Learning Support Coach Overview

As a Learning Support Coach, you play a vital role in the educational landscape, supporting students in their learning journeys and helping them overcome various barriers to academic success. Your responsibilities often include:

  • Individualized Support: You work closely with students to assess their unique learning needs and develop tailored strategies that enhance their educational experiences. This personalized approach helps to foster a supportive learning environment.

  • Collaboration with Educators: You collaborate with teachers, school administrators, and other educational professionals to design and implement effective learning interventions. This teamwork ensures that students receive consistent support across their educational settings.

  • Monitoring Progress: Regularly evaluating the effectiveness of learning strategies is a key task. You track students’ progress over time, adjusting approaches as necessary to meet their evolving needs.

  • Resource Development: You identify and create resources, such as materials and activities, that are specifically aimed at engaging students and promoting their learning outcomes.

  • Advocacy: In your role, you serve as an advocate for students, ensuring that their unique needs are recognized and addressed within the school system. This advocacy extends to fostering awareness among educators and parents about the complexities of diverse learning processes.

By fulfilling these responsibilities, you contribute significantly to the educational development of students, enabling them to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Your expertise is essential in ensuring that every learner has the opportunity to succeed, making you an integral part of the educational community.

Learning Support Coach Salary

Annual Median: $39,580
Hourly Median: $19.03

Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.

Required Education and Training To Become a Learning Support Coach

To become a Learning Support Coach, you will need to complete specific educational programs and possibly additional training certifications. Below are the relevant college degree programs that can prepare you for this role:

  • Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching
    This degree program focuses on methods and practices for teaching adult learners. Through coursework, you will gain an understanding of adult learning theories, curriculum development, and instructional strategies that support diverse learners.

  • Autism
    Earning a degree in Autism can equip you with knowledge about the spectrum of autism and effective strategies for supporting individuals on the spectrum. You will study topics such as behavior analysis, intervention techniques, and personalized teaching approaches.

  • Educational Leadership and Administration
    This program emphasizes the skills necessary to lead educational initiatives and support teaching staff effectively. You will explore topics such as organizational management, policy development, and program evaluation, which are vital for a Learning Support Coach.

  • Educational Instructional Technology
    A degree in Educational Instructional Technology prepares you to integrate technology into educational settings effectively. This program focuses on developing digital learning environments and understanding how technology can enhance instructional practices.

In addition to these degree programs, consider pursuing relevant certifications or additional training that aligns with your specific interest in learning support, educational techniques, or specific populations (such as students with disabilities). Engaging in workshops, seminars, or continuing education courses can further enhance your knowledge and effectiveness as a Learning Support Coach.

Best Schools to become a Learning Support Coach in U.S. 2024

Lamar University

Beaumont, TX

In-State Tuition:$6,228
Out-of-State Tuition:$16,020
Admission Rate:84%
Graduation Rate:38%
Total Enrollment:16,803

Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, UT

In-State Tuition:$7,404
Out-of-State Tuition:$7,404
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:49%
Total Enrollment:156,935

The College of Saint Rose

Albany, NY

In-State Tuition:$35,104
Out-of-State Tuition:$35,104
Admission Rate:78%
Graduation Rate:55%
Total Enrollment:2,786

American College of Education

Indianapolis, IN

In-State Tuition:$5,160
Out-of-State Tuition:$5,160
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:N/A
Total Enrollment:10,003

Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, AZ

In-State Tuition:$16,407
Out-of-State Tuition:$16,407
Admission Rate:78%
Graduation Rate:45%
Total Enrollment:101,816

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA

In-State Tuition:$15,467
Out-of-State Tuition:$15,467
Admission Rate:99%
Graduation Rate:66%
Total Enrollment:96,709
Learning Support Coach Job Description:
  • Instruct individual students or small groups of students in academic subjects to support formal class instruction or to prepare students for standardized or admissions tests.

Required Skills and Competencies To Become a Learning Support Coach

To excel as a Learning Support Coach, you will need to cultivate a range of specific skills and competencies that enable you to effectively assist learners. These include:

  • Communication Skills
    Clear and effective communication is essential. You must be able to convey instructions, feedback, and encouragement in a manner that is understandable and motivating for learners.

