Jefferson-Houston Educator Selected as Regional Teacher of the Year

Showing an extraordinary dedication to academic rigor, equity and student empowerment, Deedra Robinson of Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School (Jefferson-Houston) was named Virginia Regional Teacher of the Year for Region Four by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). This is the second consecutive year an Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) teacher has been selected as Region 4 Teacher of the Year.

“Her 40-year career is defined by how excellence, innovation and her heartfelt service shaped generations of students and teachers,” said ACPS Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt.

Robinson, an Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) leader and veteran science educator, elevates instruction practice through her work as an AVID coordinator, department chair, mentor teacher, curriculum writer and published author. Her leadership positioned Jefferson-Houston as a model for AVID implementation, teacher development and student readiness. 

Beyond the classroom, Robinson has forged powerful community partnerships that connect students to career pathways, leadership training and real-world experiences. Her compassion, discipline and unwavering belief in every child’s potential inspires colleagues, reassures families and uplifts scholars. Robinson is a legacy-builder in every sense and exemplifies the highest ideals of the teaching profession—excellence, resilience and transformative leadership.

The announcement of Robinson’s award coincided with a visit to Jefferson-Houston on April 8, 2026 from Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction Jenna Conway. 

Robinson is among other regional teachers of the year who 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 Mary V. Bicouvaris Virginia Teacher of the Year Award. The final Virginia Teacher of the Year Award will be announced in early May 2026.