How to Support Your Students as Their Learning Coach
by Julie Hersum
Why Parent-Teacher Collaboration Is So Important
byConnections Academy
4 min to read
When parents and teachers work together in a supportive and collaborative way, students are more likely to thrive academically and feel confident as they take on new challenges. This connection is especially essential for online school students, who learn from home and depend on their caregivers and Learning Coaches to help guide the way.
Learn more about how parent-teacher collaboration works in virtual school, why it’s so important, and what Learning Coaches can do to create an effective and positive learning environment for their students.
How Collaboration Between Learning Coaches and Teachers Work
Parent-teacher collaboration isn’t just about staying informed. It’s about forming a genuine partnership rooted in mutual respect and shared goals. In online school, parents or guardians often take on the role of their student’s Learning Coach—a key player who supports daily learning and works hand–in hand with supportive teachers to keep students on track.
What the Parent-Teacher Relationship Looks Like in Online School
In most online school programs, including Connections Academy, the parent-teacher relationship is built into the structure of the learning experience. Here's how it typically works:
- Orientation and Onboarding: Learning Coaches are introduced to their new role through orientation sessions or welcome materials. Teachers often reach out early to introduce themselves, establish communication channels, and answer any questions before classes begin.
- Daily Support: Learning Coaches help students manage their schedules, stay on task, and follow the curriculum pacing guide. If a student encounters a challenge, the Learning Coach can communicate with the teacher to troubleshoot together.
- Regular Communication: Teachers and Learning Coaches stay in touch through tools like secure messaging systems, emails, phone calls, or video meetings. Weekly updates or progress reports help everyone stay aligned.er.
- Check-ins and Conferences: Periodic meetings give Learning Coaches and teachers the chance to review student progress, adjust pacing, and work together on strategies for success.
- Personalized Support: If a student needs additional help, teachers may provide one-on-one sessions, tailored assignments, or targeted learning plans while Learning Coaches help implement those strategies at home.
- Celebrating Progress: Teachers may highlight student achievements through messages, virtual certificates, or class shout-outs. Learning Coaches can reinforce this recognition with the student to celebrate their wins.
What Are the Benefits of a Positive Parent-Teacher Relationship?
When a partnership between the school and Learning Coach clicks, students generally benefit from:
- Better work habits
- Higher academic achievement
- Stronger social skills
- Fewer behavioral issues
- More resilience in new situations
In short, when Learning Coaches and teachers collaborate effectively, students feel seen, supported, and empowered.
5 Parent-Teacher Communication Strategies that Work
Effective communication is at the heart of parent-teacher collaboration. Here are some helpful strategies for keeping the lines open and the partnership strong:
1. Communicate Early and Often.
Let your student’s teacher know you’re ready to be an active part of their education from the start. Reach out to learn more about class goals and expectations and request a meeting in order to better work together.
2. Establish Positive Routines and Learning Habits.
Your student will be better prepared to learn when their day has structure. Help them develop consistent routines for completing lessons, taking breaks, and winding down after school.
3. Approach Meetings in an Active Way.
Think of parent-teacher meetings as opportunities to collaborate, not just listen. Come prepared with questions, share observations about your child’s strengths, weaknesses, successes, and hurdles, as well as what’s working and what’s not. Ask how you can best support classroom goals at home. When you show that you’re invested, teachers will feel more supported, and students will reap the benefits.
4. Make Sure You’re on the Same Page.
As a Learning Coach, you’re not just helping your child; you’re also aligning your support with the teacher’s plans. Don’t hesitate to clarify assignments, expectations, or feedback. A quick message can help you feel confident you’re reinforcing the right skills and strategies at home.
5. Stay Involved.
Consistency is key in upholding strong parent-teacher collaboration. Check in regularly with your student and their teachers to make sure their academic journey is progressing well. If something seems off—or your student needs extra support—don’t wait to reach out. Remember, you and your child’s teacher are a team.
The Keys to Effective Parent-Teacher Collaboration
The most successful parent-teacher partnerships in online school often share these three essential ingredients:
- Open, ongoing communication: Frequent updates keep everyone informed and reduce misunderstandings.
- Mutual respect: Recognizing each other’s efforts builds trust and keeps the partnership strong.
- Shared goals: Working together to support your student’s academic and personal growth ensures everyone is pulling in the same direction.
The Role of Teachers
Online teachers also play a crucial role in making parent-teacher collaboration work. Communication, collaboration, and support go both ways when it comes to successful parent-teacher relationships. By initiating contact early in the school year, setting clear expectations, and encouraging two-way communication, teachers create the foundation for lasting partnerships with Learning Coaches.
Collaborate Throughout Your Student’s Academic Journey
Whether you're just starting out or looking to strengthen your connection with your student's teachers, building a positive parent-teacher relationship is one of the most valuable efforts you can make to support your online learner.
Learn more about Learning Coach success, how to partner with your student’s teachers, and help your child succeed at Connections Academy.
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