For Educators, By Educators Highlight: John Rollack

Teaching Experience and Inspiration

John Rollack, the Director of HR at Proximity Learning, has dedicated his career to the growth, community, and respect that the field of education fosters. His journey began in 2000 as a special education teacher in North Carolina, inspired by a family deeply rooted in education. Growing up his aunts and uncles were teachers. He remembers Thanksgiving dinners as a bunch of teachers sitting around talking about school. John initially resisted following in their footsteps. However, one education course in college changed everything, sparking a passion for teaching that would guide his career.

John started teaching older students and quickly found fulfillment in building connections with them. His bond with his students kept him in the classroom for six years, and 9 more as he took on the challenges of administration as a principal. Eventually, John’s aspirations led him to seek new opportunities and experiences, moving to a bigger city and transitioning into a corporate role in HR. He pursued a Master’s in Administration and Leadership, which opened doors to human resources positions, where he could merge his educational background with corporate structure and strategy.

Classroom Experience and the Values It Taught

As a teacher, John found his stride with middle and high school students. He enjoyed the consistency of eighth-grade students but ultimately preferred the high school environment. In high school, he found that students were more accountable and capable of having meaningful conversations, which made teaching even more rewarding. Working with high school students allowed him to engage in deeper discussions, fostering an environment where students took greater responsibility for their learning.

John’s experience aligns with a trend he noticed among educators who advance to higher grades, where they can find fulfillment in the maturity and engagement of high school students. He found that with high schoolers, “you can have a fruitful conversation with students in high school, and they get it, even if they're wrong, they will own their stuff and kind of say, ‘yeah, I can do it better this next time’”. These connections with students, rooted in mutual respect and accountability, reinforced his commitment to education and ultimately fueled his transition into leadership.

Transitioning from Teaching to HR

After years in the classroom and school administration, John began exploring corporate human resources, finding a surprising connection between HR and teaching. As a principal, he had often worked closely with HR departments, managing staffing needs, handling conflicts, and supporting his team—skills that directly translated to HR.

John embraced the dynamic and often fast-paced environment of HR, enjoying the problem-solving and people-focused nature of the work. He brings his love of teaching to the table while hiring new virtual teachers and while managing his team. While it might seem unusual for a former educator to thrive in corporate America, John finds purpose in the challenge and order within wrangling the HR team’s workload. His teaching background gives him a unique perspective and helps him empathize with educators’ daily challenges, enabling him to connect authentically with teachers and address their concerns.

Building Connections with Educators

John’s classroom experience provides a strong foundation for understanding and supporting educators at Proximity Learning. He empathizes with the pressures they face, especially the struggle to maintain work-life balance. John emphasizes the importance of prioritizing family, advocating for a 60/40 split between work and personal life, where educators feel empowered to attend their children's events and prioritize their own families.

Proximity Learning shares his commitment to work-life balance, actively supporting educators and promoting a healthier approach to teaching responsibilities. This supportive culture is one of the reasons Proximity Learning stands out as a business “For Educators, By Educators.”

Proximity Learning's “For Educators, By Educators” Philosophy

At Proximity Learning, the philosophy of being “for educators, by educators” resonates deeply with John. He recalls a school visit to Chicago, where his background in teaching helped him connect with local district administrators. Once he told them he was a teacher, he watched their walls come down. He recognized they felt like, “okay, I get you. You're not here to make money. You truly are here to help kids”. They realized he wasn’t just selling a product, but truly believed they could make a difference for students together. With the majority of Proximity Learning's team made up of former teachers, the company understands the challenges educators face and is dedicated to supporting them through meaningful, practical solutions.

Proximity Learning’s hiring process values teaching experience, making educators feel seen and supported. For teachers transitioning into virtual instruction, this support creates an environment of trust and comfort, knowing they’re working with people who understand the realities of education.

Excitement in Teaching and HR Roles

Throughout his career, John has found excitement in the challenges and nuances of education and HR. In the classroom, he thrived on the challenge of adapting lessons to fit different learning styles and engaging students effectively. Each day presented new opportunities to refine his approach and discover the best ways to reach each student.

In his HR role, John finds similar fulfillment. Managing data, following guidelines, and setting policies are part of his job, but so is the excitement of driving real change. One of his proudest achievements at Proximity Learning was leading an initiative to increase teacher pay from $20 to $30 per hour. This increase not only boosted teacher morale but also underscored the company’s commitment to valuing educators and supporting them in meaningful ways.

Championing Equitable Education

John’s belief in the power of equitable education stems from his own experiences growing up in a rural, low-income community. John explains that he had no idea he was at a Title 1 school his entire education because he had teachers who supported and challenged him. He explained, “I had teachers who allowed me to dream as a student. They never stifled me”. He credits his mentor teacher for helping him see the transformative potential of quality education and encouraging him to pursue his dreams. This personal connection drives his commitment to ensuring that all students, regardless of background, have access to quality education.

At Proximity Learning, this mission resonates deeply. The company’s dedication to providing synchronous instruction to students everywhere aligns with John’s belief in the value of education. He knows firsthand that dedicated teachers can help students from any background succeed, and he is proud to work for a company that shares this commitment to equity.

Proximity Learning’s Model and Impact

One misconception about virtual instruction is that it lacks engagement and involvement from teachers. John is quick to clarify that Proximity Learning’s model goes far beyond passive, minimal interaction. Teachers at Proximity Learning deliver live, direct instruction every day, actively engaging with students through chat, feedback, and real-time support.

This model empowers students to ask questions, encourages parental involvement, and provides consistent support. With teachers readily available to answer questions and guide students, the virtual environment at Proximity Learning reduces stress and anxiety for students and parents alike. It’s a model that prioritizes student learning, clear communication, and accessible support, making virtual education effective and impactful.

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Why Does His Story Matter?

John’s journey from the classroom to HR at Proximity Learning showcases a unique blend of teaching expertise, leadership, and a passion for education. His insights into work-life balance, equitable access to education, and meaningful support for educators make him a valuable advocate for teachers and students alike.

Proximity Learning is proud to have leaders like John, who are driven by purpose and a commitment to quality education. Through his work, John Rollack is helping create a brighter future for students and educators, where every decision is guided by the belief that all students deserve the best education, no matter where they are.

Thanks to our dedicated team like John, we can fill the gaps at your school. Contact Us to learn more.