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

Middle school is a period of transition. Students are developing independence, navigating social change, and preparing for the academic expectations ahead. In a virtual environment, supporting students through grades six through eight requires intentional structure, strong relationships, and a deep understanding of how adolescents learn.

In this episode of GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual Education, we’re joined by Harold, a middle grades teacher at Georgia Cyber Academy. Harold shares what it looks like to support students during this pivotal stage in a virtual school and how trust, routines, and consistent expectations help students stay grounded and engaged.

The conversation explores how teachers encourage independence while maintaining support, how connection and community are built in online classrooms, and how virtual systems can meet both academic and social needs during the middle grades. Harold also reflects on lessons that translate beyond virtual education and addresses common concerns about whether online learning can work for middle school students.

This episode is part of GCA Unmuted’s ongoing documentation of how virtual schools operate in practice, with insights relevant to educators in any setting.

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

Grades three through five are a critical turning point for students. This is when academic expectations increase, independence begins to take shape, and learning habits start to solidify. In a virtual environment, getting this stage right matters.

In this episode of GCA Unmuted, we’re joined by Terrell McCullers, an Elementary Grades Band teacher at Georgia Cyber Academy. Terrell shares what strong instruction looks like in upper elementary virtual classrooms and how routines, relationships, and consistency help students build confidence and momentum.

The conversation explores how teachers support students who are still developing independence, how engagement is maintained as content becomes more demanding, and how families and teachers work together during these formative years. Along the way, Terrell reflects on lessons that apply beyond virtual education and speaks directly to common doubts about whether online learning can work for younger students.

This episode is part of GCA Unmuted’s ongoing documentation of how virtual schools operate in practice, with insights that are useful for educators in any setting.

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

Kindergarten through second grade is where students begin learning how school works. They are building early literacy and math skills, learning routines, forming relationships, and developing confidence as learners. In a virtual setting, these early years require careful design and close partnership with families.

In this episode of GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual Education, we’re joined by Felicia, a primary grades teacher at Georgia Cyber Academy. Felicia shares what it looks like to help young students launch into school in a virtual environment and how instruction, routines, and relationships come together in grades K–2.

The conversation explores how early reading and math are taught online, how engagement is sustained with very young learners, and how teachers and families work together to support students at the very start of their academic journey. Felicia also reflects on lessons that apply beyond virtual classrooms and addresses common skepticism about whether online learning can work for early elementary students.

This episode is part of GCA Unmuted’s ongoing effort to document how virtual education functions in practice, with insights that are relevant for educators in any setting.

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