VA SR93

Karen Grady, a first-grade teacher at A. R. Ware Elementary School in Staunton City Public Schools, was named the 2026 Virginia Regional Teacher of the Year for Region 5 by the Virginia Department of Education.

Grady has served as an educator for 25 years, focusing on providing students with a strong foundation in literacy and essential skills through extensive training and innovative teaching strategies.

She partners with local firefighters through the Firefighters in Literacy program and volunteers with two local fire companies, while actively participating in the Staunton, Virginia, and National Education Associations.

As one of eight Virginia Regional Teachers of the Year, Grady will serve on the Teacher Advisory Council and is a nominee for the 2026 Mary V. Bicouvaris Virginia Teacher of the Year Award, to be announced in May 2026.