2022 Annual Report

K-12 Education
Van Andel Institute for Education is dedicated to bringing the spirit of research into classrooms and
building spaces where curiosity, creativity and critical thinking thrive. Our educators develop inquiry-based
approaches for K–12 education to help teachers, administrators and parents support the next generation
of problem solvers. These programs are designed to engage students at an intrinsic level while delivering
innovative strategies for teachers, with a shared goal of promoting high-quality education for all. Students
participate in authentic learning experiences that allow them to think critically and challenge themselves,
all while having a healthy dose of fun. Our educators are committed to making the classroom a place where
students and teachers want to be.
2022 HIGHLIGHTS
FOR SCHOOLS
Professional Development
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 professional
development program designed to meet the needs
of all teachers. It combines immersive workshops,
learning sessions and ongoing coaching to create
customized learning paths for teachers and
administrators. In 2022, VAI offered Flex PD solutions
to more than 25 schools and provided professional
development services to more than 2,300 educators.
Our Better Together virtual networking events have
brought together K–12 administrators to exchange
ideas on how to increase engagement, accelerate
learning and incorporate elements like socialemotional
and project-based learning in their schools.
Similarly, VAI’s Admin Guides give administrators
free, comprehensive research and recommendations
for key topics such as school improvement planning,
teacher morale and more.
VAI also hosted Science on the Grand: A STEAM
Conference for Inquiry-based Educators. Over two
days, education experts and classroom teachers
gathered to unleash research-based, classroomtested
content — all designed to support educators in
increasing inquiry-based instruction. The conference
served more than 100 educators and focused on
creating a classroom that supports STEAM instruction
while nurturing educators’ curiosity for personal
growth and enjoyment.
Instructional Tools
Project-based learning immerses students in authentic
learning experiences that engage the heart, hands and
minds of students. Yet, developing these projects can
be an intimidating — and time-consuming — prospect
for educators. This is where Blue Apple comes in. VAI
offers Blue Apple projects based on an internationally
recognized gold standard, delivering lesson plans,
online resources, cross-curricular mini-lessons and
a host of other tools that make it easier for teachers
to get started right away. VAI shipped 324 Blue Apple
projects to teachers in the 2021–22 school year, an
increase of 16% over the previous year.
VAI shipped 324 Blue Apple projects to teachers in the
2021–22 school year, an increase of 16% over the previous year.
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