‍What's it like to teach virtually at an in-person school?

Meet Nancy DeBellis, a seasoned math teacher who found her groove in the virtual classroom. "I didn’t plan to teach online long-term," she says, "but once I saw the difference I could make—even through a screen—I knew I was right where I belonged." When COVID-19 flipped education on its head, she adapted quickly and hasn’t looked back since. Now, with years of experience teaching online through Proximity Learning, Nancy has built a vibrant, student-centered approach that shows just how rewarding online teaching can be.

How do you keep students interested and participating during virtual lessons?

"You have to show up with energy," Nancy says. "The kids feed off of it."For Nancy, keeping students engaged online starts with a positive attitude and a personal touch. She makes a point to greet each student by name and remembers little details about their lives to build relationships. Her classroom runs a bit like a fun, well-organized business—complete with awards for participation and achievements. She also uses games and friendly competition to create an environment where students are excited to show up and join in.

Her classroom is run like a business. "I give out 'Employee of the Month' and 'Company of the Month' awards. We have set champions from our math games. They get really into it—it makes them want to show up and participate," she explains. Students who were once hesitant to unmute are now competing for recognition and celebrating each other's wins.

What’s the biggest adjustment from in-person to online teaching?

"The hardest part is not being able to walk over and tap a student on the shoulder," Nancy admits. "But with Nearpod, I can watch them work in real time and say, ‘Joseph, double-check step two. I think you’ve got something flipped.’ That kind of live feedback is so important."

According to Nancy, the biggest shift is not being physically present with your students. You can’t tap someone on the shoulder to bring them back on task. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of touch. Tools like Nearpod let her see students’ progress in real time and give instant feedback. It’s a different kind of classroom management, but when done right, it works just as well, if not better.

Can you build strong relationships with students online?

"Absolutely," Nancy says without hesitation. She shares the story of a student who had low confidence in math. With Nancy’s support and encouragement, that student not only improved but also won Student of the Month. Even after switching to an in-person teacher, the student reached out to thank Nancy. That kind of connection proves that virtual teaching can leave a lasting impact.

Instead of physical proximity, she’s learned to use her voice, expressions, and tools like interactive slides and polls to stay connected. "I smile a lot. I nod. I cheer them on. My goal is to be more engaging than their phones—and most days, I think I pull it off."

She also makes sure every student feels seen. "I keep a checklist and call on each student by name throughout the lesson. Nobody slips through the cracks.

How do online teachers and in-person staff work together?

One key to success is strong collaboration with the in-person facilitator. Nancy thinks of her facilitator as her “feet on the ground,” "They’re my eyes and ears in the room. I call them my ‘feet on the street,’" she laughs. "I always check in with them at the start of the year to see what they’re comfortable with—some like to co-teach, others prefer to handle classroom management. Either way, they’re essential."

She builds these relationships with small but meaningful gestures, like a surprise Starbucks drink. She relies on them to manage the classroom environment and provide extra help to students who need it.

Why work with Proximity Learning instead of other online teaching platforms?

Nancy says it’s all about Proximity’s values. The company is committed to keeping virtual teachers in classrooms, even if a school hires someone in person mid-year. "PLI keeps me in the classroom," Nancy says simply. "Even if a school finds an in-person teacher, they work fast to get me placed somewhere else. That means a lot."

 Plus, the curriculum is rich with hands-on projects and engaging activities, giving students more ways to connect with the material. For teachers who want consistency and quality, it’s a great place to be.

What kind of professional development is available for virtual teachers?

Proximity Learning encourages growth, and Nancy is proof. "They supported me in getting my NVTA certification," she shares. "That gave me a raise and a real confidence boost. And it looks great in my email signature!"

 Nancy was encouraged to pursue her National Virtual Teachers Association certification. With that achievement, not only did her teaching improve, but she also received a pay bump. It's that kind of support that makes teachers feel valued and motivated to keep learning.

How do you make lessons more fun and memorable for students?

"Music is huge for me," Nancy says. "I have a playlist of math songs—everything from finding slope to understanding functions. We start class with music that’s on-topic, and it sets the tone."

Nancy spices up her lessons with music, humor, and relevant videos. She uses math-themed songs to help reinforce concepts, and when students are testing, she plays instrumental music to keep them focused. These little touches go a long way in making the online classroom feel more dynamic and enjoyable.

How does online teaching help fight the teacher shortage?

"I see it every day," Nancy says. "I walked into a classroom this year where students had gone through three teachers. They were scared they wouldn't be ready for high school. After two months with me, they were thriving. They needed consistency, and Proximity made that possible."

With schools across the country struggling to find qualified teachers, virtual teaching steps in to fill the gap. With her consistency and expertise, those students not only caught up, but they also gained confidence and were ready for high school. 

She also notes a broader trend. "There’s a lot of learned helplessness post-COVID. Kids feel behind, and virtual instruction helps fill in the gaps. It gives them a path forward."

What should new virtual teachers keep in mind?

Nancy’s go-to advice? "Smile. Use their names. Talk to them, not at them. And most importantly: listen. You’ll learn everything you need to know just by paying attention."

She adds, "Make sure their cameras are on. If you can’t see them, you can’t support them. You have to make the screen feel like a real classroom."

Online teaching isn’t just a backup plan—it’s a real, effective way to reach students who need you. Teachers like Nancy DeBellis are proving that every day.

Want to bring incredible educators like Nancy to your school?

Find out how you can partner with Proximity Learning and connect your district with certified, experienced virtual teachers today.