Spotlight on Excellence: MVCA’s Jennifer Hull Named Class of 2025 Teacher

At Michigan Virtual Charter Academy (MVCA), great teaching leaves a lasting impression with students. For English teacher Jennifer Hull, that impact became clear when the senior class surprised her with a meaningful honor. Voted Class of 2025 Teacher, Hull was recognized at MVCA graduation for her dedication, kindness and the influence she has had on students’ lives. Before joining MVCA, Hull spent several years teaching in a traditional brick-and-mortar classroom, an experience that helped shape her approach in the virtual environment. The recognition came as a surprise to her, but for those who know her, it felt completely deserved. 

Hull joined MVCA during the 2023–2024 school year as an 11th-grade intervention teacher. While her initial role was behind the scenes, her quiet investment in building one-on-one connections quickly made a difference. When she later stepped into teaching 10th-grade and eventually 12th-grade English, those early relationships were vital in informing her approach to teaching. 

“It gave me an advantage,” Hull said. “I already had relationships with a lot of the students, and they were comfortable giving me feedback on what they liked or didn’t like in class. That really helped me adjust my teaching to keep them engaged.” 

Her impact reached far beyond the virtual classroom. Over the course of the year, Hull took on several new roles, including senior homeroom co-advisor, prom committee member and yearbook lead. Each responsibility gave her new ways to support and connect with students. 

Hull believes the virtual model at MVCA offers older students a unique space for growth. “In a virtual space, kids have to take more ownership of their learning. They realize time is limited, and they start paying more attention,” she explained. “They also become more independent, which is an important life skill.” 

Virtual learning has also created a space where students can express themselves more freely. “Some students feel safer being themselves behind a camera. They’re more willing to take risks, speak up and connect. I’ve seen students grow so much, academically and personally, just from having that kind of space.” 

That sense of community has shown up in meaningful ways. From class chat rooms to the prom, Hull has watched students form real connections with one another. “Even though these kids are from all over the state—from Metro Detroit to the UP—they support each other in ways that feel really rare,” she said. “They greet each other every morning in class, they remember things about each other, and there’s very little judgment. Just support.” 

When she was named Class of 2025 Teacher, Hull was genuinely surprised. “It reassured me that even when I felt I was still learning the ropes or unsure if my lessons were landing, it was evident it was working. It meant I was making a difference.” 

Looking ahead, Hull is excited to continue building on the relationships she’s formed and refining the yearbook experience for students. “I just love the full-circle moments. Watching them grow, figure things out and become themselves, it’s what keeps me in the classroom.” 

At MVCA, teachers like Jennifer Hull are doing more than delivering academic curriculum. They’re shaping futures, and students are noticing.