Synchronous Instruction: Proven Solutions for District-Wide Teacher Shortages

A whopping one out of eight teaching positions in the United States is either unfilled or filled by instructors who aren't fully certified. Unfortunately, the problem has the potential to get a lot worse as the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that about 106,500 new teaching positions will open per year as current teachers retire or transfer to other occupations.

Experts offer multiple reasons for the current shortage as well as various solutions that could help solve the problems long-term. However, learners need a high-quality education now; they can't wait for future solutions to the educator shortage plaguing schools in all 50 states. Thankfully, synchronous instruction can help alleviate the need for more instructors by making it possible for students to connect with certified, qualified teachers.

What is Synchronous Instruction?

Synchronous learning is a live learning environment. It includes traditional in-person learning as well as livestreamed online learning in a school classroom. A synchronous learning environment allows students to connect with a teacher and other students in real time, enables learners to ask questions throughout the class, and provides opportunities for students to collaborate on school projects. Thus, students learn not just from the teacher but also each other.

How Does Synchronous Learning Compare with Asynchronous Learning?

Asynchronous learning is learning that takes place on one's own schedule. It includes pre-recorded classes, online learning platforms, textbooks, and assigned readings. An asynchronous learning model allows students to get in touch with a teacher as needed but does not offer opportunities for live interaction. What's more, students aren't able to communicate with other learners in the class in real time.

Synchronous and asynchronous learning each have their pros and cons. However, research shows that students who don't get to experience synchronous learning lose out on important benefits that impact academic learning. A study done in 2021 found that synchronous online communication between students, teachers, and fellow learners improves social-emotional development, strengthens a sense of community and belonging, and positively impacts learner engagement. On the other hand, students who didn't get to communicate with others in real-time during class were more likely to feel isolated and even drop out of courses than synchronous learners.

How Synchronous Online Learning Helps Solve the Teacher Shortage Problem

• A synchronous distance learning model doesn't have to be bound to finding teachers in a single location. It can connect your school with certified teachers in any one of the 50 states, giving you the freedom to fill the position with the most qualified teacher.
• Synchronous online courses can help lower the teacher-student ratio, giving children the opportunity to receive more individualized attention and help from an instructor than they would be able to otherwise. Instead of having a single instructor teach a math class, for instance, you can divide the class into different groups to allow advanced students to progress at their own speed while giving IEP and 504 students the accommodations they need to succeed in class.
• Synchronous online learning provides you with the opportunity to offer specialized classes and electives that would not be available to students otherwise. These classes may not be required by your state's academic curriculum but can enhance your learner's education and prepare them for college, university, or a future career. Such courses can include language classes, CTE classes, art classes, and music classes.
• Synchronous classes can change each semester or academic year to meet student needs and requirements. As students move to new grades, leave school, or enter school, you can assess learner needs and add classes as needed. This adaptability also allows you to replace teachers who retire or move to a different job with little advance notice.
• Synchronous online courses and tutoring offered over the summer could help students catch up with academic work. Around 62% of teachers say they either work in summer school or tutor over the summer months, which means there are far fewer teachers during this time than at other times of the year. Providing students with additional online learning during this time could help learners struggling with certain subjects catch up with the rest of their class.

Getting Started with Virtual Synchronous Learning

Evaluate Your Needs

Evaluate your staff to see which subjects you have to cover. Once you've met the requirements, assess if additional specialized classes would benefit your learners. Make a list of all the classes you plan to offer that semester and communicate the options to students.

Purchase Needed Equipment and Software

You probably already have some of the devices you'll need for synchronous classes. Even so, there are still a few things you'll likely need to purchase to make your new setup a success. Headphones, microphones, and a top-quality internet connection are a must to make synchronous online classes successful.

You'll need software conducive to synchronous education. Such a platform should include interactive components such a chat feature, breakout rooms for group work, an interactive whiteboard, and screensharing capabilities. Furthermore, make sure the LMS meets your teachers' needs by providing easy tools for scoring assignments and tests and keeping track of student progress.

Help Learners Prepare for Synchronous Sessions

If your students are used to an asynchronous learning model, make sure they're prepared for a synchronous format. Learners should understand that classes will take place at school even though the teacher isn’t physically present in the classroom. They should be ready to introduce themselves online and interact in class. Learners should understand that they'll be expected to take part in live discussions and ask and answer questions during class. At the same time, they need to listen to instructions to allow the teacher time to deliver the lesson. Lastly, learners should know the rules for using discussion boards and chat rooms.

Keep Track of Progress

Once you have synchronous classes in place, track student progress and test scores to see if your new learning model is meeting their needs. While synchronous teaching is an effective educational format, you may need to change pace and activities during the school semester. Alternatively, you might have to move learners into different classes during the semester.

Get Professional Help from Proximity Learning

Proximity Learning specializes in providing synchronous, livestream K-12 classes. We also offer summer school, tutoring, and special education case management to meet the needs of learners of all ages and walks of life. We have more than fifteen years of experience in the field and our teachers are certified, experienced professionals who take pride in helping online learners reach their full potential. Additionally, we tailor our classes to accommodate your learners' needs and your school's bell schedule, and we can start or stop new classes as needed to meet your school's educational requirements. Get in touch with us at your convenience to find out more or to start the onboarding process.