Solving Teacher Shortages Through Online Learning Solutions

The United States is facing a significant teacher shortage that affects high schools across the country. As of mid-2025, approximately 45,000 teacher vacancies were reported across 31 states (Learning Policy Institute). This shortage is compounded by a decline in education degree graduates over the past two decades, as well as the large number of educators leaving the profession each year. These trends make it increasingly difficult for schools to maintain a full curriculum and offer specialized courses, particularly in subjects like advanced mathematics, science, and foreign languages.

How Online Learning Can Help

AVLI can help by providing a practical solution to staffing challenges. By connecting students with certified instructors remotely, schools can expand their course offerings without hiring additional in-person staff. Research from the Clayton Christensen Institute shows that virtual learning can help districts fill teacher vacancies with high-quality instruction, while also offering flexibility for students and staff alike (Hechinger Report).

By leveraging online courses, schools can ensure that students continue to access a comprehensive curriculum, including electives, AP courses, and credit recovery options, even when teacher availability is limited.

Case Studies: Real-World Examples

Tampa Jesuit High School

Tampa Jesuit High School implemented AVLI's self-paced, competency-based online courses to address staffing shortages in specialized subjects. This approach allowed the school to provide students with access to advanced coursework without hiring additional teachers, ensuring a robust curriculum that met student needs. The flexibility of the self-paced format also helped students develop independent learning and time management skills. Read the full case study.

Xavier High School

Xavier High School turned to AVLI’s summer remediation program to support students needing additional academic assistance during the summer. The online format allowed the school to offer courses without overloading in-person staff during the summer months. Students benefited from flexible scheduling and personalized support, while staff were able to manage workloads more effectively. Early feedback from students and teachers highlighted strong engagement and successful course completion. Read the full case study.

Partnering with AVLI to Implement Sustainable Online Learning Solutions

When schools face staffing shortages or limited course offerings, they don’t have to navigate those challenges alone. AVLI partners directly with school administrators and department heads to identify needs, tailor solutions, and support implementation, ensuring both teachers and students benefit from expanded access to high-quality courses.

Here’s what collaboration typically looks like:

1. Consultation and Goal Setting: We start with a conversation to understand your unique needs, whether you’re struggling to fill specific teaching roles, need summer or remediation options, or want to broaden your curriculum without adding full-time staff.

2. Customized Course Recommendations: Based on your goals, we’ll suggest course types that align with your academic calendar, teacher capacity, and student needs.

3. Smooth Implementation: Our team supports your counselors and teachers through enrollment, scheduling, and onboarding, making the process simple and low-lift.

4. Professional Development and Data Support: AVLI offers ongoing professional development for your teachers, helps track student progress, and facilitates data collection so you can measure success.

5. Ongoing Partnership and Networking: Schools also gain access to our community of partner institutions, offering the chance to share experiences, ask questions, and learn from schools that have faced similar staffing challenges.

If your school is exploring ways to overcome staffing challenges or expand course access, contact the AVLI team. We’ll connect you with a partnership representative and, if you’d like, with other schools who’ve successfully implemented online solutions through AVLI.

Conclusion

Addressing teacher shortages requires innovative, scalable solutions that maximize existing resources. AVLI can offer a flexible way to expand course offerings, meet academic needs, and maintain high-quality instruction. By thoughtfully implementing these programs, schools can continue to provide students with the opportunities they deserve, without overburdening existing staff.

For more insights and examples, explore AVLI Experience stories to see how online courses are transforming high school learning environments and explore all our course offerings.