Supporting Virtual Teaching: The Heart of Professional Development

When you talk to teachers at Proximity Learning, one thing becomes crystal clear: our educators care—deeply. They care about showing up for students in meaningful ways, even through a screen. They care about adapting to virtual teaching and growing their skills. And they care about doing their job with excellence in a world where the classroom looks and feels very different from just a few years ago.

That’s why professional development (PD) isn’t a requirement here—it’s a support system.

A Different Kind of Challenge

Being a great teacher has always required passion, patience, and practice. But teaching in a virtual classroom brings new challenges that even the most experienced in-person educator might not anticipate. 

For virtual teachers, technology is everything. It’s how they deliver instruction, connect with students, and manage their day-to-day routines. With constant software updates, it’s essential to continually seek out new features and keep up with learning trends to keep students engaged. 

Building Relationships Through the Screen

Perhaps the biggest misconception about virtual teaching is that it’s impersonal. But if you listen to the stories from Proximity teachers, you’ll hear just the opposite. These educators are finding creative, heartfelt ways to build real relationships—without stepping foot in the same room as their students.

Professional Development Manager, Elise Benage, shared a simple but powerful strategy: starting each day with a fun question. “What’s your favorite cereal?” might seem trivial, but remembering a student’s answer weeks later creates a connection. It says, I see you. I remember you. And when students feel noticed, they engage more. They build trust. They learn more.

These little moments like icebreakers, inside jokes, and classroom traditions add up. They form the foundation of a warm, supportive classroom culture, even when the teacher is virtual. They’re the kind of practices that Proximity’s PD helps teachers incorporate into their daily routines.

A Community of Growth

At Proximity, professional development isn’t just about tools and tech. It’s about giving teachers the time and space to grow.

Elise values “think tank” sessions, collaborative PD gatherings where they can brainstorm, share strategies, and learn from each other. For newer teachers, it’s a chance to soak up ideas from seasoned educators. For veterans, it’s a way to stay inspired and challenge routine. “There is this sense of collective purpose to give students the best instruction possible,” she recalls. 

These sessions aren’t about checking boxes. They’re about investing in people. And that investment shows up in the classroom, where students reap the benefits of teachers who feel supported, equipped, and energized.

Thoughtful Onboarding and Ongoing Support

From the moment a teacher joins Proximity Learning, they’re set up for success. The Virtual Teacher Academy, a week-long onboarding program, covers the foundational skills needed to thrive in a virtual classroom. Teachers learn everything from setting up a professional Zoom background to managing assignments in Canvas. By the end of the week, they’re ready to meet their students.

But the support doesn’t stop after onboarding. Teachers receive personalized training based on the platforms and content areas they’ll be teaching. Whether it’s Google Classroom or Schoology, they get what they need, when they need it. And if questions come up later, help is always available.

Each teacher is paired with a Teaching and Learning Specialist (TLS) and a Teacher Advancement Specialist (TAS). These mentors aren’t there to micromanage—they’re there to walk alongside, offering coaching, feedback, and guidance. They check in on lesson plans, help with gradebook setup, and ensure that every teacher feels confident and cared for.

In short: no one is left to figure it out alone.

A Culture of Reflection and Curiosity

While Proximity provides a robust menu of live and asynchronous PD opportunities, teachers are also encouraged to take ownership of their professional growth. Reflection and curiosity are key.

“Think about what’s working in your classroom,” Elise advises. “What do you need to grow?” Whether it’s joining a workshop on AI in education or a collaborative discussion about student engagement, the most impactful PD often comes from a teacher’s personal drive to improve.

And when that passion is supported by a culture that values learning, the result is powerful: better instruction, stronger relationships, and a more meaningful classroom experience for everyone.

Putting Students First

Ultimately, everything Proximity Learning does—every PD session, every coaching call, every faculty meeting—is rooted in one goal: student success.

“When teachers feel supported, students feel it too,” Elise explains. “They’re more engaged. They show up. They learn.”

A well-trained virtual teacher can create a classroom that’s not only structured and productive but also joyfully inclusive. That inclusivity matters. Students remember the teachers who made them feel seen, who challenged them, who believed in them, even if it was all through a screen.

Amidst the teacher shortage crisis, a passionate, well-equipped virtual educator can be the difference between falling behind and succeeding.

Looking Ahead with Heart

As virtual education continues to evolve, so does Proximity’s commitment to its teachers. With ongoing PD aligned to proven instructional principles, in-depth onboarding, and a deeply human approach to support, the goal remains to create classrooms that work for everyone. And that starts with teachers.

Every educator works hard behind the screen balancing tech, lesson plans, and student needs. Know that your growth is our priority. Your passion is our inspiration. And your work changes lives.

One student, one classroom, one thoughtful question at a time.

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