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