Shows / GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual Education
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
GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual EducationBehind the Scenes with Tyler Daws: Operations & Training Logistics at GCA
A school depends on more than what happens in the classroom. Behind every training, system, and staff experience is operational work that keeps people…
GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual EducationGrowing Together with Eve Mooney: Professional Development at GCA
Professional development is most valuable when it responds to what educators actually need. At a statewide virtual school, that means thinking carefully about…
GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual EducationStarting Strong with Lauren Bryant: Onboarding Educators into the GCA Model
Starting at a virtual school means learning more than new technology. Educators are also learning new routines, communication expectations, instructional…
GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual EducationFinishing Strong with Jermal McCoy: Graduation Support in a Virtual School
Graduation is a milestone, but reaching it takes more than earning credits. It requires consistent support, clear systems, and people who can recognize when a…
GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual EducationMaking Virtual School Feel Real with Tonette Price: Field Trips & Events at GCA
Virtual school does not mean every part of the student experience happens behind a screen. In-person opportunities can give students and families meaningful…
GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual EducationInside the GCA Library with Julie Ferrer: Virtual Library Services for Every Learner
A school library is more than a physical place. It is a resource for discovery, research, reading, and access to information. In this episode of GCA Unmuted…
GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual EducationSpotlighting Student Voice with Ashley Born: GCA’s Science & Social Studies Fair
Inquiry gives students the opportunity to move beyond simply learning information and begin asking questions, investigating ideas, and sharing what they…
GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual EducationMedia in Motion with Aaron Bell: Storytelling Through GCA’s Video Team
In a virtual school, video does more than document what happens. It helps students, staff, and families see the people and experiences that make up a school…
GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual EducationTechnology That Connects Us with Missy Lee: Inside GCA’s Digital Infrastructure
In a virtual school, technology is more than a tool. It is the infrastructure that makes teaching, learning, communication, and connection possible every day…
GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual EducationShowing Up Online with Crystal Amey: Virtual Attendance Systems That Work
Attendance in a virtual school is about more than logging in. It is about staying connected to learning and recognizing when a student may need additional…
GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual EducationFrom First Click to Graduation with Amber Rhodes: Enrollment & Records in a Virtual School
Every student’s journey through school depends on accurate enrollment and records, even though much of that work happens behind the scenes. In this episode of…
GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual EducationBuilding 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…
GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual EducationBuilding 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…
GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual EducationPreparing 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…
GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual EducationServing 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…
GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual EducationBuilding 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…
GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual EducationRedefining 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…
GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual EducationSupporting 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…
GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual EducationMTSS 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…
GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual EducationSupporting 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…
GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual EducationDesigning 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…
GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual EducationThe 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…
GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual EducationCoaching 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…
GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual EducationBetter 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…
GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual EducationReady 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…
GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual EducationBridging 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…
GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual EducationStrong 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…
GCA Unmuted: Voices of Virtual EducationLearning 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…