Youngkin names 2026 Virginia Teacher of the Year

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A high school English and journalism teacher out of Roanoke County was named the next Virginia Teacher of the Year.

On Wednesday, May 7, amid National Teacher Appreciation Week, Gov. Glenn Youngkin formally announced the 2026 Virginia Teacher of the Year.

The winning teacher was selected from eight regional finalists. Those finalists, according to the Virginia Department of Education, are as follows:

• Rachel Tate, Goochland County Public Schools
• Deana Hubbell, Isle of Wight County Public Schools
• James Eckelston, Gloucester County Public Schools
• Sharon Phox, Alexandria County Public Schools
• Karen Grady, Staunton City Public Schools
• Matthew Neale, Roanoke County Public Schools
• Jeff Brown, Radford City Public Schools
• Charles Motter, Cumberland County Public Schools

When Youngkin took to the podium, he first offered his gratitude to Virginia's teachers.

"I have to say that this opportunity to celebrate excellence in teaching also reflects not just a year's worth of work, but a lifetime commitment," Youngkin said. "A lifetime commitment, [a] sacrifice, but also a love for kids. Can there be anything that we could say that could be more representative of that sacrifice or that commitment to just wonder about the lives you have impacted?"

The great honor was then awarded to the Region 6 finalist, Matthew Neale.

Neale is an English and journalism teacher at Hidden Valley High School. During Wednesday's ceremony, he was credited with having "revitalized" the school's journalism program. His "ASK" philosophy -- meaning "Approachable, Standards and Kindness" -- is what his students say makes him a great mentor in both writing and reporting.

Matthew Neale, the 2026 Virginia Teacher of the Year. He is an English and journalism teacher at Hidden Valley High School in Roanoke County. (Photo: VDOE)

After receiving his award, Neale took to the podium. He said he was surprised and honored to be selected. He then shared a story about his wife and how a single coach's encouragement kickstarted her basketball career and taught her valuable life lessons.

"She learned a lot about hard work, perseverance, what it takes to win a state championship -- all those things, because she had a teacher coach who went to her front door and knew that he could give her some support that she needed and to make sure that she could live her dreams."

Neale's wife went on to be the first person in her family to go to college, he said.

"I say all this because every good teacher out there -- we have support systems," Neale said. "And my wife is my support system. She makes it. She's the life of our family. She pushes us to be the best version of ourselves. And she's doing that because one day, a teacher came to her door and pushed her to be the best version of herself."

Neale will now be entered into the running for 2026 National Teacher of the Year.