word.

Your nomination  also makes you eligible to receive an Educator's Voice Award.  

The Educator's Voice Award honorees are chosen by the online education community through votes cast for you on the Bammy Awards web site.  Your ability to get your network to vote for you is a statement of your influence/ impact in the education field, which is the basis for the Educator's Choice Award.  Your votes will also influence your chances of honored by the Academy with a Bammy Award in your category.

Make a difference on a larger scale.  

As you invite your network of peers, associates, friends and family to vote for you, you are helping to spread the word about some of the great work that educators are doing, what's right in American education and how educators are currently making a difference right now.

Change the headlines.  

There are members of the media on the Academy of Education Arts and Science.  A Bammy Award nomination can put your accomplishments in education on the radar screen of the national media. Identifying and showcasing the great work being done by educators is what the Bammy Awards are all about.

Cross-discipline recognition is a priority.  

We hear it all the time: School nurses feel unappreciated by school leaders. Principals feel unappreciated by teachers and vice versa. School administrators feel unappreciated by parents. Parents feel unappreciated by teachers. The Bammy Awards are designed to foster cross-discipline recognition, appreciation and respect.

 Your nomination gives us both the opportunity to tell positive stories the entire education community and the broader public.

Recognize  your team in a big way.  

We know that it takes a community to educate a child and that others have played a role in your good work. Your Bammy  nomination allows you to recognize your valued team members, staff and supporters for their contributions and accomplishments. Recognition for you is recognition for them. Share it with them and the world.

Yes, it take a village to educate a child.  

Bridge building, collaboration and cross-pollination of best practices is a primary goal of the Bammy Awards. We hope that by sharing your story others will be informed, inspired and may even reach out to work more closely with you to improve student outcomes.

We'll amplify your voice and impact. 

Perhaps the best part of our job is having the privilege of helping to amplify the voices of educators with something valuable to contribute to the field. We select our radio guests and hosts from the pool of people making a difference in education. Now you are one of those leaders and we look forward to helping your voice be heard.

Finally, get nationwide validation for a job well done. 

Increasingly, educators are burning out and leaving the field. Now more than ever, it's important to be validated for a hard work that educators are doing often under very difficult conditions. Join us in saluting you and your exceptional peers.

 NEXT: How to promote and get votes >>>