The Alexandria City School Board honored the school system’s 2026 Principal and Teacher of the Year during its meeting last night (Thursday).
This year’s accolades were bestowed to Jeanette Vinson, principal of George Washington Middle School, and Deedra Robinson, an educator at Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School. The School Board celebrated their dedication while recognizing teachers of the year from every public school in Alexandria.
Vinson was promoted to the principal role in 2023, leading more than 200 staffers and 1,400 students. She previously spent seven years as the school’s academic principal.
School Board Chair Michelle Rief said Vinson fosters a school-wide culture of innovation, professional growth and equity.
“[Vinson] is deeply committed to ensuring all students experience meaningful, authentic and connected learning as a lever for educational excellence,” Rief said.
In a video after the presentation, Vinson said she is proud and honored to receive the award.
“I believe this means a lot to our community, our students, our staff, our families and community partners,” Vinson said.
The Teacher of the Year recognition is the “icing on the cake” for Robinson, who plans to retire after this school year following her 40-plus-year career as an educator. At Jefferson-Houston, she currently teaches 48 students in the school’s Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program.
“I am just overjoyed and excited to be chosen for this award,” Robinson said.
This is Robinson’s second notable award this year. Last month, she was named the Virginia Regional Teacher of the Year.
“Ms. Deedra Robinson represents the excellence, care and dedication that define ACPS, and we are proud to celebrate the meaningful impact she continues to make on her students and our community,” Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt said during last month’s ceremony.
