Full Article and Image View:

FortiClient VPN Installation Guide (Teacher Facing)

🧭 1. Introduction to FortiClient VPN

🔐 What is FortiClient VPN?

FortiClient VPN is a security tool that allows teachers to access their school’s internal systems from anywhere in the world using a secure, encrypted connection. It protects data and ensures secure communication with our client school systems. Maintaining compliance with data security protection regulations is a critical legal and ethical responsibility for schools and educators, making FortiClient VPN an essential tool for teachers.

✅ Key Benefits

Secure Access: Remote access to school resources from any location, international or domestic.
Data Protection: All data is encrypted to prevent unauthorized access and usage.
Ease of Use: Simple interface for quick connection.
Regulatory Compliance: Helps meet student FERPA data privacy and legal standards.

📌 2. Required Usage

Who is required to use FortiClient VPN?

🌍 PLI International Teachers: Required to use it to access school platforms.
🏫 School-Mandated Users: Some schools require all teachers regardless of location to use it.
✈️ PLI Teachers Temporarily Working Abroad: U.S.-based teachers working internationally must use it.
🏠 PLI Domestic Teachers (in 50 U.S. States): VPN is not required.

🧾 3. Requesting FortiClient VPN

Option 1: Setup During VTA (Virtual Teacher Academy)

Coordinate with your VTA Instructor to set up your VPN account and get you VPN login credentials.
You will receive: A username and password (this will be used to log into the App once you have it downloaded and installed)

✅ If done during VTA, skip ahead and go to Step 4 (Access Installation Files).

Option 2: Submit a PLI Support Ticket

If VPN was not set up during VTA but you have been notified that you need to use a VPN:
- Go to the PLI Support Ticket submission page.
- Under "Subject", type "VPN".
- For the field that says "Please select a support topic that relates to your request", click the following:
  - Technical & Systems Support > VPN > VPN Account/Access

You’ll soon receive your Username and Password via email from our VTA Team
- Note- This might take a day to process your setup.

💾 4. Access Installation Files for FortiClient VPN

Step 1: Download the Executable Installation File for your particular device

A. Choose the correct Device/Operating System

Click for Windows standard format OS

Click for Windows ARM-64 format OS

Click for Mac - iOS

B. Click to download to your device

C. Continue download process

Step 2: Find where that file downloaded to

- Once you've clicked on one of the links above, your device will begin to download your files.
- To access those files, find the download icon on your device. Depending on your device and browser, this could be located in the top right of your computer screen or the bottom left.

Step 3: Begin Installation

Run the Installer:
- Double-click the installer file to start the installation process.
- You may be prompted to allow the installer to make changes to your device; click Yes or Allow to proceed.
Follow the On-Screen Instructions:
- The installation wizard will guide you through the setup process.
- Select the default installation options
Restart your Computer to allow your installation to take effect.
This should create an App link on your device on either your Desktop, your toolbar, or possibly in your App Menu

🔧 5. Configure FortiClient VPN Connection

Step 1: Open FortiClient App and Add a New Connection

Double Click to Open the FortiClient VPN app (located on your desktop, toolbar, or App Menu)
Click "Configure VPN" or "Add a new connection" (labels may vary slightly).

Step 2: Setup VPN Configuration Details

Click "Configure VPN" in the application
Create your Proxlearn VPN by entering the following info and settings:
- VPN Type: "SSL-VPN"
- Connection Name: Enter "Proxlearn VCP"
- Descriptor Name: Enter "Proxlearn VCP"
- Remote Gateway: "vpn.proxlearn.com"
  - Custom Port: Default to 443
- Authentication: Select "Save Login"
  - Enter the Username and Password provided to you.
- Client Certification: Default to "None"

Save the configuration.

Step 3: Additional Settings

- Click the Lock symbol to Unlock this screen
- Click the Settings Wheel
- Check the Box next to "Preferred DTLS Tunnel" Step

🌐 6. Connect to FortiClient VPN

Step 1: Launch VPN Connection

Open FortiClient VPN.
Select your configured VPN connection.
Enter your username and password again if required.
Click "Connect".

✅ Once connected, you’ll be able to gain access to internal school resources.

7. Last Required Step in Setup-

Document your VPN setup information in PLI Connect

___________________________________________________

💡8. Tips, Tricks, & Troubleshooting

✅ Best Practices

Always disconnect when you're done working.
Reconnect daily for secure access.
Keep the FortiClient VPN app updated.

🛠 Common Issues

Can’t Connect? Check your username/password and verify internet connection to the correct IP address: 69.89.97.164
- Click to identify your IP Address Information.
- Compare your IP Address with the one listed above for a match.
- Assure that it registers as domestic/US based.

Forgot Password? PLI Support Ticket to get reset
Using Wi-Fi abroad? Use a reliable network—avoid public/free Wi-Fi when possible.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

9. Dig into More Troubleshooting

You may experience difficulties connecting with a continuous loading indicator. It is most likely stuck in a loading "loop".
Additional Troubleshooting Steps
Mac users require a few additional setup steps

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

✅ More Best Practices

Pin FortiClient to Your Taskbar
- - For Windows Users:
    - After installing FortiClient VPN, click on the Start Menu.
    - Type "FortiClient" in the search bar.
    - Right-click on the FortiClient VPN app from the search results.
    - Select Pin to taskbar.

- For macOS Users:
  - - After launching FortiClient VPN, right-click on the app icon in the Dock.
    - Select Options from the menu.
    - Choose Keep in Dock to pin the app for easy access
- Get FortiClient VPN for all of your devices
  - Ensures you have secure access to your school's network no matter which device you're using by installing FortiClient VPN on multiple devices: including your laptop, tablet, and smartphone by repeating the installation (above) steps on each device.

Click here for help on Tech Troubleshooting