GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual Education

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 School Partnership Coordinator for Leadership and Service at Georgia Cyber Academy. Michelle shares how clubs and competitions create meaningful opportunities for students...

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. In this episode of GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual Education , we’re joined by Shannon Ready, Family Engagement Liaison at Georgia Cyber Academy. Shannon shares...

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 jobs and responsibilities while still in school. In this episode of GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual Education , we’re joined by Tricia McCoy and Erica Butts of...

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 that connect families and students to learning in meaningful ways. In this episode of GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual Education , we’re joined by Mayra Ramire...

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 episode of GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual Education , we’re joined by Lakin Whitesides, PBIS Coordinator at Georgia Cyber Academy. Lakin shares how Positive Beha...

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. In this episode of GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual Education , we’re joined by Brandi Dozier-Muhammad, a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher in the LIFE Program at...

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, accessible, and grounded in strong relationships. In this episode of GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual Education , we’re joined by Derrick Westry, a high school c...

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 virtual school, this work requires coordination, data-informed decisions, and collaboration across teams. In this episode of GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual Edu...

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...

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...

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 envir...

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 W...

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 Cybe...

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 ,...

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...

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 stro...

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 Felici...