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Have you ever heard the story of the Hydra?

In Greek Mythology, the Hydra was a snakelike monster with a very unique ability: whenever a hero cut off its head, two more would grow back in its place! Fighting the Hydra was an exercise in futility. Every time someone tried, it’s heads would multiply until the unfortunate hero was completely overwhelmed.

For many educators, this summer can feel like fighting a Hydra. After navigating the trials of 2020 and conserving just enough energy to make it across the finish line, we’re now confronted with a summer of assessing learning loss, attempting recovery, and preparing for an uncertain fall! This can all sound pretty overwhelming, but you don’t have to tackle these trials alone. For those educators feeling exhausted or overwhelmed, consider exploring these helpful tools and resources from VAI.

Tools for a Champion
  • Blogs: Congratulations! You’ve already discovered the first tool for your summer training. Inquiry Insider can help you stay abreast of the latest news and strategies being circulated in the teaching world. It can also show you how to carve out spaces for pressing issues like student equity and social-emotional learning. So, spend an afternoon browsing our posts and catch up on the latest happenings in the world of education!
  • Webinars: Reading is good, but sometimes you need someone to walk you through the material step by step. Our webinars can give you a more comprehensive look at student-driven and project-based learning from the perspective of experienced educators. They also serve as a useful guide for professional development, with subjects ranging from virtual schooling to differentiated instruction. If summer is a time to exercise your knowledge, then consider webinars your personal trainer.
  • Timely Topics: Lesson planning can be time-consuming, but what if someone did most of the heavy lifting so you could focus on teaching? Engage your students with free lessons connecting them to relevant events. A series of 15-minute inquiry-based lessons, each topic comes with teacher instructions and student resources that are ready to implement or easily customized. Timely Topics include Respectful Debate, Celebrating Black History Month, and more!
  • Instructional Strategies: Part of being an educator is trying out new ideas. With instructional strategies, you can practice tiering assignments to improve differentiated learning. Try collecting data to give your students more voice and choice or start journaling for better feedback and assessment. Don’t be intimidated by all the choices. Half the fun is finding out what works for you!
You’re Legendary!

The Hydra may be a formidable foe, but in the end, it’s defeated by teamwork, creativity, and grit. Never doubt that you have what it takes to beat these summer challenges. And don’t forget, we’re ready to assist you every step of the way! These are just a few of our free resources, and with a little help, you’ll be more than ready when the first day of school arrives.

For more free educational resources simply follow this link!

*Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.