Shape Your Student’s Future: The Role of Coaches

Empower your online student to reach their full potential with personalized, self-paced learning from K12.

What Is a Learning Coach?

A Learning Coach is a parent, relative, sibling, or legal guardian who supports a student’s online education journey at home. In this role, you offer academic guidance to ensure your student’s unique needs are met, while consistently staying in touch and working with teachers. The impact? Lifelong learners who thrive in an online learning environment and beyond.

Role of the Learning Coach image 1 (name learning coach@3x copy)

Unlock Your Child’s Full Potential

Role of the Learning Coach image 2 (name learning coach@3x copy)

Every student deserves an engaging learning experience focused on their pace, style, and one-of-a-kind path. As a Learning Coach, you’ll partner with state-certified teachers and the greater online school community to create an inspiring, customized learning experience for your student. K12 provides all the resources you need to succeed, including:

Grade-appropriate lesson guides
Interactive videos
School supplies
Digital tools to enhance the learning process
An active online Learning Coach Community

Facilitate

Facilitate the daily learning process (hours vary by grade level).

Support

Provide ongoing academic support, guidance, and motivation.

Monitor

Keep students on track with coursework and attendance.

Meet K12 Learning Coach Amanda

Amanda’s daughters started their K12 learning journey when they were in first grade. Today, they’re thriving as 9th graders at Ohio Virtual Academy. Here, Amanda reflects on nine fulfilling years of life as a Learning Coach.

Elementary School:

Amanda played a more hands-on role when her daughters were in elementary school — guiding them through lessons, keeping them engaged during the school day, and setting the foundation for future success. As the Learning Coach to an elementary school student, your schedule might include interactive lessons, learning games, and educational excursions to the museum.

Middle School

During the middle school years, Amanda enjoyed watching her daughters discover their unique interests and grow as independent learners. As the Learning Coach to a middle school student, some of your core responsibilities might include modeling important life skills like organization and time management.

High School

Now that Amanda’s daughters are in high school, the Learning Coach role has evolved once again. Amanda loves supporting her daughters in becoming fully independent learners and watching them explore potential career paths. As the Learning Coach to a high school student, you may find fulfillment in cheering your child on as they engage with extracurriculars that speak to their passions and career prep opportunities that ready them for the future.

Elementary
Amanda D. shares her experiences with each grade band as her children progressed through their education journeys.
Middle School
Amanda D. shares her experiences with each grade band as her children progressed through their education journeys.
High School
Amanda D. shares her experiences with each grade band as her children progressed through their education journeys.

The Average Learning Coach Time Commitment

Elementary School

Be very hands-on and available during most of the school day
Make sure your student attends all their live classes
Organize course materials and help your child build core skills
Lead engaging offline activities, like trips to the museum or zoo

Link to video

Middle School

Continue to ensure your student participates in live classes
Redirect your learner to schoolwork when distractions arise
Actively support your child’s growth towards independent learning
Work to develop your student’s time management skills

Link to video

High School

Support your child in becoming a fully independent learner
Sharpen your student’s time management skills
Track class attendance
Help motivate and inspire your child to focus on schoolwork in the face of distractions

Link to video

Lean On Your Learning Coach Community

Being a Learning Coach comes with many rewards — and community is one of them. Whether you have questions or need advice, K12 supports you with a safe digital space to collaborate with other Learning Coaches.

Build relationships:
Participate in active online discussion boards, learning from others who have been in your shoes.
Grow as you go:
Participate in active online discussion boards, learning from others who have been in your shoes.
Share knowledge:
Participate in active online discussion boards, learning from others who have been in your shoes.

Learn More