Literacy coach at Fairfield Court Elementary School named 2026 RPS Teacher of the Year
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Tiffany Sneed, a literacy coach at Fairfield Court Elementary School, was named 2026 Richmond City Public Schools (RPS) Teacher of the Year during a ceremony on Wednesday.
At noon on Wednesday, Dec. 10, at Fairfield Court Elementary School in Richmond, Sneed was scheduled to attend an ordinary meeting, but was met with a total surprise -- a ceremony honoring her as RPS Teacher of the Year.
Multiple school leaders discussed Sneed's accolades, including her dedication to increasing students' literacy.
"I can't think of anyone, truly, anyone better to represent the extraordinary teachers here in Richmond Public Schools than Miss Tiffany Sneed," said RPS Superintendent Jason Kamras.
(Photo: Paul Nevadomski/8News)
(Photo: Paul Nevadomski/8News)
(Photo: Paul Nevadomski/8News)
(Photo: Paul Nevadomski/8News)
(Photo: Paul Nevadomski/8News)
Fairfield Court Elementary School Principal Andrea Wright also shared a memorable moment involving Sneed, when she interviewed for a reading interventionist position about four years ago.
Wright said that during the interview, she asked Sneed what the five essential components of reading are, and Sneed answered without a second thought, explaining her ideas to help Fairfield students succeed in reading.
"Without a doubt, without hesitation, she said, 'phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension," Wright described. "She could speak to each piece and how she would help Fairfield move to the next level."
Wright explained that Sneed's vision for Fairfield began then and has only expanded since. School officials said Wright has become known for her engaging and inclusive teaching style, making a lasting difference for each student.
Following the ceremony, 8News spoke to Sneed about the surprising experience, including being surrounded by so many of her loved ones, colleagues and friends.
"I was so excited to see my friends and my family and my colleagues, there were people there from the start of my career to today, people that have poured into me, have helped mentored me, and shaped me into the educator I am today," Sneed said.
