Van Andel Institute for Education

🎉 Congratulations to this month's Caught Being Awesome winner, Brittany Steffes, of Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy!
Grand Rapids University Prep Academy / Grand Rapids Public Schools

According to her peers, Brittany goes the extra mile for her students. Starting from her room which is bright, colorful, and has fun seating. Lesson plans and learning are coordinated to a tee. She has a passion for teaching and getting students where they need to be.

Well done, Brittany 🥇🏆

***If you know a teacher who’s creating a classroom where curiosity, creativity and critical thinking thrive, we’d love to celebrate them! Nominate at bit.ly/2WiQvjm

☀️📚 Summer reading doesn’t have to feel like homework.

The right books can spark curiosity, fuel imagination, and keep students engaged long after the school year ends.

👉 Swipe through a few of our favorite summer reading recommendations for students, from heartwarming classics to science-inspired stories and unforgettable adventures.

❗️ Bonus: Pair summer reading with our Books to Builds projects for hands-on STEM activities inspired by each story.
Comment for the link below! 👇

What books are on your students’ summer reading list? Let us know below!

5 reasons Science on the Grand feels different ✨

1️⃣ Practical, educator-led sessions you can use right away
2️⃣ Inspiring keynotes that challenge and energize your teaching
3️⃣ Hands-on field experiences inside real biomedical research labs
4️⃣ Breakfast, lunch, snacks, happy hour, and prizes — because teachers deserve it 🎉
5️⃣ A downtown Grand Rapids STEAM walk that turns the city into your classroom 🚶‍♀️

Join us July 13–14 in Grand Rapids for two days of discovery, connection, and classroom inspiration. Plus, bring your admin for free!* 🙌

Learn more at VAIeducation.org/SOTG

💛 This simple yet impactful activity is the perfect way to wrap up the school year!

Give students the chance to reflect on their classmates, share encouraging words, and leave with meaningful reminders of the impact they’ve had on one another all year long.

Try it with your class and let us know how it goes!

Explore more activities like this one at https://VAIeducation.org/for-educators/about-educators-studio

⭐️ FREE Daily SEL Activities! ⭐️

Make the last few weeks of school extra meaningful with 15-minute (or less!) SEL activities your students will actually look forward to.

💡 Choose from versions for K–2, 3–5, and 6–8.

Try them out with your class and let us know which activity becomes their favorite!

🔗 https://vaieducation.org/for-educators/games-activities -sel-activities

There’s nothing better than hearing this from teachers. 💚

Saving time and supporting your classroom at the same time is exactly what we’re here for. ✨

👉 And we’re here for you, too. Join VAI Educator’s Studio at https://vaieducation.org/for-educators/about-educators-studio

Honoring the sacrifice of our heroes this Memorial Day with gratitude and remembrance in our hearts.

Everyone loves a good story. 📚✨

And stories do more than entertain. They spark curiosity, make complex ideas easier to understand, strengthen communication skills, and help students connect to what they’re learning.

When we bring storytelling into STEM, it creates deeper understanding and stronger engagement.

👉 Swipe for 3 ways to make storytelling part of your STEM lessons.

Ignite your passion for teaching! 🎉✨

Science on the Grand is a celebration of YOU, our education superheroes! 🦸‍

Join us for an amazing STEAM conference with NGSS-aligned sessions full of practical ideas. 💡🔬

Earn up to 11 SCECHs as you elevate your teaching skills. 📚🌟

Register today at vaieducation.org/sotg! 🌐

Science on the Grand Conference for K–8 Educators | VAI Education K–8 STEM and STEAM professional development conference for teachers. Hands-on workshops, NGSS strategies, and classroom innovation to ignite your teaching.