“They Come Here, and They Rise to the Top”: A Special Education Teacher’s View of Virtual Learning

When students struggle in school, it’s often assumed they’re struggling with the learning itself. But according to Madison Boss, a Special Education Teacher at Indiana Gateway Digital Academy (INGDA), the environment can make all the difference. 

After teaching in both traditional and virtual settings, Boss has seen students who struggled academically in brick-and-mortar schools find success in a virtual classroom. 

“They come here, and they rise to the top.” said Boss. 

More Teachers, More Support, More Choice 

One of the biggest advantages Boss sees in INGDA’s special education program is its co-teaching model. 

Special education and general education teachers work together in core classes, giving students access to multiple educators rather than relying on a single teaching style. Boss believes this creates more opportunities for students to connect with teachers who best match the way they learn. 

Not every student learns the same way, and not every student naturally connects with every teacher. Having multiple teachers in the classroom gives students more autonomy and flexibility to seek support from the educator they feel most comfortable with. It also exposes them to different teaching approaches, helping students discover what works best for them academically. 

The additional support can even benefit students who don’t have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) but may need extra help mastering a concept or staying on track. 

Learning Alongside Their Peers 

Boss also highlights the level of inclusion virtual learning can provide. 

Rather than being separated into a special education “bubble,” Boss explained that students are able to learn alongside their general education classmates while still receiving the individualized support they need. They also have opportunities to participate in field trips, school outings, and other events with their classmates and teachers. 

This helps students stay connected to the broader school community while still receiving the individualized support they need. For many families, that balance between support and inclusion can be a meaningful advantage. 

A Calmer Environment for Learning 

For students with ADHD, autism, and other learning differences, the traditional classroom environment can sometimes create additional challenges. 

Boss says virtual learning allows students to have greater control over their surroundings, helping reduce some of the distractions that can interfere with learning. Students can work in a space where they feel comfortable, take breaks when appropriate, and focus on learning rather than navigating the constant noise of a busy classroom. 

For some students, that difference can be transformative. Boss believes the ability to create a comfortable learning environment can be especially beneficial for students with autism and ADHD, allowing them to focus more on learning and less on the distractions around them. 

Meaningful Learning, Not Busy Work 

Another point Boss feels strongly about is the quality of instruction students receive. 

“We don’t give busy work here; we give the content, and we teach the curriculum.”

While teachers use games and interactive activities to reinforce important skills, the goal is never simply to keep students occupied. Instead, the focus is on meaningful engagement with the curriculum and helping students build real academic skills. 

For Boss, that’s what makes the biggest difference. Students aren’t just completing assignments to fill time. They’re actively learning, growing, and gaining confidence in their abilities. 

Finding the Right Fit 

Ultimately, Boss believes many students are capable of more than they realize when they’re given the right support and learning environment. 

Through her work with students, Boss has learned that some students aren’t struggling because they can’t learn. They’re struggling because the environment isn’t designed for the way they learn best. When students are given flexibility, meaningful support, and the opportunity to learn from educators who understand their needs, they can thrive. 

And sometimes, all it takes is the right environment for students to rise to the top. 

Enrollment is still open for the 2026-2027 school year! To learn more about Indiana Gateway Digital Academy, please visit https://ingda.k12.com/.  

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