Eaton High School teacher named Friends of Texas Public Schools 2026 Teacher of the Year

The Friends of Texas Public Schools has named Eaton High School teacher Jeffrey Neaves the 2026 Teacher of the Year.

Mr. Neaves was selected by a judging panel of Friends of Texas Public Schools board members after advancing to the final six for the award. As the 2026 Teacher of the Year, he will receive a $1,000 classroom grant and will be formally honored at a Friends of Texas Public Schools Teacher of the Year dinner in November.

“This honor speaks volumes to how much I love the students who make all this possible and also to the district that really believes in what success looks like beyond the classroom,” Mr. Neaves said. “I can’t thank the board members of Friends of Texas Public Schools enough for believing in what we are accomplishing in our aviation program and the students’ lives we are changing at Eaton High School.”

The award recognizes exceptional Texas educators who go above and beyond for their students, campus and community. District-nominated educators are evaluated on innovation, community impact, student outcomes and dedication.

With more than 20 years of teaching experience, Mr. Neaves has made a lasting impact on students at Eaton, particularly through their experiences in the aviation program. He believes some of the most rewarding moments in teaching come from watching students grow not only in their technical abilities, but also in their confidence and character.

Mr. Neaves works to create a classroom environment where students feel supported, challenged and held to high standards.

“Student success is built through strong relationships, quality-focused instruction and opportunities that allow them to see their career goals as attainable,” he said. “By building confidence in my students through relationships and quality instruction, I ensure they are prepared for success both in and out of the classroom.”

Mr. Neaves’ commitment to helping students see their potential extends beyond the classroom, said Donny Pharr, an Eaton High School Aviation and Aeronautics Academy facilitator who works closely with Mr. Neaves and nominated him for the award. 

“Jeff is exceptional in how he creates opportunities for students — opportunities well beyond classroom education — while ensuring every student feels valued and capable of succeeding within their educational journey,” Mr. Pharr said. “The elements that distinguish Jeff are the culture that he builds and the relationships he forms with each student. Jeff understands how deeply students recall how educators made them feel once they leave the classroom, a belief he consistently demonstrates.”

Mr. Pharr said he has watched Mr. Neaves advocate for students facing significant challenges while maintaining high expectations and providing support, even after students graduate.

For one student who struggled academically and whose family considered removing him from the Aviation and Aeronautics Academy, Mr. Pharr said Mr. Neaves encouraged and advocated for the student to remain in the program.

That commitment to student success is reflected in the academy’s results. For the past three years, Mr. Neaves’ students have achieved an average 100% pass rate on Federal Aviation Administration Remote Pilot certification exams, Mr. Pharr said. Many of his students have gone on to careers in aviation and drone technology, applying the skills they developed in the classroom to their professions.

Mr. Neaves’ impact also extends beyond Northwest ISD. He developed an Advanced Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems course and wrote the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills component for the program, submitting it to the Texas Education Agency for statewide adoption. Through this work, Mr. Neaves has helped expand opportunities for students across Texas who are interested in careers in aviation and aeronautics.

He also was Northwest ISD's 2026 Secondary Teacher of the Year as well as an Education Service Center Region 11 Secondary Teacher of the Year award finalist. 

In August, Mr. Neaves spoke to Northwest ISD educators about the importance of making students feel that they matter and leaving a positive impact on the district and community.

“I strive each year as a teacher to leave a legacy in my classroom,” he said. “I have created legacies as a teacher that last beyond my years of teaching in my classroom. And while the accomplishments that our students have created within their lives matter, perhaps more importantly is the fact that they know that someone cared for them in the classroom and in their lives.”

Mr. Neaves represents what it means to create an impact here at Northwest ISD.