Personalizing Learning for All: Mrs. Coleman, iLEAD Online Coach and Math/English Facilitator

With nearly three decades dedicated to education, Mrs. Coleman brings a wealth of experience and a passion for personalized learning to iLEAD Online. Get to know the facilitator who believes in the power of service and who has many hidden talents! (Wait until you see her personal deadlifting record!)

Please tell us about your background and how you came to be at iLEAD Online.

I began my teaching career in January of 1997. I have been teaching in various public middle and high school settings for 28 years. Although I started my career teaching English, I earned my credentialing in math and taught math for 25 of those years. For the last three years, I have been a part-time facilitator for iLEAD Online. This is my first year working as a coach and facilitator full-time.

What is your role at iLEAD Online? What’s the best part about it? 

I am a high school coach and facilitator for middle and high school math and English classes at iLEAD Online. I enjoy helping learners understand the content of their courses.

What do you LOVE about iLEAD Online? What sets it apart from other schools?

I love that iLEAD Online personalizes learning for all learners, not just a few.

In your opinion, what makes a great leader?

A great leader is a servant at heart. They understand that when the individual members of the team are able to use their gifts and abilities to their best that all of the team wins.

What does a day in your school life look like?

My day starts at 5:00 AM, when I get up and get in a lifting workout. After breakfast, shower, and personal time, I begin work between 7:45 and 8:00 am. I start by checking Brightspace and grading all the assignments turned in since the day before. Next, I check on the progress of each of my coaching learners to ensure they are moving forward with their classes. Most days, the middle and end of my day are full of meetings, either with staff or learners. I also send a ton of emails and texts to check in with learners and facilitators.

Please name five fun facts about you. Extra credit for lots of details.

1. I’ve been married for 27 years to my husband, Will, who is an IT Tech for the local school district.
2. We have one son, Paul, who is 22 and works as a detention officer for the local sheriff’s department.
3. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, crocheting, and sewing.
4. I also lift weights and have participated in powerlifting meets. My deadlift personal record is 285 lbs.
5. My family and I are Cowboy Action Shooters, and the last two years I have placed 3rd in my category at End of Trail, the World Championships of Cowboy Action Shooting.

From morning weightlifting to champion-level Cowboy Action Shooting, Mrs. Coleman brings energy, precision, and dedication to everything she does. Her commitment to iLEAD Online is rooted in her belief in personalizing education for all learners. We are so glad she is on our team!

About iLEAD Online:

iLEAD Online is a free public TK-12 school providing personalized online education with flexible schedules, allowing learners to pursue their passions like acting, athletics, and dance, alongside their studies. Founded in 2017, we emphasize individualized and project-based learning, leadership, and social-emotional growth. Learners benefit from technology, arts, and deeper learning, developing collaboration and critical thinking skills through our flexible virtual independent study model. Certified educators and college counselors offer personalized support, including guidance on college applications and financial aid. We also offer NCAA and UC a-g approved courses. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook and find us at www.ileadonline.org.

Join our innovative school today!