As the Lana Learn team expands, new Academic Coaches prepare to make an impact on students by completing Lana’s comprehensive training program.
September has been a big month for the Lana Learn team in Washington, DC. We have added three Academic Coaches to meet the needs of our High-Impact Tutoring (HIT) programming for the new school year. Therefore, we have refined our comprehensive staff training program. This program equips new Academic Coaches with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to make a positive impact. At Lana Learn, we understand that academic success is dependent upon an array of factors. We ensure coaches are capable of building strong relationships with students, fostering social and emotional learning, and delivering high-quality tutoring. Lana’s comprehensive training program prepares our coaches to make a significant difference in their students’ lives. Below are the activities we utilize and topics we cover throughout our training.
Introduction to Lana Learn
Our training commences with an overview of Lana Learn’s mission, values, and objectives. New coaches gain insight into Lana Learn’s history, our commitment to educational equity, and the broader impact we aim to achieve. Understanding the bigger picture helps our new coaches connect their work to our overarching mission.
Building Relationships with Students
Essential to effective academic coaching is the ability to forge strong connections with students. Coaches participate in a workshop that emphasizes trust-building, active listening, and social and emotional affirmation. They acquire strategies to connect with students on a personal level, ensuring a supportive and positive learning environment.
Social and Emotional Learning Training
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is a vital component of academic success. Coaches receive training in SEL principles and techniques, equipping them to help students develop vital life skills such as self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and decision-making. This training enables coaches to address the holistic needs of their students.
Asynchronous Learning: Session Facilitation and Tutoring Resources
Occasionally throughout the training program, coaches engage in self-paced learning, exploring session facilitation techniques and tutoring resources. This asynchronous approach allows coaches to delve into the materials at their own pace, ensuring they are well-versed in the tools they will use to support their students.
Trauma-Informed Care
Understanding trauma is fundamental to our work. Coaches receive training in trauma-informed care, learning how to create safe and supportive spaces for students who may have experienced trauma. This training equips coaches with the skills to provide empathetic and sensitive support.
Self-Care Resources
Our coaches play a pivotal role in students’ lives, but it is essential they also prioritize themselves. Resources are provided to new coaches on strategies for maintaining a healthy work-life balance and managing stress. Coaches learn techniques to ensure they are at their best when supporting their students.
High Impact Tutoring (HIT) Grant Overview
Lana Learn is committed to providing high-quality tutoring. Coaches receive an overview of the HIT grant, its objectives, and the grant requirements. They learn about the significance of the grant in the context of learning loss due to Covid-19 and educational equity. Additionally, Coaches dive into the specifics of executing the HIT grant, including strategies for designing tutoring sessions, tracking progress, and measuring outcomes.
By the end of this training program, our new academic coaches are well-versed in the technical aspects of tutoring as well as the essential soft skills needed to build strong relationships and support students’ social and emotional well-being. This comprehensive approach to training ensures that our coaches are ready to make a positive difference in the lives of the students they serve.