GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual Education

Georgia Cyber Academy

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EDUCATION

Welcome to GCA Unmuted, the podcast where we share the stories and strategies that show how Georgia Cyber Academy makes online learning work.

6D AGO

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 family partnership. In this episode of GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual Education, we’re joined by Veronica Williams and Martell Shavers of Georgia Cyber Academy. Together, they explain how Child Find and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) guide the identification, evaluation, and support of students with disabilities in a virtual environment. The conversation explores what happens from a family’s first concern to the delivery of services, how compliance and instructional teams work together, and how early identification helps students access meaningful support. Veronica and Martell also address common questions about whether virtual schools can meet the needs of students with disabilities and reflect on lessons that apply across educational settings. This episode is part of GCA Unmuted’s ongoing documentation of how virtual schools build systems that ensure students are identified early and supported effectively. 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

30 min
MAR 5

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 accommodations are meaningful and effective. In this episode of GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual Education, we’re joined by Amy Blanchard, a special education teacher at Georgia Cyber Academy. Amy shares how IEPs are designed and implemented in a virtual environment and how individualized supports help students access instruction and make meaningful progress. The conversation explores how relationships with families support student success, how accommodations are delivered in online classrooms, and how general education and special education teachers collaborate to meet student goals. Amy also reflects on lessons that extend beyond virtual schools and addresses common concerns about whether online learning can meet the needs of students with disabilities. This episode is part of GCA Unmuted’s ongoing documentation of how virtual schools provide individualized support systems that help all students succeed. 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

29 min
FEB 26

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 Unmuted: Voices of Virtual Education, we’re joined by Kay Sheppard, a paraprofessional at Georgia Cyber Academy. Kay shares what her role looks like in a virtual environment and how paraprofessional support helps make personalized learning possible at scale. The conversation explores how paraprofessionals support students academically, behaviorally, and socially, how they collaborate with teachers and support teams, and how relationships are built in an online setting. Kay also reflects on the challenges and rewards of supporting multiple students and classrooms and addresses common misconceptions about student support in virtual schools. This episode is part of GCA Unmuted’s ongoing documentation of how virtual schools provide layered support systems that help students succeed. 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

27 min
FEB 19

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 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

27 min
FEB 12

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 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

35 min
FEB 6

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 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

33 min
JAN 29

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 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

37 min
JAN 22

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 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

45 min
JAN 15

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 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

35 min

9 Episodes

Welcome to GCA Unmuted, the podcast where we share the stories and strategies that show how Georgia Cyber Academy makes online learning work.

Creator

Georgia Cyber Academy
Years Active

2K
Episodes

9
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual Education
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GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual Education