Addressing the Illinois Teacher Shortage
A Learning Model Built for Student Success
A Learning Model Built for Student Success
The Illinois teacher shortage has made it harder for school districts to meet the growing demands of their students. Proximity Learning uses live, synchronous instruction to ensure every learner receives high-quality support, no matter their zip code. Our approach recreates the classroom experience by providing real-time, interactive learning from qualified teachers—not substitute teachers or temporary staff.
Proximity Learning uses interactive live instruction to make sure that students in your district are getting the best instruction possible. The goal of ELIM is to stimulate a classroom environment through ALWAYS live instruction from a teacher via streaming video.
The Proximity Learning Difference
Live, Synchronous Instruction
We livestream certified virtual teachers directly into your school’s classroom environment. This allows districts to align instruction with their exact bell schedule and gives students consistent, standards-based learning. Whether you're in a rural county or urban center, live instruction helps reduce teacher vacancy disruptions.
We livestream our certified virtual teachers right into your district classroom. Your dedicated team works with your district to fit with your school’s bell schedule and other needs.
Built by Educators, for Educators
Our team includes former school leaders—superintendents, principals, and teachers—who know firsthand how damaging long-term vacancies can be. We partner with district administrators to offer sustainable staffing solutions that address ongoing staffing shortages across all school levels, especially in elementary education and special education case management.
Our partnership directors are past superintendents, principals and teachers who understand the harm that long-term vacancies can have on students.
If you’re an Illinois educator looking to teach virtually, we provide meaningful opportunities. Those with a standard or professional Illinois license can work across the country through our livestreamed model. We also help eligible teachers navigate reciprocity when needed.
Working with Proximity Learning has helped retired teachers find more balance, allowed new teachers to build digital fluency, and provided a nationwide platform for experienced educators to make a broader impact. Explore our online teaching jobs and see how you can continue to pursue your passion for education.
A Closer Look at the Teacher Shortage in Illinois
The teacher shortage has left over 4,000 teaching positions unfilled in Illinois schools, according to the Illinois State Board of Education. These unfilled positions are most concentrated in low-income districts and communities of color, where 74% of teacher vacancies occur in majority-minority areas and 81% in high-poverty schools.
Reports from the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents confirm that over 250 classes have been canceled across school districts, and most regional superintendents expect shortage rates to remain high in the coming school year.
Across the nation, more than 55,000 teaching positions remain vacant. In Illinois, the crisis has affected both elementary and special education teacher roles, with far-reaching impacts on curriculum delivery and student outcomes. Declining working conditions, lack of support, and fewer teachers entering the profession are compounding the challenge.
Never Have Another Teacher Vacancy in IL
We offer full-service, livestreamed instruction that mirrors in-person learning. Our programs cover everything from core classes to CTE classes to world language classes and special education case management—ensuring students don’t lose access to vital subjects because of unfilled positions.
Are you ready to fill the teacher gaps in your district? Contact us today to see how we can help you combat the teacher shortage in Illinois.
We offer a suite of services that mirror in-person instruction, covering standard classes, tutoring, and summer school in nearly every subject you need.
Talk To Us
Live Virtual K-12
With high teacher vacancy rates, school districts can’t afford to wait. Our certified, engaging educators are available now—ready to livestream into your classrooms on day one. This means fewer gaps, higher engagement, and consistent support for students across Illinois schools.
Tutoring
Our live tutoring sessions are led by certified teachers and designed to reinforce curriculum, build confidence, and support academic progress. Whether your district is addressing a short term staffing need or long-term workforce development goals, tutoring is a flexible option that fills learning gaps.
Summer School
Our synchronous summer school programs help students stay on track, even when teacher shortages continue into fall. With dedicated special education teacher support and custom pacing, we ensure school districts meet goals and improve outcomes year-round.
Live Virtual K-12
Why have vacancies in the digital age? Proximity Learning can connect you to teachers across the nation. We help you fill open positions with qualified, certified teachers and empower you to add specialty courses for your students. With high-quality synchronous instruction live-streamed right into the classroom, we have the tools to ensure engagement and high academic achievement.
Tutoring
Our certified teachers lead highly interactive sessions that encourage, empower, and provide effective academic support for learners at all levels. Never let your students fall behind again, with flexible and customizable synchronous learning, we make sure all learners get the support they need
Summer School
Don’t let learning loss keep your learner down! With certified expert teachers, our synchronous summer school program excels in delivering superior outcomes in both Student Achievement and District Performance. At Proximity Learning we want to make sure all students have the opportunity to excel in curriculum comprehension each year.
Ready To Learn More?
Whether you have a question about our solutions or are interested in our services, don't hesitate to reach out to us here. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
