June 30, 2025 – In response to a nationwide shortage of certified educators and growing pressure on districts to meet state compliance requirements, Elevate K-12 today launched two expanded LIVE teaching programs: Specially Designed Instruction, a component of the Special Education LIVE offering, and ELL LIVE. These offerings expand Elevate’s Diverse Learning portfolio that meets the needs of students by offering certified teachers for special education and multilingual learners in real time, delivering the individualized attention, specialized support, and curricular rigor students need to thrive. 

Elevate K-12 is a LIVE teaching company delivering real-time, synchronous instruction taught by experienced, U.S.-certified teachers streamed directly into classrooms. A school-provided paraprofessional provides on-the-ground support and classroom management. Elevate K-12 teachers provide engaging instruction across core subjects, electives, and supplemental programs. Lessons use engagement tools such as polls, chats, and interactive whiteboards, with frequent checks for understanding. 

“For too long, students with disabilities and multilingual learners have been left behind—not because of a lack of potential, but because of a lack of access,” said Kim Kays, vice president of academic solutions for Elevate K-12. “With Specially Designed Instruction and ELL LIVE, we’re ensuring these students receive the specialized, high-quality instruction they deserve, delivered by certified teachers who understand their unique needs.”

ELL LIVE provides synchronous instruction in core academic subjects from ESL-certified teachers. Built on the sheltered instruction model, the program makes core content accessible to multilingual learners through adapted content, language scaffolds, bilingual glossaries, and real-time support to enhance comprehension, engagement, and academic outcomes. It helps districts comply with federal mandates while also supporting inclusive, culturally responsive teaching practices.

Special Education LIVE connects districts with certified special education teachers to support students with mild to moderate disabilities in Resource Rooms, Self-Contained core classes, and Specially Designed Instruction. Whether filling staffing gaps or expanding offerings, Special Education LIVE ensures students with IEPs receive the specialized instruction they are legally entitled to. Each program is personalized to meet diverse learner profiles.

In fiscal year 2024, the U.S. Department of Education awarded $15.5 billion in grants to support special education programs for students with disabilities at the elementary and secondary levels, but many districts struggled to find qualified educators. “We looked hard for Special Ed teachers, but just couldn’t find them,” said Michael Harris, senior director of talent management at Milwaukee Public Schools. “Finally, we piloted the Elevate K-12 Special Ed classroom, and the results were phenomenal. We honestly couldn’t believe how well it worked."

To learn more about Elevate K-12’s Diverse Learning solutions, Special Education LIVE and ELL LIVE, visit ElevateK12.com.