Has anyone here heard of or been a learning coach? Someone recommended I look into this for when I go back to school. What exactly do they do differently than tutors, and how would I find them? What kind of training should they have? I’ve had no luck finding any info at all by searching google, the phone book, asking around, or other message boards on this site. Thanks!
Audrey
My brother had a job coach provided by Easter Seals, funded by a state agency helping disabled people remain in the workforce. If a learning coach is at all similar, Easter Seals would be one place to call for information. They were the ones who told me how to contact our state agency in order to establish a funding stream for the job coaching. Our state sub-contracts with a variety of private companies and non-profit foundations, so there are other organizations than Easter Seals who provide job coaches.
Basically, the job coach provided moral support (phone calls and lunches) and one-on-one help on the job, breaking tasks down, training, seeing that my brother had everything he needed (such as a written list of tasks to be performed in order), checking in with his supervisor to take care of any concerns, etc.
I would assume a learning coach helps with registration, arranging for tutors, making sure everything needed for study is in place, helps make arrangements for accommodations, etc.
Try going to the “Finding Help” section of this website. Click on your state, and then try calling the agencies listed. Perhaps one of them has learning coaches, or can point you in the right direction.