  • Active Listening
    You should hone your ability to actively listen to students, understanding their needs, concerns, and learning styles to provide tailored support.

  • Empathy
    Having an empathetic perspective allows you to connect with learners on a personal level, helping them feel understood and supported throughout their educational journey.

  • Problem-Solving Abilities
    Developing strong problem-solving skills helps you to identify challenges that students face and devise effective strategies to support their learning.

  • Adaptability
    You must be adaptable to meet the diverse needs of students and respond to changing educational environments or technologies.

  • Team Collaboration
    Working closely with teachers, parents, and other professionals requires excellent collaboration skills. You need to effectively share insights and strategies to support student success.

  • Organizational Skills
    Good organizational skills will help you keep track of multiple students' progress, schedules, and individual plans, ensuring nothing is overlooked.

  • Instructional Strategies
    Familiarity with various instructional techniques and approaches enables you to provide targeted support and enhance the learning experience for each student.

  • Assessment and Evaluation
    You should be able to assess students' skills and learning needs accurately, using this information to inform your support strategies.

  • Technology Proficiency
    Being proficient with educational technologies and learning management systems is vital, as it allows you to integrate innovative tools that enhance learning opportunities.

  • Cultural Competence
    Understanding and respecting cultural differences enables you to better support a diverse range of learners, promoting inclusivity within your coaching practices.

  • Patience and Resilience
    Working with students may sometimes be challenging. Patience and resilience are important traits that will help you navigate difficult situations and maintain a supportive learning environment.

  • Mentoring and Coaching Skills
    As a Learning Support Coach, the ability to mentor and guide students effectively is essential, helping them to build confidence and independence in their learning endeavors.

Developing these skills and competencies is vital to fostering an environment where students can thrive and achieve their educational goals.

Job Duties for Learning Support Coachs

  • Assess students' progress throughout tutoring sessions.

  • Provide feedback to students, using positive reinforcement techniques to encourage, motivate, or build confidence in students.

  • Review class material with students by discussing text, working solutions to problems, or reviewing worksheets or other assignments.

Technologies and Skills Used by Learning Support Coachs

Computer based training software

  • Moodle
  • Schoology

Multi-media educational software

  • Nearpod
  • Seesaw

Video conferencing software

  • Google Meet
  • Zoom

Basic Skills

  • Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • Reading work related information

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Social

  • Teaching people how to do something
  • Understanding people's reactions

Current Job Market and Opportunites for a Learning Support Coach

The job market for Learning Support Coaches is increasingly promising, reflecting a growing awareness of the importance of tailored educational support. Here are some of the key aspects shaping this field:

  • Demand: The demand for Learning Support Coaches is on the rise, driven by an increased focus on inclusive education and the need to support diverse learners. Schools and educational institutions are recognizing the value of personalized coaching to help students overcome academic challenges.

  • Growth Potential: With the continuous development of educational methodologies and the integration of technology in learning environments, there is substantial growth potential for Learning Support Coaches. As educational institutions seek to enhance student outcomes, roles related to support coaching are expanding. Opportunities exist not only within K-12 education but also in higher education and specialized learning programs.

  • Geographical Hotspots: Several regions in the United States are emerging as hotspots for Learning Support Coaches:

    • Urban Areas: Cities with large school districts, such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, typically have a higher demand for Learning Support Coaches due to their diverse student populations.
    • Suburban Growth: Rapidly growing suburbs, particularly those near major metropolitan areas, are also seeing an increased need for learning support. The expansion of new schools and programs brings job opportunities in these regions.
    • Specialized Programs: States and regions that prioritize special education and personalized learning frameworks are ideal for finding career opportunities. California, Texas, and Florida, for example, have a variety of programs aimed at enhancing educational support for learners with unique needs.
  • Sector Developments:

    • Public Education: Most Learning Support Coaches find opportunities in public school systems, where they are integral to general and special education sectors.
    • Private Institutions: A growing number of private schools and learning centers are hiring Learning Support Coaches to supplement their educational offerings, resulting in diverse opportunities across different educational settings.
    • Non-Profits and Community Organizations: Various non-profit organizations focused on youth development and education are also hiring Learning Support Coaches to deliver targeted support and tutoring for underprivileged communities.

Monitoring these trends in the job market can enhance your understanding of available opportunities and help you strategically position yourself within this evolving field.

