Proximity Learning Wins Tech & Learning Award for Solving Teacher Shortages

Proximity Learning, a company that connects K-12 districts with state-certified virtual teachers, has been recognized with the Tech & Learning Award of Excellence for Secondary Education. The company's innovative model, which places certified teachers in live, synchronous instruction, has emerged as a practical solution to the nationwide shortage of certified teachers.

According to the company, Proximity Learning has been operating since 2009 and has staffed more than 5,000 classrooms, serving over 500,000 students. The company's approach involves placing state-certified teachers in classrooms, matched to each district's bell schedule, curriculum, and Individualized Education Program (IEP) accommodations, with a facilitator present in the room. This model ensures instructional continuity and high-quality learning for students.

The company's success is reflected in its impressive teacher retention rate of 92%.

Tech & Learning's judges cited the company's synchronous model, reported outcomes, and ability to serve hard-to-staff subjects as reasons for the award. The judges noted that tutoring and special education case management extend the service beyond filling vacancies, making it an effective evolution of virtual education. A peer-reviewed Chicago State University study of more than 40,000 students found that those taught by a certified Proximity Learning teacher scored more than 11 points higher on state standardized tests than peers in traditional classrooms. In 9th grade Algebra I, the difference was even more pronounced, with students scoring more than 21 points higher.

Proximity Learning's services include teacher staffing, tutoring, and special education case management, covering a wide range of subjects and grade levels. The company's approach addresses the critical issue of teacher shortages in K-12 districts, providing a reliable and effective solution for maintaining high-quality education.