Apple just launched a new coaching program for teachers that’s designed to help educators make the most of Apple tech in the classroom. The free Apple Learning Coach program, slated to begin this fall, began accepting applications Tuesday.
Cupertino also promises a hub for Apple learning resources and a space for educators to connect and share ideas. The company also plans to integrate Apple IDs with Google Workspace, making it easier for users to keep accounts in sync.
Apple kicks off new Learning Coach program
“We know that professional learning opportunities — from educators, for educators — make all the difference in unlocking the potential in every student,” said Susan Prescott, Apple’s vice president of education and enterprise marketing, in a press release. “Apple Learning Coach is designed to do just that, and we are thrilled to offer this new program today.”
A free educational program for teachers
Apple Learning Coach, which is completely free to take part in, is a learning program that trains instructional coaches, digital learning specialists, and other educators. It’s based on Apple technology, of course — helping teachers take advantage of it more effectively in the classroom.
The program will include a mix of “self-paced lessons” and virtual workshops with Apple Professional Learning Specialists. It will provide participants with an actionable portfolio, a “cohort of peers” and the opportunity to apply for continuing education credits from Lamar University.
“Apple Learning Coach is one of the best professional development opportunities I’ve ever been through, and we’re already seeing the impact in our classrooms,” said Jessica Keller, an instructional technologist at Berkeley County Schools who participated in Apple’s pilot program.
“After our coaching sessions, teachers have been using Clips to create videos with students. I’ve watched as they transitioned from focusing on how to use the technology, to focusing on learning outcomes and building on student success.”
Apple Education Community and Google Workspace
Apple also plans to launch Apple Education Community, which will “serve as the hub for Apple’s depth of professional learning programs.” It will feature the Learning Center, and a beta forum where educators can collaborate.
Prescott, who called the new Apple Education Community “a vibrant space for educators to learn from and connect with one another,” said Apple will add new features to the company’s Classroom and Schoolwork apps that will “make learning even more interactive.”
Finally, Apple said Google Workspace integration is coming to Apple School Manager and Apple Business Manager. This will allow IT teams who use Google services to sync user records with Managed Apple IDs, saving admins time and effort, Apple said.
The upgrade will allow end users to sign into their Managed Apple ID using a Workspace account. This will allow “a seamless login experience to apps like Pages, Number, Keynote, Messages, FaceTime, and more,” Apple said.
Apply for Apple Learning Coach today
You can find out more about Apple Learning Coach on the company’s website. Apple is now taking applications from U.S. educators through April 19. The Apple Education Community, scheduled to launch by this fall, will be free for educators who sign in with an Apple ID.
