Sustaining a Synchronous Teaching Program: Long-Term Planning for Student Success

If you’ve invested in synchronous instruction, you already know it can stabilize classrooms, support teachers, and help students stay connected to learning. But keeping that momentum going year after year takes more than good intentions. Districts are balancing staffing shortages, evolving technology, and rising expectations for student engagement.

Sustaining a synchronous teaching program means thinking beyond immediate needs and building a model that supports students, teachers, and school leaders over time. When planned intentionally, synchronous online teaching becomes a reliable, long-term strategy that strengthens student achievement and maintains consistent learning, even when conditions change.

Why Your District Needs a Synchronous Teaching Program

Synchronous teaching programs involve livestreaming certified teachers into classrooms where an in-person facilitator manages the classroom and assists students. Unlike self-paced or fully asynchronous learning; which doesn't work, students attend scheduled classes on the school’s bell schedule, engage in discussion, ask questions, and participate in learning activities as they would in a traditional classroom.  This real-time structure creates consistency, accountability, and connection. This sets the foundation for meaningful learning experiences that can be sustained long term.

How It Works

In a synchronous instruction model, instruction is delivered through videoconferencing tools and supported by a learning management system (LMS). Teachers teach live lessons, facilitate discussion, and guide students through activities during scheduled synchronous sessions, while the LMS houses assignments, instructional materials, and assessments.

Students join synchronous classes from their classroom with an in-person facilitator who manages technology and supports participation, while the certified teacher livestreams instruction. Tools like breakout rooms, shared documents, and chat features enable small-group discussions, peer feedback, and collaboration. This blend of live teaching and structured digital tools keeps students engaged without overwhelming them.

The Benefits of Synchronous Instruction

Synchronous teaching works because it mirrors what already supports strong learning while leveraging digital learning tools. Some benefits include:

• Keeps students engaged through live interaction
• Facilitates real-time discussion and feedback
• Establishes classroom routines and expectations
• Builds meaningful relationships with certified teachers
• Promotes critical thinking through group work
• Prevents the isolation common in asynchronous models
• Bridges virtual and in-person instruction

7 Methods to Plan for a Successful Synchronous Teaching Program in the Long Term

Sustainability comes from planning for people, systems, and growth. School districts that prepare students for virtual learing succeed as part of their core instructional strategy and see stronger engagement, more consistent student outcomes, and fewer disruptions year over year.

1. Align Synchronous Instruction to District Goals and Course Objectives

Start by mapping synchronous courses to your district’s learning objectives and graduation requirements. Identify which courses are most challenging for staff or exhibit the largest achievement gaps, then prioritize them for synchronous instruction. For example, many districts begin with Algebra I, world languages, or AP courses where staffing shortages are common, and consistency matters most.

2. Plan Around Your Bell Schedule and Classroom Structure

Design synchronous schedules to mirror your existing bell schedule as closely as possible. Decide whether instruction will occur during core instructional blocks, intervention periods, or elective rotations, and document expectations for start times, transitions, and attendance. 

Ensure in-class facilitators know how they’ll support teachers in the classroom by outlining their responsibilities. Clear scheduling reduces confusion, protects instructional time, and helps students experience the virtual classroom as a natural extension of their school day.

3. Standardize Technology and Learning Management Systems

Choose one primary LMS and one video conferencing platform for all synchronous courses, then train staff to use them consistently. Build shared templates for assignments, discussion posts, and assessments so students don’t have to relearn systems from class to class. 

Create a simple troubleshooting guide for common issues, such as audio problems or login issues. Consistency across platforms reduces cognitive load, allowing you to engage students. It also allows teachers to focus on instruction rather than on tech hurdles.

4. Set Expectations for Engagement and Classroom Culture

Define what engagement looks like during synchronous instruction. This may include:

• Participation expectations during class
• Guidelines for asking questions and contributing to discussions
• Small-group discussion structures used within the classroom

Share these expectations with students, facilitators, and teachers before classes begin, and reinforce them regularly. Strong norms create predictable routines, support student participation, and help synchronous instruction feel structured and purposeful.

5. Build Professional Development Into the School Year

Schedule ongoing training focused on synchronous teaching strategies, including the use of interactive tools and the management of student behavior. Pair new teachers with experienced mentors and provide time for collaboration during PLC meetings. Continuous professional learning helps teachers grow more confident and prevents burnout over time.

6. Monitor Student Data and Adjust Early

Establish a regular cadence for reviewing attendance, participation, and academic performance in synchronous courses. Use early data checkpoints, such as the first four to six weeks, to identify students who need additional support or scheduling adjustments. Then share insights with teachers and school leaders to guide student development. This early action prevents small gaps from becoming long-term setbacks and keeps students on track.

7. Create a Multi-Year Staffing and Budget Plan

Look beyond one school year when planning synchronous instruction. Identify which positions can be filled long-term through livestreamed teachers, estimate cost savings, and build those roles into future budgets. Use pilot programs to test courses before expanding them district-wide.

You Can Build a Sustainable Path Forward with Proximity Learning

Sustaining a synchronous teaching program takes more than filling classrooms in the moment. It requires a partner who understands how student engagement, instructional consistency, and long-term planning work together in the classroom. When synchronous instruction is supported intentionally, it becomes a reliable way to strengthen student achievement and classroom culture over time.

Proximity Learning brings more than 15 years of pre-pandemic experience delivering synchronous online teaching at scale. Partnering with 1,500 districts nationwide, we support certified teachers, integrate seamlessly into district systems, and deliver measurable academic growth across core subjects. 

Districts rely on Proximity Learning not just to solve today’s challenges, but to build a sustainable instructional model that adapts as needs evolve. Ready to strengthen and sustain your synchronous teaching program? Contact us today to learn how Proximity Learning can support your district’s long-term success.