The INFOhio Integration Coach program, or ICoach program, is for outstanding PreK-12 educators who are interested in learning how to integrate INFOhio's digital content and web tools into instruction and sharing their knowledge with other Ohio educators.
The purpose of the ICoach program is to:
- Support INFOhio in increasing outreach for INFOhio digital content and tools.
- Strengthen INFOhio's outreach within districts and schools throughout the state.
- Provide professional development and training opportunities using INFOhio's training curriculum.
Benefits to ICoach:
- Certification as an authorized INFOhio trainer after completion of required training that can be used to demonstrate professional learning growth.
- First notification about INFOhio tools and resources updates.
- Connection to the online learning community of INFOhio trainers to share ideas and training resources.
Benefits to District:
- Access to a local trainer for professional development on INFOhio tools and resources.
- Ease of scheduling with a local trainer for professional development.
- Knowledge growth through sharing in the online learning community for INFOhio trainers.
Expectations of an ICoach:
- Plan and lead at least 1 training on INFOhio tools and resources per year for educators or parents in your district. Trainings may be in person or virtual via Google Meet, Zoom, or other video platforms.
- Report training dates and numbers of participants to INFOhio using the ICoach Reporting Form.
- Provide your own handouts and contact hour certificates for trainings you lead.
- ICoaches are solely responsible for determining the day, time, and facility for trainings. INFOhio will not pay for a trainer stipend, computer lab, travel, or other expense or liability which may be incurred through offering this training.
2021-2022 New INFOhio ICoach Cohort
INFOhio ICoaches are certified to provide educators in their building or district with training on how to integrate INFOhio digital resources and tools effectively into their classrooms. The value-added rationale for becoming an INFOhio ICoach is the ability to encourage engaging and relevant learning in their district or building by integrating the INFOhio digital resources and tools.
Application Process for New 2021-2022 ICoaches
Each year, INFOhio trains a new cohort of INFOhio ICoaches. If you want to become a new ICoach for the 2021-2022 school year, complete the following application requirements:
- Read the information on this page about the benefits of the program, required and preferred qualifications, the certification process, and expectations for new ICoaches.
- Complete the 2021-2022 New ICoach Application Form by Friday, April 23rd.
Qualified applicants will receive notification of acceptance into the ICoach training program by May 3, 2021.
Required Qualifications for ICoaches
- Currently employed in an Ohio school
- Teaching or administrator license and/or library media experience
- Approval of district or building administrator for you to complete the ICoach training and to lead at least 1 training on INFOhio tools and resources in the upcoming school year for educator or parents in your school community
Preferred Qualifications for ICoaches
- Strong communication skills
- Experience with technology teaching strategies
- Understanding of key learning theories and methods of instruction and their relation to technology integration
- Knowledge of Ohio Learning Standards and digital learning environments that encourage creative and independent use of instructional technology
How Are ICoaches Trained and Certified?
Qualified applicants will receive notification of acceptance into the ICoach training program on May 3, 2021. Those applicants will participate in a self-paced, online course. The ICoach online course will open on May 3, 2021, and participants will have until July 15, 2021 to complete the coursework. Upon completion of the course, the participant will receive certificates of completion for 15-18 hours of training determined by by the personalized content chosen by the participant. The training course will cover critical ICoach topics:
- Getting to know INFOhio
- INFOhio tools and resources
- Integrating INFOhio tools and resources into instruction
- Best practices for training adults and sharing about INFOhio
Once ICoaches have completed the initial certification training, they can renew certification annually by fulfilling the requirements of the renewal process.
What Are the Expectations for New 2021-2022 ICoaches?
- Provide at least one training on INFOhio resources to educators or parents from your building or district during the 2021-22 school year.*
- Provide handouts and contact hour certificates (if required) for training participants.
- Report training dates and numbers of participants to INFOhio.
- Share your training ideas or strategies with other ICoaches through the INFOhio listserv, social media, Open Space, or the ICoach course.
*Trainers are solely responsible for determining the day, time, and provision of a facility for their trainings. INFOhio will not pay for a trainer stipend, computer lab, travel, or other expense or liability that may be incurred through offering this instruction.
2020-2021 ICoach Report Back Form
2020-2021 ICoaches: Report all of your outreach efforts in the ICoach Reporting form by June 30, 2021. Remember that even a conversation with colleagues about using the INFOhio resources is considered a form of outreach. Find professional development and training resources using the Learning Pathways on INFOhio Campus.
Annual Renewal
INFOhio ICoaches renew their certification annually. Annual renewal for the program for the 2021-2022 school year begins April 15, 2021 and ends July 15, 2021. Current ICoaches will receive an email with 2021-2022 renewal instructions beginning April 15, 2021. If you are a current ICoach and you did not receive an email with renewal instructions, contact central@infohio.org.
If you have been an ICoach in the past and are interested in renewing for the 2021-2022 school year, please contact central@infohio.org.
