Podcast transcript — The people behind online language learning

Hello and welcome! In this episode, we talk about a job that is now very important in online learning. It is the job of the head of the language department, or the tutor coordinator.

In the past, this job was about making timetables, checking lesson plans, and writing reports. But today, the job is different. Many teachers work from home or in different places – they don’t talk to each other at the water cooler or in the break room. So, the tutor coordinator now has new things to do.

Today, this job is about helping the team. The tutor coordinator talks to the teachers, gives support, and helps them work together. They help teachers feel happy and part of a team.

A tutor coordinator must have new skills. They need to speak with kindness, give help from far away, and build trust with the teachers. They help teachers feel safe and ready to do their best work.

Sometimes, it is not easy. People may feel alone when they work from home. But there are also good things. When teachers feel strong and work together, it is a big success.

Podcast transcript — The people behind online language learning

Hi everyone, and welcome! Today we’re talking about a role that’s become very important in online education: the head of the language department, also called the tutor coordinator.

In the past, this job was more about technical and office tasks, such as making timetables, checking lesson content, and writing reports. But now, in the world of remote work, this role has changed. It’s more focused on people. It’s about making sure the team not only works well, but also feels supported and connected.

One big change is the focus on community. It’s not just about checking timesheets or hours. It’s about helping the team of teachers feel a sense of connection, loyalty and a bond. This is especially hard when tutors don’t see each other in person every day, like in the break room or by the water cooler, so it’s important to use new tools like video conferencing and communication platforms to stay connected.

Leading a team online needs new skills, like clear and kind communication, keeping people motivated from far away, and building trust even when everyone is in a different place. Today, coordinators guide the team. They support well-being, share good teaching ideas, and help teachers feel connected and valued.

Of course, there are some difficulties: feeling alone, or trying to stay close to others through a screen. But at the end of the day there are also great rewards. Seeing a team grow and stay strong, even when working from different places, is one of them.

Podcast transcript — The people behind online language learning

Hi everyone, and welcome to a new episode. Today, we’re talking about a role that has become much more important in the world of online education: the head of the language department, or tutor coordinator.

In the past, this job was more focused on technical and administrative tasks, things like scheduling, reviewing lesson content, and writing reports. But in today’s digital world, especially with an entirely remote workforce, the role has evolved. It’s become more human, more strategic, and more centred on ensuring teams are not just productive, but also connected and supported.

One of the biggest changes is the focus on community. It’s no longer just about managerial responsibilities like checking timesheets and hours. It’s about supporting the teaching team, encouraging collaboration, and creating a space where tutors feel heard, understood, and part of something meaningful. Without those casual break room chats or water cooler moments, it becomes essential to learn how to effectively use new tools like video conferencing and communication platforms.

Remote leadership today demands new skills, like communicating with empathy, motivating from a distance, and building trust even when people are scattered across time zones. Coordinators are now facilitators. They help teams feel grounded. They foster well-being. They encourage best practices and create a sense of connection, loyalty and a bond among tutors.

Of course, there are challenges: feelings of isolation, or the difficulty of staying united through a screen. But there are also real rewards. Seeing a team grow, even across distances, is one of them.

At the end of the day, the role has changed. And it’s changed for the better.