Proximity Learning looks to bring virtual teaching, tutoring to Rhode Island

By Kelcy Dolan
Posted 7/21/16

Proximity Learning began seven years ago in Austin, Texas to provide students of Mandarin with professional teachers from China. Now, the virtual staffing company provides certified teachers and tutors in a slew of topics, including their

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Proximity Learning looks to bring virtual teaching, tutoring to Rhode Island

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Proximity Learning began seven years ago in Austin, Texas to provide students of Mandarin with professional teachers from China. Now, the virtual staffing company provides certified teachers and tutors in a slew of topics, including their newest venture, special education in 17 states, with the hopes of moving into Rhode Island as well.

Although Proximity Learning began in world languages, virtually using teachers from native speaking countries through, but quickly found they had different expectation and standards for students, so they moved to supplying relatively local teachers that understood the “American student.” Qualified instructors are live-streamed into a classroom in real time, similar to Facetime or Skype.

Districts with teaching shortages loved the opportunity to put a long-term substitute, certified in the specific subject, so that students weren’t missing out on learning opportunities.

“Our mission is to have a certified teacher in front of every student,” Evan Erdberg, CEO of Proximity Learning, said. “Our virtual teachers adapt to the curriculum and grading systems of whatever district they are teaching in.”

These teachers can manage each student's academic plan, Individual Education Program (IEP), co-plan with the core teachers, and meet with parents and school administrators.

Proximity’s popularity has led them to offer virtual tutoring services as well three years ago. Rather than a tutor being a peer, or college student, families can turn to certified professionals who understand how to teach, more than just understanding the material themselves. They offer tutoring in all subjects, SAT and ACT prep as well as extra help in special education. Tutors can offer additional after school, develop a tutoring plan with the students special educators and sessions can “take place anywhere and at anytime,” making them more accessible to families with those students with special needs. Proximity Learning though cannot work with students with severe emotional, mental or behavioral issues.

Erdberg said that currently the number one teacher shortage in the country is special educators, and Proximity Learning can offer both schools and parents an alternative to offer students the extra support they may need.

Tutoring sessions can also be done in groups of four, making them cost-effective.

“Ninety-five percent of clients who use our service come back multiple time after. It really is like a face-to-face conversation without the need to travel. Students who use our SAT and ACT prep course scored an average of 200 points more than when they took it before the course,” Erdberg said.

Proximity Learning has even partnered with districts in the past to offer classes not normally available to students, for lack of staff or enough students to fill a course.

Should Rhode Islanders reach out to Proximity they will look to local state certified teachers. Many of their current staff is retired or part time teachers who can’t make a full day commitment, but want to remain in the profession.

For more information on either tutoring, staffing or employment opportunities visit Proximity Learning’s website at www.proxlearn.com.

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