Why do Kids Hate School and How to Help
by Julie Hersum
What Is a Learning Coach? A Guide to Supporting Online Students
byConnections Academy
5 min to read
This article was originally published in July 2022 and was updated in August 2024.
Whether you’re new to online school or a seasoned parent, read on to learn how these resources can make online coaching for students a success.
What Is a Learning Coach?
Simply, a Learning Coach is a trusted adult, typically a parent or other caregiver, who supports a student enrolled in online school.
What Are the Responsibilities of a Learning Coach?
Every family fills this role of a Learning Coach a bit differently, but in general, the primary responsibility of a successful Learning Coach is to work alongside the student and their student’s teacher to keep the student accountable, on track, and provide supplemental help when needed. For some that may entail establishing and managing the daily routine, checking for comprehension, keeping the student on task during learning hours, and keeping them on track to complete lessons on time. The Learning Coach also helps monitor attendance and ensures that the student meets state testing requirements.
How to Become a Learning Coach
To get started as a Learning Coach, you don’t have to worry about searching for online coaching classes for grade school students. At Connections Academy-supported schools, a robust onboarding program helps ensure that families receive the support and tools needed to effectively introduce online school to their student. The orientations are designed to familiarize new families with how online school works. Orientations are available at your convenience, 24/7, and cover the basics of what you need to know to be successful.
Learning Coach Essentials: Blueprints for Success
New Learning Coaches can take their onboarding a step further with our handpicked collection of beginner Learning Coach resources. We can help Learning Coaches set up their student’s online learning space within the home, create a daily learning schedule that works with their family’s needs, and everything in between.
Learning Coach Success Series
Attending an online information session, hosted live by a successful Connections Academy parent, is another great way to learn and find answers about online school. You’ll hear firsthand how another online school family structures their day and works with their students. Plus, you’ll have a chance to ask your questions and get practical answers!
The Success Series includes not only onboarding sessions to get you started, but also sessions to keep you going throughout the year as you support your students. Examples of topics include exceptional students, preparing for college, socialization, motivation, and curriculum. Recordings are available if you miss a session or just want to go back and review.
Supportive Teachers
Even after your family adjusts to online school, support is available to keep you and your student doing well. At Connections Academy, online school teachers have bachelor’s degrees or higher, are state-certified, and receive ongoing training in making online instruction engaging and effective. They are available to help families get started with online school, to help struggling students individually, and to communicate with parents and Learning Coaches by phone or email. Licensed school counselors and your school’s principal or other school leaders may also be available to assist.
Technology Help
Families have access to the Connections Academy searchable online help system, available 24/7. The Learning Coach can also call a toll-free hotline to speak with a Connections Academy technical support representative for assistance with installation and troubleshooting.
Learning Coach Central in the Pearson Online Classroom.
Within our online learning portal, families have access to a library of resources dedicated to providing Learning Coaches with the information they need. Resources include video tutorials about lessons, learning tools, and Learning Coach responsibilities, as well as instructional support materials and reference materials.
How Much Time do Learning Coaches Need to Be with Their Student During the Day?
One of the benefits of online school is that a Learning Coach can spend more one-on-one time with their student than if the child attended school in person. However, knowing exactly how much time you will need to spend with your student when they attend school online can be tricky to navigate. You want to be supportive, but at the same time, you want your student to be independent. And, of course, the time spent helping keep them on task depends on various factors like the age and grade level of the student. Generally speaking, the older the student, the more independent they are. Here’s a general guideline based on grade level.
How to Work Full-Time and Be a Learning Coach?
It can be tough being a Learning Coach while working full-time. However, virtual learning is possible for children with parents who work full-time. It can be easier than you think. The very nature of online school is that it’s much more flexible than a traditional brick-and-mortar school, so planning a schedule and balancing work and Learning Coach responsibilities is much easier.
Although getting started with online school can be a challenge for parents initially, most families adapt to the new way of learning in about a month—especially with the support of a high-quality online school and teachers. Even better, many parents say online school is very rewarding and draws the family closer together.
To find a Connections Academy school in your state, visit Connections Academy online public school or learn more about the role parents play in online education by visiting our Parent Resources page.
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