Hidden Valley High School teacher named Virginia Regional Teacher of the Year for 2026
Roanoke, Virginia – Matthew Neale, an English and journalism teacher at Hidden Valley High School in Roanoke County, has been honored as the 2026 Virginia Regional Teacher of the Year for Region 6 by the Virginia Department of Education. Neale, who has been an educator and mentor for two decades, is known for his unwavering commitment to his students and his dedication to fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment.
“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 Dr. 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%.”
Going Beyond the Classroom
Neale’s teaching philosophy extends far beyond academics. He encourages students to express themselves through poetry, journalism, and theater, fostering a culture of creativity and critical thinking. His leadership extends beyond the classroom, as he is also a dedicated soccer coach and faculty sponsor for TitanTimes.org, the school’s online newspaper, and the Theater Club. His students describe him as a teacher who makes learning engaging, challenges them to think critically, and ensures they feel valued.
“Matt Neale exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding educator,” said Roanoke County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ken Nicely. “His approach to teaching goes beyond the classroom, as he works tirelessly to build authentic, supportive relationships with each of his students.”
Neale’s work has also included impactful community initiatives, such as a week-long opioid awareness campaign that increased student-adult opioid conversations by 30%. This initiative, which brought together teachers from multiple departments, was so successful that Neale was invited to Richmond by Virginia’s National Guard Counterdrug Task Force to present the program to the Virginia Office for Substance Abuse Prevention.
A Passion for Education and Leadership
Neale’s contributions to his school and community extend far beyond traditional teaching. He serves on the Principal’s Advisory Committee and leads English remediation efforts at Hidden Valley High School. He also plays a key role in Roanoke County soccer programs and coaches at Roanoke College Soccer Camps. Outside of his school commitments, he volunteers as a mediator for restorative justice cases and provides pro bono state family law mediation.
His dedication and leadership have been widely recognized by state leaders. “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.
Delegate Joe McNamara added, “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.”
A Future of Continued Excellence
The recognition came as a surprise to Neale when Superintendent Coons, state legislators, and education officials visited his school to celebrate his achievement. As a regional winner, Neale will join the Teacher Advisory Council, working alongside other regional winners to provide input on statewide educational initiatives.
All eight Regional Teachers of the Year are now in the running for the 2026 Mary V. Bicouvaris Virginia Teacher of the Year Award, which will be announced in early May. Regardless of the outcome, Neale’s influence on his students, school, and community has already cemented his legacy as an exceptional educator.
Hidden Valley High School Principal Josh Whitlow summed up Neale’s impact by stating, “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. 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.”
