A New State of Education

Why Just Learning Ally?

The current education experience for students is unlike any other time in history. Teachers, parents, and most importantly, the students are experiencing elevated levels of anxiety as schools try to keep up with technology and shifting attitudes toward education. Just Learning Ally was founded by a public schoolteacher, who witnessed firsthand the increasing challenges students and their families face in navigating the education system.

We want to help! Our goal is to create a safe, alternative learning environment that puts the student first. Here's how we do that:

Create an organization that focuses on this mission and staff it with experienced educators who support it
Offer tutoring for students who need to close a learning gap
Design curriculum that satisfies state standards and are more appealing and engaging for students
Identify trends in learning gaps and target programming to address them
Create programs to help families support students
Provide real-world opportunities for students, especially as home economic and vocational programs disappear
Connect current and prospective students with educational opportunities in the community and in schools
Host interesting and relevant classes
Build a community that values education
Give students a voice to identify what they need so we can innovate effective solutions
Maintain principles

If you know how we can help, please contact us. Use the form below or write to Derek@justlearningally.org. We would love to hear from you!

Academic Coach

What an academic coach at JLA does

What is an "academic coach"?

An academic coach can help students with the process of school more than they focus on specific curriculum. They help students to balance their workload and better understand the choices they can make in school.

How are the sessions different?

Coaching sessions are shorter than tutoring sessions. Most sessions serve as a check in for students to review and prioritize their responsibilities. Some students may use a coach 2 or 3 times a week for 20 minutes. Others will check in for 30 minutes each week. For some, an hour during midterms and finals will suffice. The amount of coaching will depend on each student's unique goals.

What happens during a session?

Each session begins with a general check-in. Students can identify if there are specific goals they looking to meet, while the coach looks to address the long-term ones from an initial intake. The coach will provide guidance as well as opportunities for students to practice any study skills they would like to improve. The coach will also identify students' progress and can report the specific gains each student makes in relation to their goals.

What are examples of academic coaching goals?

Organizing and prioritizing academic workload

Balancing academics with non-academics

Developing executive functioning techniques

Learning how to self-advocate

Avoiding procrastination

"Shopping" for schools or colleges

Reducing anxiety

Preparing for standardized exams or exam periods

How do I get started?

Sign up here for a free consultation. Your academic coach will customize a learning plan or schedule to meet the academic goals the student or family may have. If an academic coach doesn't sound right for you, explore our other services, or simply contact us!

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Tutor on Retainer: Tutoring by the Month

How a "Tutor on Retainer" works

Why hire a "tutor on retainer"?

Traditional tutoring usually relies on consistent scheduling. Each session lasts for a pre-determined amount of time. While some students benefit from such consistency, others need a tutor that can work for a flexible schedule.

How are the sessions different?

A session may be fifteen minutes or it may be several hours, depending on the need. They may be held over the phone, through webcam, or in person. A session may serve as a typical work session, or it may be a simple check-in. Sometimes a student needs somebody they can call just to get settled and started on a project. That's where a pre-paid tutor can help.

How does it work?

Consider how much tutoring you will likely need over a month? How often do you want to check in with someone? By ordering tutoring hours in bulk, the cost per hour is reduced. Packages are available for 5, 10, 15, or 20 hours per month. High school students usually use 5-10 hours per month. College students often use 10-15.

Will the student improve over time?

Absolutely! By working with a tutor, students practice the study skills, learning environment, and self advocacy needed to be successful in the long run. The goal is not to become dependent on the tutor, but to reduce the gaps on learning that students experience between semesters, schools, and teachers. Since the tutors are experienced, certified teachers, they can identify the skills or content to improve and develop.

What services are included with the cost?

When you sign up for a tutor on retainer, they will meet with you to better understand your interests, strengths, and goals. After each month, they can provide a progress report based on this skills or content that was addressed. They can help determine your future goals and benchmarks going forward.