Hidden Valley educator makes history as first from Roanoke County Public Schools to win Virginia Teacher of the Year
Roanoke, Virginia – Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced Matt Neale, a journalism teacher at Hidden Valley High School, as the 2026 Virginia Teacher of the Year. Neale was chosen from among eight regional finalists and now becomes Virginia’s official nominee for the prestigious 2026 National Teacher of the Year, which will be revealed next spring.
Neale has made history, becoming the first teacher from Roanoke County Public Schools to earn the state’s highest honor for educators. His recognition reflects not only his dedication inside the classroom but also his commitment to the well-being and development of students across many aspects of their lives.
Leading Innovative and Impactful Programs
Among Neale’s most remarkable contributions is his leadership in a school-wide initiative aimed at tackling the opioid crisis. Concerned about the growing threat of addiction among young people, Neale spearheaded a week-long opioid awareness campaign that significantly boosted student-adult conversations about the issue by 30%.
The campaign, a cross-departmental collaboration, brought together teachers from diverse subjects, including English, math, psychology, health, and foreign languages, and involved guest speakers from the Roanoke County Prevention Council to enrich classroom discussions. This effort was so impactful that Neale was later invited to Richmond to present the program to the Virginia Office for Substance Abuse Prevention (VOSAP) at the request of the Virginia National Guard Counterdrug Task Force.
An Educator and Leader Beyond the Classroom
Neale’s influence extends well beyond his journalism classes. He is an active member of the Principal’s Advisory Committee and serves as the Head of English Remediation at Hidden Valley High School. His dedication to extracurricular activities is equally notable. Neale coaches at various Roanoke County high and middle schools and works with Roanoke College Soccer Camps.
He also fosters student creativity and expression by sponsoring the school’s online newspaper, TitanTimes.org, and guiding the Theater Club and Spring Musical productions. Outside the school walls, he volunteers as a restorative justice mediator at the Bride Institute and offers pro bono family law mediation to serve his community.
Neale holds degrees in theater, English, and speech education from Virginia Commonwealth University, and earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Kentucky College of Law.
Celebrated for His Connection with Students
Colleagues and administrators alike recognize Neale’s exceptional ability to inspire. When Neale was named Region Six Teacher of the Year in March, Hidden Valley High School Principal Josh Whitlow praised his work, saying, “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.”
Honored by State Leaders
Neale’s recognition as Virginia Teacher of the Year came with a surprise celebration attended by several prominent state and local leaders. Among them were Superintendent Coons, Senator David Suetterlein, Delegate Joe McNamara, and other senior education officials who visited Hidden Valley High School to honor his achievements.
Looking ahead, Neale and the other seven regional Teachers of the Year will serve on Virginia’s Teacher Advisory Council. In this role, they will help ensure teachers’ perspectives guide the work of the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE).
Neale’s story is one of dedication, creativity, and leadership. Through his work, he continues to shape young minds, support his community, and represent the best of Virginia’s educators.
