Memphis district to use more virtual teachers to fill vacancies that require special certification

After positive reviews from principals, Shelby County Schools is again turning to a company that employs temporary remote teachers for openings in high school classes.

On Tuesday evening, the school board approved a $392,700 contract with Proximity Learning. The contract would allow them to fill up to seven teacher vacancies that require special certification, such as algebra and chemistry. A district staff member, such as a teacher assistant, would also help manage each online class.

Last year, the district used remote teachers from the same company to fill high school classroom vacancies. Board members and the district’s teacher associations previously said virtual teachers masked the real problem of low teacher retention as Superintendent Joris Ray called the situation “not ideal.”

https://tn.chalkbeat.org/2020/9/29/21494627/scs-to-use-more-virtual-teachers-to-fill-vacancies