EDUCATION Building the future <strong>of</strong> education A summer <strong>of</strong> renewal for students and educators With the dawn <strong>of</strong> a new school year, Van Andel Institute for Education saw strong interest in events and programs for teachers and administrators. The momentum began building over the summer when we hosted Science on the Grand: A STEAM Conference for Inquiry-based Educators. More than 120 teachers and administrators visited the Institute for the two-day conference, where they explored the latest researchbased, classroom-tested content to support STEAM instruction. Educators were able to network and hear from experts about cutting-edge instructional methods. The conference featured keynote speaker Erin Gruwell, an educator and catalyst for social change and New York Times bestselling author <strong>of</strong> “The Freedom Writers Diary.” Science on the Grand will return to VAI on July 10–11, 20<strong>23</strong>. Demand for VAI <strong>Summer</strong> Camps was at an all-time high: we welcomed 305 students for camps, nearly doubling the total from 2021. Campers enjoyed hands-on investigations in areas including science, engineering and robotics. Due to popular demand for summer schools in 2022, the Institute will more than double our camps for 20<strong>23</strong> and <strong>of</strong>fer a new, one-day camp format. The Institute’s K–8 Project-based <strong>Summer</strong> School pr<strong>of</strong>essional development program provides summer school teachers with customized instruction and projects that meet their grade level, scheduling and content needs. Meaningful pr<strong>of</strong>essional development and networking The educational landscape is ever shifting, and VAI is here to help educators meet new challenges and elevate their instructional practices. Flex PD is a comprehensive and affordable pr<strong>of</strong>essional development program designed to meet the needs <strong>of</strong> all teachers. This year, VAI <strong>of</strong>fered Flex PD solutions to more than 25 schools and provided pr<strong>of</strong>essional development services to more than 2,300 educators. VAI’s New Teacher Network allows teachers to receive the targeted support they need as they get started in this rewarding and challenging pr<strong>of</strong>ession. By learning great content, sharing their experiences and receiving validation from their network, teachers grow as people and pr<strong>of</strong>essionals as they embark on their learning journeys. Innovative instructional support VAI <strong>of</strong>fers Blue Apple projects based on an internationally recognized gold standard, delivering lesson plans, online resources, cross-curricular mini-lessons and a host <strong>of</strong> other tools that make it easier for teachers to get started right away. During the 2021–22 school year, VAI shipped 324 Blue Apple projects to teachers — an increase <strong>of</strong> 16% over the previous year. Several new Timely Topic lessons were launched, including “Valuing our Veterans” and “Hispanic Heritage Month.” The full suite <strong>of</strong> Timely Topics saw more than 5,000 downloads in more than 40 countries, with many educators even reaching out to express their gratitude for the free lessons. Inquiry in Action <strong>of</strong>fers a variety <strong>of</strong> inquiry-based lessons that are sure to engage students and get them thinking deeply about science. These 15- to 30-minute experiences allow teachers to introduce a variety <strong>of</strong> relevant concepts without adding prep and planning to their busy schedule. Our NexGen Inquiry Quests come with story-driven videos that guide students through a process <strong>of</strong> scientific inquiry and hands-on experimentation. Students exercise critical and creative thinking through scientific journaling, collaborate with peers and apply what they learn to make the world a better place. Hands-on STEM lessons, wherever you are Our expert educators hit the road with Curiosity on Wheels, a program that takes inquiry-based science to new heights as participants think and act like scientists by conducting hands-on STEM investigations. Whether it be addressing science standards, enhancing thematic units or just having fun, VAI customizes each Curiosity on Wheels trip to meet the individual needs <strong>of</strong> educators. Coming out <strong>of</strong> the pandemic, teachers have been particularly interested in exploring VAI’s Field Trips. These are available at the Institute and on-location at schools; students conduct unique, grade-specific investigations that emphasize hands-on discovery. The Institute hosted more than 2,500 students for Field Trips, an increase <strong>of</strong> 50% over the previous year. For more information about VAI’s latest resources, please visit vai.org/k-12-education. 16 | VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHTS OF HOPE
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