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GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual Education
Welcome to GCA Unmuted, the podcast where we share the stories and strategies that show how Georgia Cyber Academy makes online learning work.
Episodes
17 episodes
Building Student Community with Michelle Gilyard: Clubs and Competitions in a Virtual School
School is about more than academics. It’s also about connection, belonging, and opportunities to grow outside the classroom.In this episode of GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual Education, we’re joined by Michelle Gilyard, Family Sc...
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Building Trust with Families with Shannon Ready: Partnering with Parents in a Virtual School
Strong family partnerships are essential in any school. In a virtual environment, they are foundational. Clear communication, trust, and consistent support help families feel confident and connected, which directly impacts student success.<...
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Preparing Students for the Real World with Tricia McCoy and Erica Butts: Work-Based Learning in a Virtual School
Connecting learning to real-world experience helps students build confidence, develop practical skills, and clarify their future paths. Work-based learning creates opportunities for students to apply what they learn in the classroom to real job...
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Serving Families Across Languages with Mayra Ramirez and Emily Post: Translation & English Learner Support in a Virtual School
Clear communication is essential to student success. When families speak different languages, schools must ensure that information, support, and relationships remain accessible. In a virtual environment, this work requires intentional systems t...
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Building Culture at Scale with Lakin Whitesides: PBIS in a Virtual School
School culture is built through consistent expectations, shared language, and reinforcement over time. In a virtual school, creating that kind of culture requires intentional systems that reach students and staff across locations.In this...
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Redefining Inclusion with Brandi Dozier-Muhammad: The LIFE Program in a Virtual School
Inclusion is not only about access. It is about meaningful participation, skill development, and helping students grow with purpose. In a virtual school, that work requires intentional design, flexibility, and a focus on the individual.I...
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Supporting Student Wellness with Derrick Westry: Counseling in a Virtual High School
Supporting student wellness is essential to learning, especially during the high school years when students are navigating academic expectations, relationships, and future decisions. In a virtual environment, counseling must be intentional, acc...
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MTSS in Motion with Aimee Purser: Tiered Academic & Behavioral Support in a Virtual School
Strong student support begins with strong systems. Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) provide a structured approach to identifying needs early, delivering targeted interventions, and ensuring every student has a clear path forward. In a vir...
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Supporting Learners from the Start with Veronica Williams and Martell Shavers: Child Find & IDEA in a Virtual School
Before a student receives special education services, they must first be identified, evaluated, and given access to the support they need. In a virtual school, this process requires careful coordination between compliance, instruction, and fami...
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Designing Individual Success with Amy Blanchard: IEPs & Accommodations in a Virtual School
Supporting students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) requires thoughtful planning, strong collaboration, and a deep understanding of each learner’s needs. In a virtual school, that work must be intentional and flexible to ensure ac...
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The Paraprofessional Perspective with Kay Sheppard: Support That Scales in a Virtual School
Paraprofessionals play a vital role in supporting students, teachers, and classrooms. In a virtual school, their work must be flexible, collaborative, and responsive to student needs across multiple settings.In this episode of GCA Un...
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Coaching From a Distance with Shamiya Hicks: Instructional Coaching in a Virtual School
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 consiste...
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Better Together with Jess Newman, Keisha Jennings, and Parker Marting: Co-Teaching Strategies That Work in Virtual Classrooms
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 outcome...
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Ready for the Real World with Nikki Colwell: Secondary Instruction in a Virtual School (Grades 9–12)
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...
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Bridging the Gap with Harold Wisner: Teaching the Middle Grades in a Virtual School (6–8)
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 ...
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Strong Starts in Upper Elementary with Terrell McCullers: What Works in Virtual Classrooms (Grades 3–5)
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 matte...
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Learning to Launch with Dr. Felicia Lowman-Sikes: Virtual Teaching in the Primary Grades (K–2)
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 ...
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