Smart Horizons Career Online Education (SHCOE) is pleased to announce the hiring of Darlene Lawrence as the district’s newest academic coach. Founded in 2009, SHCOE is the world’s first AdvancED/SACS accredited online school district, offering an instructional program that enables students to earn a high school diploma and a credentialed career certificate in one, comprehensive online program.
An Ohio native currently living in South Florida, Ms. Lawrence was hired in February and brings experience in education, curriculum development, and management to her new position with the district. Education credentials include a Master of Arts in Elementary Education and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Ms. Lawrence serves as academic coach for students enrolled in SHCOE’s Career Online High School.
“I’m the students’ biggest cheerleader and motivator,” Ms. Lawrence said in describing her duties. “Academic support—helping a student who might be struggling with a course—is certainly a big part of what I do. But my job can also involve tasks such as making sure we’ve received a student’s transcripts or reaching out to students to check on their progress. As academic coaches, we are both ears and eyes for the students and we’re always ready to listen.”
Ms. Lawrence serves as part of a support team that also includes technical and career services, as well as certified teachers who provide subject-specific academic assistance.
Ms. Lawrence describes education as her “passion.”
“I believe every student is entitled to an education and I believe SHCOE does a great job of meeting educational needs and making every effort to see to it that students are successful in reaching their goals, which include earning their high school diploma and career certificate. It’s an online education model that is accessible, supportive, and available no matter where you are.”
“Ms. Lawrence comes to us with experience in both online education as well as post-secondary education,” said Teresa Salafrio, SHCOE‘s Director of Academics and the Principal of Career Online High School. “I am very excited to bring in an educator like Ms. Lawrence to work with our students. She is passionate about education and I am confident that will resonate with our students.”