Virtual Teacher Support through PLCs and Planning Periods
The challenges of maintaining teacher satisfaction and fostering effective learning environments are unconventional in the realm of virtual education. Balancing the unique needs of teachers and students in this setting requires innovative solutions. When districts invest in planning periods and Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), it is a game-changer for virtual learning. These actions not only […]
Proximity Learning’s Dorvera Owens and Recognizing Black History Month
Written: February 2024       Updated: March 2026 When we think about Black History Month (BHM), it’s easy to focus on the calendar. But stories, like the Dorvera Owens Personal Story on BHM, remind us that this recognition is deeply personal, generational, and ongoing. What began as Negro History Week 100 years ago grew into a national commitment […]
Synchronous Learning Benefits: From Student Engagement to Teacher Retention
Synchronous learning is an educational format that allows students to communicate in real-time with a teacher and classmates. It includes both in-person and online learning on platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams. What are the Benefits of Synchronous Learning? Researchers have closely studied synchronous and asynchronous learning environments to better understand the pros and […]
A Guide to Solutions for Teacher Shortages
Recent estimates show there are about 55,000 vacant full-time teaching positions across the United States, underscoring the severity of the teacher shortage impacting school districts nationwide. While the teacher shortage crisis is more pronounced in some regions, many schools across nearly all 50 states continue to struggle with teacher vacancies, especially in core subjects, world […]
Stanford’s National Student Support Accelerator Awards Badge to Synchronous Tutoring Program
Proximity Learning is proud to announce that our tutoring program was awarded the Product Design Badge by Stanford University’s National Student Support Accelerator. Our synchronous high-dosage tutoring programs align with the tutoring quality standards. This Badge represents a research-based review of our program’s design, providing valuable feedback and recognition from experts. To receive a Badge, […]
Virtual Teaching in 2025: A Complete Guide for K-12 Districts
After emergency online learning was forced on schools during the COVID-19 pandemic, educational institutions have moved to integrate virtual teaching into the “new normal”. Many schools are investing in new tech equipment and converting physical space into classrooms that are conducive to online learning. The advent of AI has only helped accelerate the trend as […]
Synchronous vs Asynchronous Learning: Research, Results, and Implementation
Synchronous learning has been the standard educational format for thousands of years. Parents, teachers, and religious leaders taught children in person, providing hands-on instruction and real-time answers to student questions. Students today continue to benefit from in-person synchronous learning and can also receive a synchronous education online via livestreamed classes. Now, thanks in large part […]
The State of the DOE: 7 Key Areas to Watch in 2025
What Does the Department of Education (DOE) Do? The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) is a federal agency responsible for establishing national education policies, administering federal funding, and enforcing federal laws regarding education equity and access. In contrast, state-run Departments of Education (DOEs) oversee public education within their respective states, managing curriculum standards, teacher certifications, […]
Year in Review 2024
Thanks to all of our district partners, incredible teachers, engaged students, and hardworking team, Proximity Learning had an outstanding year as we work toward our mission of connecting all learners with the expert teachers they deserve. We’re proud to celebrate many accomplishments from 2024, and look forward to growing and serving even more students in […]
Virtual Teacher Professional Development
Proximity Learning constantly innovates to further the quality of education provided by our synchronous certified teachers. School districts partner with us so their students have access to the qualified teachers they deserve. We work hard behind the scenes to ensure that our teachers have access to great professional development, our schools receive the instruction they […]
