Proximity Learning, an online education company helping to solve the teacher shortage crisis by livestreaming certified teachers into K-12 classrooms, launched a partnership with Lewis University of Romeoville, Ill., that provides the next generation of teachers with an expanded skill set, as well as the coaching and experience they need to help students thrive in any learning environment, including hybrid and virtual classrooms.

The partnership enabled Lewis University education students to serve as student-teachers in virtual classrooms across the nation, giving them the tools and exposure they need to connect effectively with students under any and all circumstances. This innovative model for teacher training addresses the challenges educators faced in adapting to hybrid and virtual teaching and supports tomorrow’s educators in providing students with high-quality, flexible learning.

“Every teacher needs to be prepared for situations that disrupt traditional in-person classrooms,” said Kip Pygman, Director of Virtual Schools, Proximity Learning. “Lewis University recognizes this importance and has taken proactive steps to train their aspiring educators in both face-to-face and virtual environments. The partnership Proximity formed with Lewis University is one that should be modeled across all higher education organizations that offer teacher education preparation programs.”

Under the mentorship of Proximity Learning’s experienced virtual teachers, Lewis University student-teachers planned and delivered lessons to students via livestreamed instruction in classrooms in the U.S. Virgin Islands, West Virginia, Texas and New Mexico. The participating education students gained valuable hands-on experience using online tools and technology relevant to virtual and face-to-face teaching modalities. They also developed positive relationships with the Proximity Learning teachers who mentored and evaluated their progress.

“Having the opportunity to observe and learn from virtual teachers was an integral piece of our teacher education program since the pandemic began,” said Shanna Benford, Adjunct Professor, Lewis University. “With Proximity Learning, our students gained critical technological training and relationship building for distance learning, which will also help them be more effective in the classroom. Furthermore, they saw additional possibilities for future teaching roles through their experience.”

As a result of the partnership, Lewis University’s student-teachers positively impacted students across the country and gained the virtual classroom experience to prepare them for teaching in hybrid or virtual classrooms. 

Interested in learning more about the tools and training that Proximity Learning provides aspiring educators? Visit https://www.proxlearn.com/