Roanoke’s Hidden Valley High School teacher Matthew Neale was named the 2026 Virginia Teacher of the Year at a ceremony hosted by Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Capitol Square in early May.
Neale was selected last month as Region 6 Teacher of the Year and is now Virginia’s nominee for the 2026 National Teacher of the Year.
“Teachers shape the future, inspire excellence, and create an environment where students can thrive. Congratulations to Matthew Neale. Virginia’s future is brighter because of your commitment and dedication to your students,” Youngkin said.
Following interviews with each of the eight regional winners, a selection committee chose Neale. The selection committee included representatives of educational institutions, the business community and school divisions. The award recognizes exceptional teachers who demonstrate excellence in the classroom and leadership in the education community.
“Matthew Neale is a passionate advocate for students and displays a relentless commitment to excellence in and out of the classroom. He will continue to be an excellent ambassador for the profession throughout his career,” Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction Emily Anne Gullickson said.
Neale, a veteran educator with more than 20 years of teaching experience, has spent the last 14 years shaping young minds at Hidden Valley High School in Roanoke County Schools. Prior to his career in education, Neale practiced law specializing in complex litigation. A desire to make a difference led him to Southwest Virginia, where he discovered that teaching was a life-changing calling.
At Hidden Valley, Neale revitalized the school’s journalism program, mentoring students in writing, reporting and storytelling. His dedication to elevating student voice has empowered countless young people to express themselves with confidence and creativity. He is known by his students for his ‘ASK’ philosophy: Approachable, Standards and Kindness. The guiding principle has earned him a reputation as a trusted mentor among students and colleagues alike.
“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,” Neale said.
Beyond the classroom, Neale is a passionate advocate for community well-being. He leads the school’s opioid awareness initiative in partnership with the Roanoke County Prevention Council, which works to educate students and families. Neale’s journey from the courtroom to the classroom exemplifies a deep commitment to service, mentorship and community impact.
As Teacher of the Year, Neale will serve as an ambassador for excellent teaching and representing the Commonwealth in the National Teacher of the Year competition.
“On behalf of the Virginia Board of Education, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to Matthew Neale on this well-deserved honor. Your passion for teaching, commitment to excellence, and dedication to your students reflect the very best of Virginia’s public education system,” Virginia Board of Education President Grace Turner Creasey said.
Also recognized during the event were the distinguished Regional Teachers of the Year, each celebrated for their outstanding contributions to education in their respective communities.
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)
Following the ceremony, Neale, and the other regional teachers were honored at a reception hosted by the Governor and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin.
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 in 1989, B. Philip Bigler in 1998 and Rodney A. Robinson in 2019.
Related stories:
Ware Elementary teacher Karen Grady named Staunton Schools’ 2025 Teacher of the Year
Staunton first-grade teacher is Virginia’s Region 5 2026 Teacher of the Year
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Rebecca Barnabi
