Roanoke County educator named as 2026 ‘Virginia Teacher of the Year'
'Teachers shape the future, inspire excellence, and create an environment where students can thrive,' said Governor Glenn Youngkin. 'Congratulations to Matthew Neale! Virginia's future is brighter because of your commitment and dedication to your students.'
During a ceremony Wednesday on Capitol Square in Richmond, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced that Roanoke County Public Schools teacher, Matthew Neale, was awarded by the selection committee as the 2026 Region 6 Teacher of the Year for 'excellence in the classroom and leadership in the education community.'
(Photo Credit: Roanoke County Public Schools)
'Matthew Neale is a passionate advocate for students and displays a relentless commitment to excellence in and out of the classroom,' said Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction Emily Anne Gullickson. 'He will continue to be an excellent ambassador for the profession throughout his career.'
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Matthew Neale has been an educator for over 20 years and has been teaching at Hidden Valley High School in Roanoke County for 14 years.
(Photo Credit: Roanoke County Public Schools)
Before moving to Southwest Virginia, he practiced law and now has a 'desire to make a difference' after 'he discovered that teaching was a life-changing calling.'
'Teaching is one of the most noble and challenging professions there is. I am incredibly honored to be named Virginia's Teacher of the Year, but even more proud to stand alongside so many amazing teachers across the State, and most of all, grateful for the amazing students who make this job so rewarding.' said 2026 Virginia Teacher of the Year winner Matthew Neale.
Known by his students for his 'ASK' philosophy, Neale has also revitalized the Hidden Valley High School journalism program by mentoring students in writing, reporting, and storytelling.
Neale's commitment to public service extends beyond the classroom. As a partner with the Roanoke County Prevention Council, he works with students and families, leading the school's opioid awareness initiative, and will now serve as an ambassador for the Commonwealth of Virginia in the National Teacher of the Year competition.
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'On behalf of the Virginia Board of Education, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to Matthew Neale on this well-deserved honor,' said Virginia Board of Education President Grace Turner Creasey. 'Your passion for teaching, commitment to excellence, and dedication to your students reflect the very best of Virginia's public education system.'
Also recognized during the event:
Rachel Tate, a history teacher at Goochland High School, Goochland County Public Schools (Superintendent Region 1)
Deana Hubbell, an elementary teacher at Carrsville Elementary School, Isle of Wight County Public Schools (Superintendent Region 2)
James Eccleston, a history teacher at Gloucester High, Gloucester County Public Schools (Superintendent Region 3)
Sharon Phox, an elementary teacher at James K. Polk Elementary, Alexandria City Public School (Superintendent Region 4)
Karen Grady, an elementary teacher at A.R. Ware Elementary, Staunton City Public Schools (Superintendent Region 5)
Jeff Brown, a biology teacher at Radford High, Radford City Public Schools (Superintendent Region 7)
Charles Motter, a mathematics teacher at Cumberland Middle School, Cumberland County Public Schools (Superintendent Region 8)
The 2026 National Teacher of the Year will be announced next spring at a White House ceremony. Three previous Virginia teachers went on to be named National Teachers of the Year: Mary V. Bicouvaris, the 1989 Virginia Teacher of the Year; B. Philip Bigler, the 1998 Virginia Teacher of the Year; and Rodney A. Robinson, the 2019 Virginia Teacher of the Year.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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