What is the difference between an online teacher and a Learning Coach?

Understanding the differences between an online teacher and a Learning Coach is vital in making the best education choices.

K12 Experts 13 Nov 2024

A woman at a desk, focused on a computer screen displaying multiple participants in video calls.

Effective online learning involves the same components as in-person learning: engaged students and qualified teachers. But with K12-powered schools, there’s another important role that helps to ensure successful outcomes. We call this role the Learning Coach, and every student is required to have one to assist them. Most often, a student’s parent or guardian fulfills Learning Coach duties, though another trusted adult may also be designated.

Learning Coaches, sometimes called LCs for short, help motivate and guide students while monitoring their learning progress. They help students log in for classes, or remind older students to do so, and track lesson and assignment completion. Learning Coaches also act as a liaison between the student and teacher or school, helping facilitate strong communication.

Though there may be some overlap between online teaching and Learning Coach duties, particularly in the early elementary grades, the main distinction between online teachers versus Learning Coaches is that online teachers are responsible for delivering content and direct instruction. In contrast, Learning Coaches support the learning process by helping their students with organization and administrative tasks associated with online school. They also serve as the responsible adult who can ensure that their student has no barriers to learning and stays on task.

What is the Learning Coach Community?

Because Learning Coaches are closely involved with their students’ education, it’s important for them to feel supported in their role. That’s why K12 fosters community, networking, and information exchange through the Learning Coach Community.

The Learning Coach Community is a secure online network exclusively available to adults supporting students enrolled in K12-powered schools. It serves as a place where Learning Coaches can connect, ask questions, receive personalized support, and find friends. All eligible Learning Coaches can access K12’s national community. Additionally, many schools have their own local communities for more specialized support and local connections. Through these communities, families have access to exclusive resources and events, both online and in person.

Why join the Learning Coach Community?

There are so many reasons to engage with your Learning Coach Community! Just as online teachers collaborate and connect with their peers, Learning Coaches find many of the same benefits in community with others who perform the same supporting role for their students. Top benefits include:

Shortening the learning curve for first-time online families
Accessing resources, events, and opportunities for family and student connections
Finding school information and resources compiled in one place
Learning tips and tools for online school success from people experienced in supporting their own students
Receiving support and advice in addressing individual student needs

Who can join the Learning Coach Community and how?

The Learning Coach Community is a secure network exclusively available to families with students actively enrolled in K12-powered schools. If you’re the Learning Coach of an approved student in any K12-powered school, you’re automatically a member of the Learning Coach Community. All you have to do is log in and start enjoying the resources and connections available to you! Go straight to community.k12.com/login, or when logged in to your enrollment portal, click the “Community” button in the left side menu.