Meet Sharon Phox, the 2026 Virginia Regional Teacher of the Year

A well-deserved recognition has been awarded to James K. Polk Elementary School (Polk) teacher Sharon Phox as she has been named the 2026 Virginia Regional Teacher of the Year for Region Four by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). Phox has been an educator and mentor for 20 years and serves as an English language (EL) teacher, ensuring every child has the supports necessary to be successful. 

“Being selected as the ACPS teacher to receive this award, Mrs. Phox is representative of the high-quality workforce ACPS promotes and is a shining example of a teacher who consistently seeks engaging and innovative ways to provide a high-quality education to all students," said ACPS Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt.

Phox is a passionate EL teacher who serves third graders and uses her English as a Second Language endorsement to emphasize differentiated instruction to meet the needs of her diverse student population. She has committed herself to instructional excellence and academic achievement for all students, working tirelessly inside and outside of the classroom to ensure her students’ strengths are highlighted and their needs are supported. Her core beliefs about teaching are that every student has the potential to succeed, and her role is to adapt her instruction to meet her students’ needs. She believes that modeling is essential for all learning styles, and small groups allow her to provide individualized support.

“Whether mentoring colleagues, uplifting students or engaging families, she leads with compassion, dedication and a steadfast belief in the potential of every child. We are beyond ecstatic to celebrate her as the Regional Teacher of the Year—an honor that reflects the profound impact she has on our entire school community," added Polk Elementary Principal Carla Carter. 

The announcement of Phox’s nomination coincided with a visit from former VDOE Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Lisa Coons, Virginia Board of Education member Anne Holton, and VDOE Chief of Staff Jeremy Raley. Phox 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.