Virtual Teachers in Gary Raise Concerns Over Student Rights

Schools across the country are grappling with a shortage of teachers, and Gary, Indiana, is no different. To fill the gap, the Gary Community School District has turned to virtual teachers, connecting students to educators who live outside the district. While this may appear to be a quick solution, it raises some important concerns.

At the LLF National Law Firm, we advocate for students and families nationwide. We’ve seen the impact that emergency decisions like these can have on students, especially when it comes to due process, individualized learning, and fair treatment. If your child is struggling or facing disciplinary action in this new environment, give us a call at 888.535.3686. You can also complete this confidential contact form to get in touch.

Short-Term Fix, Long-Term Consequences

As the 2025-2026 school year began, Northwest Indiana residents found that fewer than 13 virtual teachers were in classrooms throughout the Gary Community School District. Each classroom with a virtual teacher includes an on-site facilitator who’s had one day of training with Proximity, the company providing the virtual teachers.

Although the school district plans to phase out virtual educators as local licensed teachers become available, the decision brings concerns. Specifically, will students still be able to access the full support system promised under school and district policies? For that reason, the LLF National Law Firm Team is keeping an eye on the situation in Gary, as well as any precedents it might set.

The Risks That Come with Virtual Teachers

The use of virtual teachers serves to highlight the value that in-person educators bring to their students. When students encounter challenges—behavioral, academic, or emotional—often a teacher’s insight and knowledge of school policy helps guide those students toward support instead of punishment. Virtual teachers are less likely to have that in-depth familiarity with school policies, leading to students being incorrectly labeled as disruptive, facing unfair discipline, or losing their rights to due process.

But discipline isn’t the only concern. Students assigned to classrooms with virtual teachers may receive a pared-down classroom experience. At the same time, students with on-site teachers may enjoy richer discussions, faster feedback, and better support. Even a few months with a virtual teacher could lead to disparities in learning outcomes and student confidence.

Parents should be especially concerned about:

• Special education compliance: For parents of students with IEP accommodations, ensuring those accommodations are followed by virtual teachers will be a top priority.
• Behavioral support: Facilitators will need to be able to de-escalate or redirect situations when virtual teachers can’t.
• Due process protections: If issues arise, virtual teachers and facilitators will need to make sure students get fair hearings in keeping with school and district policies.

Protecting Your Student’s Future

The Gary Community School District may see virtual teachers as a temporary option, but for students, the consequences could last much longer. From missed opportunities to lapses in support, these risks show how important it is for parents to advocate for their child’s rights in the classroom.

The LLF National Law Firm can help you fight for those rights. Whether you’re worried about virtual teachers or you have another concern, it’s important to have a team on your side to help you navigate school processes. Give our experienced attorneys a call today at 888.535.3686 or complete this contact form to get in touch.