STAUNTON, VA (Rocktown Now) — A Staunton City school teacher has been named 2026 Virginia Teacher of the Year for Region 5.

State Superintendent Dr. Lisa Coons and a team from the Virginia Department of Education presented Karen Grady, first grade teacher at Ware Elementary School, with the award yesterday during a school assembly.

The Virginia Department of Education praised Grady in a release yesterday saying she “proactively researches new teaching strategies and techniques to engage her students” and “often tutors students after school, ensuring they receive the extra help they need to succeed.”

In addition to teaching, Grady also volunteers for two fire companies in her spare time.