I couldn’t believe my eyes when the e-mail rolled in last night.

My wife, Melanie, and I were sitting on the couch watching an episode of “Chuck” on Netflix when I glanced at my e-mail.

There was an e-mail from Rae Pica, who I love to listen to on the “Teacher’s Aid” podcast, stating that I was a finalist for the Bammy Awards.

I had heard of the Bammys before but wasn’t sure if this was like “Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities” where it seems there are as many people nominated as not nominated.

After some searching, I’m seeing that it’s not. It’s a handful of people in education (in my case, secondary teachers) that have been nominated for the award. And apparently, if you make it far enough in the process, there’s a black-tie event to honor the finalists.

(When Melanie heard about that, her first reaction was, “If you make that, I’m getting a new dress.” Later it was, “I’m getting my hair done, too.” The last time she had both of those, I’m pretty sure she was part of a wedding … and it might have been our own wedding!)

As the title says in this post, I was floored. And I’m amazed. And I’m very honored.

I’ve met so many great educators via Twitter and all over the state of Indiana and the world. There’s so much good that happens in education and I’m blessed to be a part of it.

And after I found out about it, the first thing I wanted to do was to share it with you. You’re a huge part of this Ditch That Textbook community, and it’s been a wonderful experience learning from you.

Just the simple fact of being nominated means something very important to me.

It validates the importance — and the benefits — of taking risks for the benefit of students.

When I started teaching without a textbook several years ago, I didn’t know anyone that did that. I didn’t know people that really taught paperlessly (even though I met several great ones online and in person in following years). But I saw the potential benefits and gave it a shot.

I’m so thankful to so many people who have helped make me who I am as an educator today. The #INeLearn community on Twitter has been a great influence, providing viewpoints and ideas, tips and tricks. I’m also appreciative to people like Michelle Green, Paula Neidlinger, Kevin Honeycutt, John de Mado and others that have graciously given advice and been a sounding board. I’m most appreciative to my wife of almost 11 years, Melanie, who is also a great educator.

So, if you don’t mind, I would love to have your vote in the Bammy Awards. It should only take a minute or two to register and cast it. Please consider clicking the link below:

Click here to vote! Thank you!

And thanks so much for being part of the Ditch That Textbook community and making it what it is.

Matt