Plain English
A validator is a participant in a proof-of-stake network who locks up the native asset as collateral and is rewarded for proposing and verifying new blocks honestly.
How it actually works
Validators run software that participates in consensus. The protocol selects them probabilistically based on stake size, lets them propose blocks, and rewards them in newly issued tokens. Misbehavior — proposing invalid blocks, signing conflicting blocks, going offline — gets punished with “slashing,” where part of the staked collateral is destroyed.
What it means for you
When you stake ETH, you are either running a validator yourself or delegating to one. Validator selection and slashing risk are operational decisions, not abstract concepts.
The curriculum covers validator selection for delegated stakes, the trade-offs between solo staking and pools, and how to minimize slashing exposure.
Educational content only. Not investment, tax, or legal advice.