The Ultimate Back-to-School Guide for Virtual School Students
by Beth Werrell
byConnections Academy
4 min to readWhen you first heard the term “Learning Coach”, you may have thought it was synonymous with “teacher”, just like many first-time at-home school parents. At first glance, these titles seem similar because they both involve a degree of leadership for students. But when it comes to virtual school, the roles of Learning Coach vs. teacher are very distinct.
So, as the parent of a virtual school student, which role should you be playing?
Teachers and Learning Coaches are accountable for several duties throughout a child’s education that they each handle differently; however, both collaborate to enhance the student’s online learning experience.
If you’re considering online school for your child, we are here to help you determine how to fulfill your Learning Coach role and find the right level of parent involvement in your child’s schooling. Take a look at the various differences between teacher and Learning Coach below to learn more about your specific duties and the ways each role can complement the other!
Virtual schools have certified teachers who are dedicated to helping students succeed. But what is a Learning Coach? A Learning Coach is a trusted adult who serves as a guide, supporter, and motivator to further stimulate learning and establish a suitable structure for the school day at home. The role of a Learning Coach evolves over time as the student gains confidence and develops more academic skills.
Among other things, teachers and Learning Coaches oversee daily learning, provide assistance, and monitor progress in different ways.
Breathe easy; it is the teacher's responsibility to teach and provide students with learning material. A K-12 Learning Coach is not required to plan any lessons or select curriculum. Instead, they should make sure that the student stays focused each school day.
Here are a few examples of tasks teachers and Learning Coaches complete to facilitate daily learning:
Since teachers lead the class, it is important that major questions about assignments and learning material be directed at them—after all, that is what teachers are there for! Learning Coaches can help with small concerns and questions such as, "Am I on the right track?" or "Am I being clear in this essay?"
The more students reach out to their teachers, the more they will grow to be independent learners. Here are a few examples of tasks that teachers and Learning Coaches complete to effectively assist students:
Teachers and Learning Coaches both play a key role in monitoring a student’s progress. The two are encouraged to stay in contact throughout the school year to discuss how the student is doing.
Here are a few examples of tasks that teachers and Learning Coaches complete to properly monitor a student's progress:
Even though teachers and Learning Coaches play different roles, the student’s journey to success is a team effort!