Additional Resources To Help You Become a Learning Support Coach

  • National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD)
    Website: ncld.org
    NCLD offers resources, research, and advocacy for individuals with learning disabilities, providing a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and strategies involved in learning support.

  • Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
    Website: exceptionalchildren.org
    CEC is an international organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities. Their resources include professional development, publications, and advocacy tools.

  • Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA)
    Website: ldaamerica.org
    LDA provides information on learning disabilities, strategies for teaching, and advocacy. They also offer resource links for professionals in the field.

  • Education Resources Information Center (ERIC)
    Website: eric.ed.gov
    ERIC is a comprehensive database of education research and information. You can find numerous research papers and articles specifically related to learning support and educational strategies.

  • The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
    Website: nasp.org
    NASP offers tools, resources, and information relevant to educational psychology and supportive practices in schools, including guidance for learning support coaches.

  • ASCD (formerly the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development)
    Website: ascd.org
    ASCD provides publications and professional development on a wide range of educational topics, offering useful insights for learning support coaches looking to enhance their teaching practices.

  • Understood.org
    Website: understood.org
    This platform provides a wealth of resources for parents, educators, and professionals regarding learning and attention issues, along with strategies to support affected individuals.

  • Learning Support Coach Professional Network (LSCPN)
    Website: Search for LSCPN on LinkedIn or Facebook
    This is a community of professionals in learning support, where you can network, share resources, and engage in discussions relevant to your field.

  • The Association for Learning Environments (A4LE)
    Website: a4le.org
    A4LE focuses on the design and management of learning environments. They provide resources that can inspire innovative approaches in learning support practices.

These resources will enhance your knowledge, support your ongoing professional development, and connect you with other professionals focused on improving educational outcomes for students.

FAQs About Becoming a Learning Support Coach

  • What is a Learning Support Coach?
    A Learning Support Coach works with students to enhance their learning experiences by providing guidance, accommodation strategies, and personalized support. They collaborate with educators, parents, and specialists to ensure that students with diverse learning needs reach their full potential.

  • What qualifications do I need to become a Learning Support Coach?
    Typically, you will need a bachelor’s degree in education, special education, psychology, or a related field. Many positions also prefer or require a master’s degree and relevant certifications, such as special education credentials or coaching licenses.

  • What skills are essential for a Learning Support Coach?
    Key skills include:

    • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
    • Patience and empathy
    • Organizational and time management abilities
    • Problem-solving skills
    • Knowledge of learning theories and educational practices
  • What are the primary responsibilities of a Learning Support Coach?
    Your main responsibilities may include:

    • Assessing students' learning needs and developing tailored support plans
    • Collaborating with teachers and staff to implement effective instructional strategies
    • Conducting workshops or training sessions for educators and parents
    • Monitoring student progress and adjusting strategies as needed
    • Advocating for students’ needs and accommodations
  • Where do Learning Support Coaches typically work?
    You can find Learning Support Coaches in various settings, including:

    • Public and private schools
    • Educational consulting firms
    • Nonprofit organizations focused on education
    • Community colleges and universities
  • What is the job outlook for Learning Support Coaches?
    The demand for Learning Support Coaches is expected to grow as educational institutions increasingly recognize the need for tailored support to meet diverse student needs. This growth will be driven by an emphasis on inclusive education.

  • How does a Learning Support Coach differ from a special education teacher?
    While both roles support students with learning challenges, a Learning Support Coach often provides broader, school-wide strategies and training, whereas special education teachers typically focus on direct instruction and support for students with identified disabilities.

  • Can I specialize within the Learning Support Coach role?
    Yes, many Learning Support Coaches choose to specialize in areas such as literacy, behavior management, executive functioning skills, or specific learning disabilities, allowing you to tailor your expertise and impact.

  • What is the typical salary for a Learning Support Coach?
    Salaries can vary based on location, level of education, and years of experience. On average, you can expect to earn between $45,000 and $75,000 per year, with potential for higher earnings in specialized or administrative roles.

  • Are there opportunities for career advancement as a Learning Support Coach?
    Indeed, with experience and additional qualifications, you can advance to positions such as educational coordinator, lead coach, or administrative roles within the educational system, focusing on policy development and program management.