Spotlight on Support: Jeannette Weiss, High School Academic Coach

Jeannette Weiss serves as a 9th-12th Grade Academic Coach. With a background that includes teaching multiple grades in a classroom setting, Jeannette found her true calling supporting online learners, leading her to iLEAD Online. She quickly fell in love with the school’s mission and the opportunity to build deep, meaningful relationships with high school learners from the moment they start their journey to the day they graduate. Let’s get to know Jeannette!

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

My very first teaching job was in a 3rd grade classroom in Boyle Heights, CA, focusing on teaching reading, math, and science. After I taught kindergarten in Agua Dulce, I fell in love with teaching the youngest learners, hoping to instill a love of learning in them. In 2016, I transitioned to teaching 3rd grade online and loved it. In 2019, I started part-time with iLEAD Online as an academic coach working with 3-12th grade. I found that I really enjoyed working with high school kids and loved the philosophy and mission of iLEAD.

What do you love about your role at iLEAD Online? 

I absolutely love being involved every step of the way with my learners from the beginning of their high school journey through graduation. It is so special to me the relationships I build with all of my learners.

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

I love the individualized learning that iLEAD Online offers learners. Each learner gets their own personal academic coach to cheer them up and help them navigate the tricky high school days. Most schools don’t offer that level of support. In addition, leadership, facilitators, tutors, and counselors are there to offer support.

Are you involved in other activities (e.g. clubs, tutoring, community engagement) at iLEAD Online? If not, what are some events you enjoy at iLEAD Online?

I always enjoy attending the in-person events and meeting learners.

In your opinion, what makes a great leader?

A great leader is someone who is kind, compassionate, enthusiastic, and brings people together.

There are great social-emotional learning activities/opportunities at iLEAD Online. Can you share a story about seeing learners using them in action (or yourself)?

I love the joint Advisory that we offer for our 9th-12th graders. We always get excellent participation, and the kids love connecting with one another and learning from each other.

What does a day in your school life look like?

My day always starts with coffee, where I check and respond to important emails and messages, followed by either staff meetings or one-on-one meetings with learners and families. Then I spend a lot of time in Brightspace checking on my learners and creating plans to ensure they are successful in completing work.

Please name three fun facts about you.

1. Every summer, I went to the Czech Republic as a kid and spent the entire summer there with my family.
2. I love cooking and baking.
3. I also enjoy long runs on the beach and spending time with my two dogs and six-year-old daughter.

Jeannette’s passion for individualized learning and dedicated support embodies what iLEAD Online is all about. Her commitment to connecting with learners, both virtually and in person at school events, ensures that every student feels cheered on and supported through their high school years, and 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!