Rethinking Teachers' Roles and Responsibilities
Everyone involved in the world of education (including parents) knows how immense a teacher’s job is. Teachers are expected to show up first thing in the morning ready to be present for each of their students. They are expected to deeply know each of their students and create a positive space where kids want to be and learn. They need to be content experts, with thoroughly planned engaging activities for students. They need to grade papers and work and provide feedback for all of their students. They need to coordinate extra-curricular activities for students, attend countless meetings, and manage a growing number of IEPs.
To do it all well is impossible, and yet there’s nothing within that job description that we can easily identify as not being critical to the role. A number of techies point to technology saving the day, but that hasn’t been the answer yet, either.
In the last 5-10 years we’ve seen quality, ready-to-use curricula being created (often for free). Platforms like Khan Academy and No Red Ink allow for students to practice skills and get quick feedback. Video conferencing allows a teacher in Arizona to work with students in Florida.
And yet teachers’ jobs are still overwhelming and their days are still too jam-packed. The current system that’s in place isn’t allowing teachers to take advantage of the time-saving technology provided. They’re still being asked to “do it all”: learn the technology platform, grade the papers, and be the emotional leader of the class.
KaiPod was created as the physical layer on top of the online learning nearly all students in the future will access. A space where students can socialize, develop deep and meaningful relationships with their peers and adults who are there to guide them in their learning journey. And to have learning experiences that can’t be replicated online.
The formula is simple: a quality online school or curriculum, an inviting and well-organized space, and an in-person educator who can lead, motivate, and inspire students (a “KaiPod Coach”).
A KaiPod Coach’s role is specifically focused on creating a warm, fun learning environment where students feel safe enough to be themselves. They’re not responsible for lesson planning or grading (that’s done by the online school the child is enrolled in). Coaches know each student inside and out and can bring out their best selves. They provide some academic support (helping kids get ‘unstuck’ on a math problem, or brainstorm topics for a writing assignment). If a student struggles with executive functioning, they help them learn to organize and manage their time. They create an environment where there is absolutely no bullying, and all students have a friend they look forward to seeing.
The set of skills required to do this is going to be as valuable (if not more) than the content experts. They will need to be expert motivators and positive culture builders. They’ll be local to communities. They won’t be able to serve much more than 10 students at a time. Therefore, there will need to be a lot of them and they will be in high demand.
