Two educators from the Hampton Roads Educational Telecommunications Association (HRETA), which governs WHRO Public Media, have been named as Regional Teacher of the Year by the Virginia Department of Education.
James Eccleston - Gloucester County Public Schools
James Eccleston is a social studies teacher at Gloucester High School. He has been a teacher and a mentor for nearly forty years — dedicating 38 of the 39 years he’s been an educator to finding ways to interest and inspire Gloucester High School students with a love for history and government. An engaging, hands-on educator, Eccleston brings history to life for his students.
His classroom is often described as a “museum” because it contains numerous historical artifacts, including photographs, newspapers, military uniforms, flags, and other items he has collected over the years. These artifacts, combined with his extensive knowledge of history, help his students gain a deep understanding of important historical events.
“It is a true honor to recognize a career educator like Mr. Eccleston," said Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons. "He inspires, engages, and connects his students to his lessons by bringing history to life. Mr. Eccleston makes history both relatable and relevant to his students by arranging field trips, connecting the past to current events, and inviting guest speakers to his classroom. He has not only taught history but helped his students see themselves in it. His dedication and passion will have a lasting impact on generations."
In addition to his teaching role, Eccleston is a Seasonal Park Ranger and Living History Volunteer for the Colonial National Historical Park in Yorktown, Virginia.
Deana Hubbell - Isle of Wight County Public Schools
Deana Hubbell, a third-grade teacher at Isle of Wight County Public Schools’ Carrsville Elementary School, has been named the 2026 Virginia Regional Teacher of the Year for Region 2 by the Virginia Department of Education. Hubbell has been a teacher and a mentor for 21 years.
With over two decades of teaching experience, Hubbell makes learning fun and “real” for her students by integrating technology and authentic learning experiences that consistently goes beyond the four walls of the classroom. A member of her school’s leadership team, Hubbell mentors new teachers, advocates for both students and staff, and actively promotes community involvement.
“Ms. Hubbell’s mantra is ‘the rewards are the children’ and that philosophy is infused in every aspect of her lesson that focuses on making learning meaningful, engaging, and connected to the real world,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons. “She works with community businesses to infuse authentic learning with her classroom instruction, and she allows her third graders to see economic processes in action."
2026 Regional Teacher of the Year Winners
Region 1 - Rachel Tate, a history teacher at Goochland High School - Goochland County Public Schools
Region 2 - Deana Hubbell, a third-grade teacher at Carrsville Elementary School - Isle of Wight County Public Schools
Region 3 - James Eccleston, a social studies teacher at Gloucester High School - Gloucester County Public Schools
Region 4 - Sharon Phox, a third-grade teacher at James K. Polk Elementary School - Alexandria City Public Schools
Region 5 - Karen Grady, a first-grade teacher at A. R. Ware Elementary School - Staunton City Schools
Region 6 - Matthew Neale, an English and journalism teacher at Hidden Valley High School - Roanoke County Public Schools
Region 7 - Jeff Brown, a biology teacher at Radford High School - Radford City Schools
Region 8 - Charles Motter, a math teacher at Cumberland Middle School - Cumberland County Public Schools
The regional winners will join a Teacher Advisory Council, helping elevate the voices and perspectives of all Virginia teachers on VDOE’s work.
All eight Regional Teachers of the Year are nominees for the 2026 Mary V. Bicouvaris Virginia Teacher of the Year Award. The final Virginia Teacher of the Year Award will be announced in early May.
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