Dr. Matt Neale, a dedicated English and Journalism teacher at Hidden Valley High School, was named the 2026 Region VI Teacher of the Year by the Virginia Department of Education on March 13, 2025. This prestigious recognition celebrates not only his innovative teaching—highlighted by a career SOL pass rate exceeding 98%—but also his profound impact as a mentor, coach, and community leader.
In addition to teaching, Dr. Neale coaches soccer, advises the school newspaper, and works closely with the Prevention Council of Roanoke to raise opioid awareness among students. Reflecting on the award, Neale said, “I’m incredibly honored and humbled. Everything I do is rooted in the belief that every student matters and every voice deserves to be heard. Teaching isn’t just about the content—it’s about the connections.”
Senior Holly Griffin, a soccer player and former English student, shared how Dr. Neale’s influence reaches far beyond the classroom. “He’s one of those teachers you never forget,” she said. “He helped me believe in my voice, both on and off the field. He pushes us to be better people, not just better athletes. What makes him special is how much he genuinely cares about connecting with us on a personal level—not just as students, but as individuals.”
Dr. Neale’s leadership has also had a significant impact on the wider community. In 2019, he led an opioid awareness campaign at Hidden Valley that resulted in a 30% increase in student-adult conversations about opioid use. The initiative gained recognition at the state level for its innovation and effectiveness.
“One of the best things I’ve ever done here at Hidden Valley was the opioid awareness week in 2019,” Neale recalled. “It was a powerful experience. We dedicated an entire week to learning about the opioid epidemic, which has deeply affected Southwest Virginia. Working with the Prevention Council of Roanoke, we brought in guest speakers and developed lesson plans across departments. Leading that effort was incredibly rewarding. I’m now looking forward to working on a new project with the Prevention Council, this time focusing on emerging issues in the marijuana industry.”
Beyond his classroom and advocacy work, Neale serves on the Principal’s Advisory Committee and leads English remediation efforts at Hidden Valley. He is also a coach across Roanoke County high and middle schools and works with Roanoke College Soccer Camps. His commitment to youth extends to his volunteer work as a restorative justice mediator and provider of pro bono family mediation with the Bridge Institute.
“Teaching is an incredibly rewarding job,” Neale said. “My motivation doesn’t just come from helping students succeed academically—it’s about guiding them to become the best versions of themselves. Knowing I’ve played even a small role in that journey is what makes this work so meaningful.”
Now a finalist for Virginia Teacher of the Year, Neale remains both grateful and grounded. “Being named the state’s top educator would be humbling,” he said. “There are so many incredible teachers in this building who are just as deserving of this recognition. To think about that on a statewide scale… it’s mind-blowing. Not because I don’t think I’ve earned it, but because I know how many passionate, hardworking educators are out there doing amazing things.”
Hidden Valley High School Principal Josh Whitlow praised Neale’s dedication and impact. “What makes Dr. 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. 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.”
As the Hidden Valley community celebrates this milestone, one thing is clear: Dr. Matt Neale’s influence goes far beyond awards—it’s written into the lives of the students he inspires every day.
