Written: June 2023 Updated: April 2026
Proximity Learning Inc., a virtual education company that specializes in offering live K-12 instruction delivered by certified teachers, continues to demonstrate measurable progress towards their mission of increasing equity in education.
As the teacher shortage continues to impact public schools across the country, many districts struggle to fill open teaching positions with qualified teachers. This ongoing gap has created challenges in maintaining consistent, quality instruction, particularly in core subjects and difficult-to-staff areas.
In response, Proximity Learning continues to expand its reach through live virtual teaching, helping schools maintain continuity in the classroom and ensuring that students have access to the education and teachers they need to succeed.
How Proximity Is Increasing Equity in Education
Proximity Learning’s approach is centered on delivering consistent, high-quality virtual instruction through a scalable model that supports both districts and students. This approach allows schools to maintain instructional continuity while continuing to support ongoing staffing challenges.
Helping Over 100,000 Students
Dedicated to extending educational equity, Proximity Learning works to curb today’s teacher shortage by providing live virtual teaching services and solutions to in-person and virtual schools. Instructing over 100,000 students to date, each year Proximity Learning has continued to expand their reach. During the 2022-23 school year alone, Proximity Learning livestreamed certified teachers in 3,000+ classes and 400+ partner schools.
Providing 150+ Virtual K-12 Courses
Additionally, Proximity Learning offers more than 150 core and specialty courses focused on helping schools increase equity through curriculum diversity while maintaining staffing flexibility.
Course offerings include, but aren’t limited to:
- Core Subjects: Math, algebra, science, biology, social studies
- World Languages: Spanish, French, German, American Sign Language
- Career and Technical Education (CTE): Business, information technology, career readiness
- Electives and Specialty Courses: Middle school enrichment, advanced subjects, and interest-based classes
- Tutoring and Intervention: Targeted academic support, small group instruction, and skill-based intervention programs
- Summer School Programs: Credit recovery, enrichment courses, and accelerated learning opportunities
- Special Education Services: Resource room, inclusion support, self-contained instruction, and individualized services
These courses give districts the ability to expand access to essential and specialized subjects while maintaining their budget, granting more students the opportunity to learn and explore subjects that may not otherwise be available in their local school.
How Proximity Learning Is Expanding Equity in K-12 Education
Expanding equity in education is more than adding new programs. It involves creating sustainable systems that allow schools to consistently deliver high-quality instruction, even as staffing challenges and teacher vacancies continue. By focusing on access, consistency, and flexibility, Proximity Learning is helping districts close gaps and better support their students.
Filling Teacher Vacancies with Certified Virtual Teachers
One of the most immediate ways Proximity Learning supports school districts is by helping to fill teaching vacancies with certified virtual instructors. This ensures students continue receiving consistent, standards-aligned instruction without disruption.
Proximity teachers are held to high standards to provide quality virtual instruction across every classroom. All virtual teachers are evaluated according to National Virtual Teacher Association (NVTA) standards, so they are fully certified and experienced in delivering live, synchronous lessons. Proximity continues to help these teachers provide the best student experience possible through:
- Intensive onboarding and training
- Weekly feedback and instructional resources
- Professional development aligned with the NVTA rubric
- A professional learning community and spotlight recognitions
Proximity’s focus is not merely meeting qualifications, but maintaining student engagement through live interaction, structured feedback, and consistent accountability. This model allows students to build relationships with their teachers, stay engaged, and continue making measurable academic progress while supporting the teaching shortage.
Expanding Access to Hard-to-Staff Subjects
Many districts face challenges when trying to offer more specialized subjects, such as advanced math, science, world languages, and special education. Through virtual instruction, Proximity Learning provides students with access to certified educators regardless of geographic location, expanding course opportunities to meet their academic and career goals.
Providing Live Instruction Instead of Recorded Lessons
While some asynchronous learning models rely on recorded lessons, Proximity Learning focuses on live virtual teaching to create a more engaging and responsive learning experience. With real-time instruction from a virtual teacher and assistance from an in-class facilitator, students can ask questions, respond to feedback, and stay involved in their lessons. This level of live interaction helps improve understanding, build confidence, and create stronger connections between teachers and students.
Offering Flexible Instructional Models for District Needs
Every school district operates differently, and addressing the teacher shortage requires adaptable solutions. Proximity Learning offers flexible instructional models that allow districts to fill gaps in a way that aligns with their schedules, staffing needs, and existing programs.
Whether supporting a single classroom or expanding across multiple schools, this flexibility helps learners continue to receive consistent instruction without disruption. By giving districts the ability to scale services up or down as needed, Proximity Learning grants consistent access to certified teachers and provides stable, high-quality education in the face of ongoing challenges.
Building the Equitable Future That Schools and Students Deserve
Proximity Learning has demonstrated that scalable, flexible solutions can help districts address prevalent challenges while improving access to certified teachers and high-quality education. With over 100,000 students served, 3,000+ classes, and partnerships across 400+ schools, Proximity Learning continues to play a key role in helping districts close instructional gaps and expand opportunity.
As Proximity Learning CEO, Evan Erdberg, says, “At Proximity Learning, we are committed to providing equity in education to students across the US by giving schools and students live access to certified teachers through synchronous online instruction. Live virtual learning is an effective way to extend educational equity because students gain access to previously inaccessible subjects and highly qualified teachers. It is time for administrators to stand up, step up, and help impact their students’ future by embracing change and leveraging creative solutions like ours.”
Connect with Proximity Learning today to learn how your district can expand access to certified teachers and support every student with consistent, high-quality virtual instruction.
