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/unmutedYou can also watch full episodes and highlights on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GCAchampions