Events

Upcoming Virtual Initiatives

Curious about how AI can support, not replace, effective formative assessment practices? In this session, explore practical ways AI tools can help streamline feedback, surface student thinking, and save instructional time. Learn how to pair sound formative assessment strategies with AI to provide timely, actionable insights that support student learning. 

Most teachers have instructed students to “pay attention” at some time in their teaching career. Have you ever considered what exactly we mean when we use that phrase? Join us as we explore what we know about attention controls and apply the All Belong “Three-Step Process” to this important neurodevelopmental system. By attending this training, you will understand more about how to observe different areas of functioning with the attention control system, understand student functioning through the lens of attention, and leave equipped to develop short-term intervention plans for students at your school. 

The Standards of Mathematical Practice describe the thought processes of strong mathematicians. But how can teachers unpack them to shape their day-to-day instruction? In this session, explore the eight mathematical practices and what they mean for your students. Discover specific strategies that you can use to improve your students’ approaches to math. Leave with a concrete action plan you can implement immediately to integrate the standards in engaging, thought-provoking ways! 

In this session, participants will learn how to apply principles from the science of learning to their K-12 mathematics classrooms. Building upon the foundation of effective practices, this session will focus on using precise mathematical language, guiding principles for what makes practice effective for student learning, and how teachers can prompt their students to make connections between mathematical concepts. Participants will leave with practical strategies to implement in their classrooms, principles to guide effective math instruction, and access to effective formative assessments to track student growth toward excellence mathematically.

Educators frequently spend their time looking for practical, proven ways to move students from passive listeners to active, engaged learners. In this session, you will explore the powerful link between engagement and belonging, practice high-impact Total Participation Techniques (TPTs), and discover simple, classroom-ready strategies to assess understanding and increase student involvement. Walk away with practical tools you can use immediately to create inclusive, engaging learning environments where every student can experience success.

Join VAI for the annual Science on the Grand Conference. We know teachers have the most important job in the world; that’s why we support the whole teacher. This conference was designed by experts and current classroom teachers to provide research-based, classroom-tested, and inquiry-oriented content that supports your classroom expectations, your content standards, and you as a person. Join us in creating a classroom culture that supports STEAM instruction while also nurturing your own curiosity for personal growth and enjoyment. And during some very challenging times, you’ll see that you’re not alone, with many networking opportunities for you to engage with other teachers by grade level and content area.

The Michigan Equitable Service Collaborative (MESC) is offering a limited number of FREE admissions to this two-day conference. Use the code MANS2026-10 when registering.

Van Andel Institute for Education, in partnership with the Michigan Equitable Service Collaborative (MESC), is offering fifty free memberships to the VAI Educator's Studio. The membership includes access to creativity-sparking, classroom-tested resources aligned to 7 Essential Skills for Success and designed to save you time, engage students, and support you in teaching the way you know is best for your students…all while making learning FUN! As a bonus, most resources are built in Google Suite, so you can quickly edit, assign, and make it your own without any hassle.

Members will receive free access for one year, allowing you to plan over the summer and continue to use resources through the majority of the 2026-27 school year. Interested in the membership? Complete the form below, and we will send you more information and directions on how to access the membership.

This opportunity is a resource for teachers and is not SCECH eligible..