Roanoke County educator wins 2026 Virginia teacher award
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – A teacher with Roanoke County Public Schools Hidden Valley High School has been named 2026 Virginia Regional Teacher of the Year.
Matthew Neale, an English and Journalism teacher received the award for Region 6 by the Virginia Department of Education as he has been a teacher and mentor for 20 years.
Neale is also a part of the Principal's Advisory Committee and serves as the Head of English Remediation for Hidden Valley High School. He is also a coach for many Roanoke County High and Middle Schools along with being a part of the coaching staff for Roanoke College soccer Camps.
Outside of the school, he's a volunteer with the restorative justice mediation at the Bride Institute and also does pro bono state family law mediation.
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He got a bachelor's degree in theater, English, and speech education from Virginia Commonwealth University and has a Juris Doctorate from the University of Kentucky College of Law.
'Mr. Neale is more than an English teacher, he is a mentor, advocate, and a champion for students in Roanoke County,' said Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons. 'His unwavering commitment to meeting students where they are, particularly those facing academic and social challenges, has made an immeasurable impact. Neale embodies the belief that 'every child is one adult away from being amazing,' and his ASK philosophy – approachable, standards, and kindness – has shaped a learning environment where students feel supported and challenged to reach their full potential – as made evident by the fact that he's maintained a career SOL pass rate above 98%. I am thrilled to congratulate him on being named a Virginia Regional Teacher of the Year and thank him for his dedication to his students and school community.'
During Neale's career, he has taught English, theater, and journalism in Roanoke County at Hidden Valley and Cave Spring High Schools. He believes that all students have potential for greatness, especially with the right support and encouragement.
'Matt Neale exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding educator. His approach to teaching goes beyond the classroom, as he works tirelessly to build authentic, supportive relationships with each of his students. Whether he's encouraging students to explore new ways to express themselves through poetry or guiding them to think critically about issues in journalism, Matt creates an environment where students feel seen, heard, and challenged. His philosophy of leadership, both in the classroom and on the soccer field, emphasizes integrity, service, and community, making him a role model for students and colleagues alike. It's no surprise that Matt has been selected as the Region 6 Virginia Teacher of the Year, and we are incredibly fortunate to have him in our school community,' said Roanoke County Public Schools Superintendent Ken Nicely.
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Neale also showed his leadership with a week-long opioid awareness campaign to recognize the growing concern for addiction. He also developed a departmental initiative by involving teachers from the English, math, psychology, health, and foreign language departments.
He also partnered with the Roanoke County Prevention Council to bring in speakers to help complement the lesson plans developed by teachers. The success of the campaign led to Neal being called to the Richmond by Virginia's National Guard Counterdrug Task Force to present the program to VOSAP.
'The Roanoke Valley has many great teachers and it is wonderful to have Matt Neale recognized as Regional Teacher of the Year for all his contributions as an English teacher, soccer coach, and the Titan Times sponsor at Hidden Valley!' said Senator David Suetterlein.
'I am so proud of our Commonwealth teachers! Against a backdrop of incredible educators, to be selected the best is an incredible accomplishment. I am privileged to have an opportunity to share in your accomplishments. Thank you for a JOB WELL DONE!' said Delegate Joe McNamara.
'What makes Matt Neale stand out isn't just his innovative teaching—it's the way he connects with students and inspires them to do their best. He challenges them to think critically, communicate effectively, and push beyond their comfort zones, all while making learning relevant and engaging. His leadership in the classroom, on the field, and throughout our school community makes a lasting impact. We are incredibly fortunate to have him at Hidden Valley, and I can't think of a more deserving educator for this honor,' said
Neale and seven other teachers of the year will be a part of the Teacher Advisory Council. All eight Regional Teachers are nominees for the 2026 Mary V. Bicouvaris Virginia Teacher of the Year Award. The winner will be announced in early May.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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