Meet Jeremy Hubbard: Educator and Esports Pioneer 

Jeremy Hubbard has loved teaching for 20 years. So, when brick-and-mortar schools could no longer meet his needs as an educator, he moved to West Virginia Virtual Academy (WVVA)—where he thrives with students and helps transform their experience. 

Hubbard serves as WVVA’s Special Programs teacher and is passionate about teaching, advocating for students, and Esports. What makes his story even more impactful is how his journey as an educator and coach has been shaped by his experience as a disabled teacher living with cerebral palsy—and how virtual learning has opened doors for both him and his students. 

Finding What Works 

Hubbard came to WVVA when teaching in person brought challenges that had nothing to do with instruction and everything to do with accessibility. WVVA filled the gaps brick-and-mortar couldn’t. 

“It’s more convenient for myself because I’m disabled. I have cerebral palsy, and I use a big electric wheelchair,” Hubbard explained, “When I taught special ed, it was difficult in a brick-and-mortar situation getting around the classrooms. They tried, but it was difficult to accommodate me getting to every student in the classroom.” 

He understood how those barriers limited his ability to support students effectively. Students who struggled were often hesitant to come to the front and ask for help, and Hubbard found it difficult to navigate classroom layouts. 

“Being virtual helps me and the kids out a lot,” Hubbard said, “I feel like I can do my job a whole lot better virtually than I could in brick-and-mortar.” 

A Jack-of-All-Trades 

As part of WVVA’s Special Programs team, Jeremy teaches across subjects and grade levels. 

“I do a little bit of everything here and there,” he explained, “I like to describe myself as a Jack of all trades. I love English, math, history, all of it.” 

That variety keeps him energized and connected, but Hubbard’s real passion is expanding Esports opportunities for West Virginia students. 

He coached the first high school Esports team in the state, helped four additional schools launch programs, and secured grant funding to build the county’s first Esports arena. 

While he had to leave those in-person programs behind, learning that WVVA also offered Esports made the transition an easy one – surprisingly easier than it had been in a brick-and-mortar setting. 

“I had a big fight with the school for years because I couldn’t get the internet unblocked,” Hubbard said, “At WVVA it’s like, ‘Here you go! We love you for doing this.’” 

Hubbard continues to see Esports build community, accountability, and engagement. 

“I always say Esports is the most inclusive sport there is,” he said “It doesn’t matter if you are boy or girl, gender, race, disability, or what you have. Everybody’s on an equal playing field.” 

Hubbard also holds students to academic expectations—an approach that helps them stay successful in school. 

“If you don’t keep your grades up, you don’t play, so that motivates students that normally may not want to do well in school,” he explained. 

And Hubbard takes pride in the culture his teams have created. 

“Kids are just so excited to be able to play against other students,” he said, “There was never a moment in the six years I’ve coached in esports that I’ve had to reprimand someone for inappropriate behavior.” 

Looking Ahead 

For Hubbard, WVVA has provided the environment he needs to teach well and continue building programs that matter to students – both academically and socially. 

As the Esports program grows, he hopes students leave with stronger skills, greater confidence, and a deeper sense of belonging. 

If you’re a student or family looking for something more flexible, WVVA might be the place for you. 

Learn more about WVVA. 

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