For Immediate Release: March 17, 2025
Contact: communications@doe.virginia.gov
Richmond, VA – Rachel Tate, a history teacher at Goochland County Public Schools’ Goochland High School (GHS), has been named the 2026 Virginia Regional Teacher of the Year for Superintendent Region 1 by the Virginia Department of Education.
“Mrs. Tate’s dedication to history and her students at Goochland High School is truly inspiring. Being named the 2026 Virginia Regional Teacher of the Year for Region 1 is a testament to her passion, innovation, and commitment to shaping the future through making history and civic education come alive in her classroom and beyond,” said Grace Creasey, President of the State Board of Education.
“I am thrilled to celebrate Mrs. Rachel Tate as Teacher of the Year for Region 1! Rachel represents all of Goochland’s outstanding teachers, exemplifying the dedication, passion, and innovation that make our schools places where students thrive. Her unwavering commitment to student success, coupled with her abilities to inspire both curiosity and confidence in her classroom, makes Rachel an invaluable asset to our community,” said Goochland County Public Schools Superintendent Michael Cromartie. “Further, Mrs. Tate's Veteran's Project is widely known as an impactful experience for students, offering them a unique opportunity to learn firsthand from the bravery, sacrifice, and service of our military veterans.”
"I extend my sincere congratulations to Rachel Tate on this remarkable achievement. Her dedication to educating and inspiring our children exemplifies the profound impact that committed educators have on future generations. I also commend Goochland County Public Schools for their continued commitment to academic excellence and student success," said Senator Luther Cifers.
Tate’s journey in education is deeply rooted in a profound love for history and a desire to instill that passion in her students. Her passion for American history and commitment to innovative teaching methods has motivated her to inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and a love for learning in her students. Tate’s teaching is distinguished by creative, hands-on lessons that bring history to life.
Outside of her subject area, Tate focuses on cultivating student leaders. As the GHS Student Council Association faculty sponsor, she supports 24 elected student leaders annually. Tate fosters innovative problem-solving as student teams tackle regional education issues and expand their impact each year. Tate received her bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in teaching social sciences secondary education from Christopher Newport University.
“I am ecstatic to acknowledge Mrs. Rachel Tate as Teacher of the Year for Region 1! Mrs. Tate’s wealth of knowledge and real-life instruction that takes place in her classroom daily is truly amazing. Her ability to multi-task at Goochland High School is impeccable - History teacher, SCA sponsor, organizer for all homecoming festivities, and the sponsor of our ever-growing Veterans Project,” said Goochland High School Principal Brian Hahn. “Her dedication to not only Goochland High School, but all of her students is admirable. Her kind personality, love for teaching, and passion for student learning make her so worthy of these honors.”
The announcement of Tate’s nomination coincided with a surprise visit from Grace Creasey, President of the State Board of Education, Senator Cifers, Virginia Department of Education Chief of Staff Jeremy Raley, Associate Superintendent of Programs Andy Armstrong and Deputy Superintendent of Early Child Care & Education Jenna Conway. Tate and the seven other regional Teachers of the Year 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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