Instructional coaching plays a critical role in strengthening teaching and learning. In a virtual school, coaching must be intentional, relationship-driven, and designed to support teachers from a distance while maintaining clarity and consistency in instruction.

In this episode of GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual Education, we’re joined by Shamiya Hicks, Instructional Facilitator for K–5 ELA and Writing at Georgia Cyber Academy. Shamiya shares what instructional coaching looks like in a virtual environment and how she partners with teachers to strengthen literacy instruction, refine practice, and support student success.

The conversation explores how trust is built in coaching relationships online, how instruction can be observed and supported virtually, and how coaches balance consistency with teacher autonomy. Shamiya also reflects on lessons that extend beyond virtual schools and addresses common doubts about whether coaching can be effective without being physically present in the classroom.

This episode is part of GCA Unmuted’s ongoing documentation of how virtual schools support teacher growth and instructional quality in practice.

Thanks for listening to GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual Education, a podcast documenting how virtual school works in practice at Georgia Cyber Academy.

Each episode features educators, staff, and leaders sharing real stories and systems that support teaching and learning in a virtual environment.

Learn more about the podcast and explore past episodes at:
https://www.georgiacyber.org/about/unmuted

You can also watch full episodes and highlights on our YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@GCAchampions

Co-teaching requires clarity, trust, and shared responsibility. In a virtual environment, those elements must be even more intentional. When done well, co-teaching strengthens instruction, supports diverse learners, and improves student outcomes.

In this episode of GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual Education, we’re joined by Jess Newman, Keisha Jennings, and Parker Marting, educators at Georgia Cyber Academy who work closely as co-teachers in a virtual classroom setting.

Together, they share a real story that illustrates the impact of strong collaboration and unpack the systems that make co-teaching effective online. The conversation explores how responsibilities are divided, how communication stays consistent, and how shared instruction supports student engagement and achievement. They also reflect on challenges, growth, and the structures at GCA that make sustained collaboration possible.

This episode documents how co-teaching functions in practice within a virtual school model and offers insights that are relevant for educators in both online and traditional settings.

Thanks for listening to GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual Education, a podcast documenting how virtual school works in practice at Georgia Cyber Academy.

Each episode features educators, staff, and leaders sharing real stories and systems that support teaching and learning in a virtual environment.

Learn more about the podcast and explore past episodes at:
https://www.georgiacyber.org/about/unmuted

You can also watch full episodes and highlights on our YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@GCAchampions

High school is where expectations sharpen and future paths begin to take shape. Students are preparing for graduation, postsecondary plans, and the responsibilities that come next. In a virtual environment, that preparation requires intentional instruction, strong relationships, and systems that promote independence and accountability.

In this episode of GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual Education, we’re joined by Nikki Colwell, a high school teacher at Georgia Cyber Academy. Nikki shares what secondary instruction looks like in a virtual setting and how she supports students as they build critical thinking skills, take ownership of their learning, and prepare for life after graduation.

The conversation explores how rigor is maintained online, how teachers support students with different post-graduation goals, and how virtual high school can foster real readiness for college, careers, military service, and the workforce. Nikki also addresses common doubts about online high school and reflects on lessons that apply across educational settings.

This episode is part of GCA Unmuted’s ongoing documentation of how virtual education works in practice, with insights designed to be useful well beyond GCA.

Thanks for listening to GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual Education, a podcast documenting how virtual school works in practice at Georgia Cyber Academy.

Each episode features educators, staff, and leaders sharing real stories and systems that support teaching and learning in a virtual environment.

Learn more about the podcast and explore past episodes at:
https://www.georgiacyber.org/about/unmuted

You can also watch full episodes and highlights on our YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@GCAchampions