Literacy NRV’s Anne Abbott Honored with National Teaching Award

Anne Abbott (right) is presented with a $5,000 donation for Literacy NRV by Dr. Felicia Smith (left), President of the National Center for Families Learning

We are thrilled to share some very exciting news with our Literacy NRV family: our very own Anne Abbott, Family Literacy Program Coordinator, has been selected as the national runner-up for the 2025 Toyota Family Teacher of the Year Award!

This prestigious award is given annually by the National Center for Families Learning (NCFL) and Toyota to recognize educators across the country who excel at building strong family-school partnerships and using a multigenerational approach to learning. Out of hundreds of nominations nationwide, Anne was one of just four finalists—and now she has been named the national runner-up, receiving a $5,000 award to support her work here in the New River Valley.

Representatives from NCFL traveled to Christiansburg on September 26, 2025 to celebrate with Anne in person and present her with the award (and a very big check!). We are so proud that Anne’s creativity, dedication, and leadership are being recognized on a national stage.

Anne has led our Family Literacy program with passion and persistence, creating meaningful learning experiences for parents and children to grow together. Her innovative teaching methods, commitment to family engagement, and belief in the power of education to break cycles of poverty make her truly deserving of this honor.

As NCFL shared in their announcement, this award has been recognizing outstanding educators for nearly three decades. Since 1997, Toyota Family Teacher of the Year honorees and their organizations have received more than $725,000 in funding for teacher-led family engagement projects.

We are grateful to NCFL and Toyota for shining a spotlight on the life-changing work happening in our community—and we couldn’t be prouder of Anne!