Congratulations to the 2026 Regional Teachers of the Year!

Two educators from the Hampton Roads Educational Telecommunications Association (HRETA), which governs WHRO Public Media, have been named as Regional Teacher of the Year by the Virginia Department of Education.

James Eccleston – Gloucester County Public Schools

James Eccleston is a social studies teacher at Gloucester High School. He has been a teacher and a mentor for nearly forty years — dedicating 38 of the 39 years he’s been an educator to finding ways to interest and inspire Gloucester High School students with a love for history and government. An engaging, hands-on educator, Eccleston brings history to life for his students.

His classroom is often described as a “museum” because it contains numerous historical artifacts, including photographs, newspapers, military uniforms, flags, and other items he has collected over the years. These artifacts, combined with his extensive knowledge of history, help his students gain a deep understanding of important historical events…

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