Proximity Learning CEO Evan Erdberg Announces Publication of First Book, “#TeachersServeToo”

A critical analysis of the growing nationwide teacher shortage and the importance of providing structure and support to teachers, “#TeachersServeToo” will publish on March 5

Proximity Learning Inc., the pioneering provider of synchronous virtual instruction for K-12 education, announced today the launch of founder and CEO Evan Erdberg’s new book, “#TeachersServeToo.” Available nationwide on March 5, Erdberg’s book explores the root causes of the teacher shortage and the growing importance of rewarding teachers for their service.

Interspersed with insights from public school superintendents and leaders in education from across the country, “#TeachersServeToo” is grounded in the unfortunate reality facing public education in the United States—long overworked and underpaid, teachers are leaving the profession at higher rates than ever. A 2022 study by the National Center for Education Statistics found that 44% of all public schools nationwide were operating without a full teaching staff.

“As the proud son of two educators, I have spent my entire life awestruck by teachers’ dedication to public education—and equally astonished by the systemic devaluation of their work,” Erdberg said. “‘#TeachersServeToo’ is a tribute to one of our country’s most important professions with perhaps the most impact on our future. It’s also a call to arms: As believers in the power of public education, it’s critical that we come together and use our voices to support teachers.”

Physical copies of “#TeachersServeToo” can be pre-ordered for $19.95, and advanced digital copies are available for a significant discount—just $0.99—through Feb. 21. Both physical and digital copies are available through Amazon, and physical copies can also be purchased via IndiePubs. Erdberg and the Proximity Learning team will debut the book at the American Association of School Administrators’ National Conference on Education, taking place Feb. 15 to Feb. 17 in San Diego.

"In the face of a mass exodus of dedicated educators, we must confront the harsh reality that a lack of respect for the teaching profession is eroding the foundation of our education system,” said Eric Crespo, superintendent of Weehawken Township School District in New Jersey, in his interview for “#TeachersServeToo.” “Teachers deserve more than just appreciation; they deserve to be recognized for their invaluable contributions. It's time to rebuild the respect and admiration for educators, in hopes that our schools can recover from this recent degradation of what American education has become."

Copies of “#TeachersServeToo” will also be available at the Texas Alliance of Black School Educators’ 39th Annual State Conference from Feb. 28 to March 3 in Houston and at the American Association of School Personnel Administrators’ 2024 National Educator Shortage Summit from Feb. 29 to March 1 in Phoenix.

To learn more about the “#TeachersServeToo” movement, register for the upcoming “#TeachersServeToo: A Book Launch” webinar. Hosted by Erdberg alongside Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Anna Stubblefield and Bellwood School District 88 Superintendent Dr. Victoria Hansen Stockton, both contributors to the book, this event will take place at 1 p.m. CT on March 18. For more information about #TeachersServeToo, visit www.teachersservetoo.com, and to discover how Proximity Learning is empowering school districts and improving the learning experience, visit www.proxlearn.com.

About Proximity Learning Inc.

Established in 2009, Proximity Learning Inc., an Education Solutions Services company, has pioneered using web conferencing technology to stream certified teachers into a classroom when a teacher could not be found locally. Students are able to see, learn and interact with a teacher "live" each day from within their school classrooms. This PLI model directly addresses the acute and growing teacher shortage crisis plaguing school districts across the U.S. To learn more, visit www.proxlearn.com.

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