Academic Support
Role of an Online Teacher
Lower School Teacher Support
In Lower School, students are assigned a course teacher for every subject, in addition to a homeroom teacher. Each teacher is highly qualified, with specific expertise in the lower grades. The parent or designated learning coach works side-by-side with each student to facilitate his or her progress through the daily lessons, while the teachers stay in close contact with the learning coach and student, meeting regularly in Live Teaching sessions, and communicating through school e-mail, over the phone, and in one-to-one, real-time meetings that take place online.
Middle School Teacher Support
The Middle School parent or designated learning coach continues to work closely with the student to facilitate progress through the daily lessons. Students are assigned to a content-specific teacher for each course in grades 6-8. Middle School instructors possess deep expertise in their dedicated subjects. They provide feedback and grades on assessments and teacher graded assignments in their subjects to help prepare students on their journey toward High School. Throughout the month, each teacher stays in close contact with the student and the learning coach, communicating regularly by school email, Google Chat, phone, and in one-on-one, real-time meetings that take place online via Live Teaching and Office Hours sessions.
High School Teacher Support
High School courses are taught by subject-specialist teachers. They grade students’ assignments and assessments, and respond to student questions via school e-mail, Google Chat or phone. Live Teaching classes supplement the course content and Office Hours sessions allow students to “drop in” with questions. Teachers will respond to messages, voicemails, and school email within twenty-four hours or one school day. All teacher-graded assignments will be graded, with feedback, within three school days.
Role of the Learning Coach / Parent
ISBerne Online requires each student to have a designated Learning Coach. The Learning Coach is typically a parent but could be another adult relative, tutor, or other individual who is the point of contact for the school and who will work directly with the student to help ensure their success.
Learn more: Learning Coach Roles and Responsibilities (PDF) »
ROLE OF THE SCHOOL COUNSELOR
The School Counselor is a qualified professional dedicated to supporting students in achieving success within an online or blended-learning environment.
The School Counselor’s responsibilities include:
- College applications and letters of recommendation
- Career awareness, exploration, and planning
- Support with Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) and goal setting
- Assisting with transitions from Lower School to Middle School and Middle School to High School
- Guidance on peer relationships, coping strategies, and social skills
- Communication and problem-solving support
- Academic assistance (exam anxiety, time management, study skills)
- Personal development
- Implementing and supporting the Child Protection Policy as needed
- Referring students to outside providers and professionals when necessary
Support and Inclusion
At ISBerne Online, we value the educational and social benefits of inclusion and are committed to creating a highly inclusive environment throughout our school community. We believe all students, including those with special educational needs, should have their needs recognized and addressed with timely, appropriate interventions to ensure they make expected progress. Our broad and balanced curriculum is designed to be accessible to all students, and we offer flexibility for those with special needs, including the option to access courses at grade levels lower than age expectations to support their individual learning journeys.