#TeachersServeToo Reminds Us To Go Above and Beyond For Teachers

When Evan Erdberg, founder and president of Proximity Learning, posed the question, “Where are all of the teachers?” 15 years ago, he received an answer that has stayed true to this day: schools cannot find the certified teachers they need. 

The teacher shortage has been a challenge for as long as education leaders can remember. While the number of teacher vacancies has fluctuated over the years, today it is still rare for a school to have a complete teaching staff. This continuous struggle and the strain it puts on current school districts is precisely what Erdberg dissects in his book “#TeachersServeToo”.

“#TeachersServeToo” acknowledges that teachers receive insufficient recognition for their service and aims to shed light on their hard work. The responsibility lies with each of us individually to respect the teaching profession and give educators the acclaim they have earned. As February marks the second anniversary of Erdberg’s book release, several of his messages continue to resonate through the education system and Proximity Learning’s mission to connect all students with the certified teachers they deserve. 

Against the corporatization of education

As more challenges continue to arise in education, it is crucial to remain focused on people over profit. While advancements and innovations move education forward, it should never be done at the expense of students, teachers, and their families. The priority should be to create programs and solutions that allow students equal access to education.

At Proximity Learning, our true value is reflected in our certified teachers and their exceptional students. By investing in their success and providing them with the resources they need, we uphold the integrity of education. Our goal is to always listen to our teachers and build relationships with school districts that are built on trust and dedication.

Educational equity for all students

In “#TeachersServeToo,’ Erdberg highlights that all students deserve to receive a quality education no matter where they live. The teacher shortage has widened the accessibility gap, leaving students from rural and low-income households without equal access to education. Today, technology helps close this gap by providing virtual educational tools and teachers to students, wherever they may be.

With Proximity Learning, location is never an issue. Our virtual certified teachers connect schools and education to students via expert instruction. When access to qualified educators is expanded, not only do more students get to learn, but they are sure to receive an education that will make a lifelong impact.

Every student is unique

A key message Erdberg delivers that remains important as ever is that no two students are the same. Students are not just a number, but a unique blend of different learning styles, strengths, and needs. Depending on the subject, students may learn better in a certain way, making it imperative that they have an observant teacher leading them to success. Erdberg refers to the “VARK” model to exemplify the different kinds of learners: visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic. When classrooms are understaffed, unique learners lose the personalized instruction that a good teacher would have tailored for them.

The push for individualized instruction remains prevalent as the pandemic and other learning disruptions have taught us that not all students learn the same. Proximity Learning recognizes this and provides trained teachers who will adapt lessons and build trust with students in real time.

Success starts at the top

For any system to be effective, you need good leadership. The health of a school system relies on dedicated leaders who are passionate about their job and know how to prioritize their teachers and students. Meaningful change starts with districts and administrators who will vouch for their schools, teachers, and students. It’s then reflected in the way students go on to make incredible differences in the world, all because of their school.

As educational leaders, this is why we greatly value our partnerships with all school districts. When Proximity Learning is chosen, we trust each other to enact the change needed at your school and for your students. With your strong leadership, we ease staffing challenges and still ensure quality instruction to help teachers and students alike.

Educational accessibility through the virtual world

For Erdberg, virtual learning was never a pandemic solution. 15 years ago, when he founded Proximity Learning, virtual learning was the catalyst for educational accessibility. By recognizing the potential of the virtual world, Erdberg knew that students everywhere could receive an education no matter their situation. “#TeachersServeToo” teaches us that technology is not a replacement, but a tool to get over barriers that may impede learning.

As districts search for teacher shortage solutions, Proximity Learning is here to make sure all of your students never have to miss a day of school because of a teacher vacancy. We’ve connected through the virtual world to bring forth a live, virtual classroom that will never have to make you hit pause on education again. Our model believes that innovation prioritizes the student and preserves a quality education at all times.

Change the teacher narrative

It goes without saying that teachers are the backbone of the world. No matter who they teach, what they teach, or where they teach, they uphold the meaningful cycles that guide us to make the most out of our lives. As administrators and students, it is our responsibility to foster communities that honor and recognize the daily work of teachers. 

Teachers don’t stop working when they leave the classroom or log off from a lesson. Hours of planning, grading, and caring for students revolve around a teacher’s life, and they never fail to accomplish this with enthusiasm and devotion. Respect for educators is more than a “Thank you,” it’s a consistent stream of regard and support that shows teachers their work does not go unnoticed.

#TeachersServeToo 

Two years later, Erdberg’s book reminds us that addressing the teacher shortage starts with celebrating all teachers and their service. Our world is a product of their work to teach countless generations and build a better tomorrow. While the last couple of years have made the teacher shortage seem never-ending, Erdberg draws our attention to key messages that will help ease this. From responsible innovation to thoughtful leadership, these insights lead us on a path to meaningful change.

Proximity Learning aims to always promote the belief of #TeachersServeToo, as we are also built by a team of educators. We know that caring for and supporting all teachers is essential to the future of education, and we want to be there every step of the way. Learn more about Proximity Learning and our mission to achieve educational excellence and equity.