While most history teachers regularly reference the likes of Eisenhower, Einstein, Edison, and even Elvis in their lesson plans, Salem’s 2026 Division Teacher of the Year has the unique ability to toss Eminem and his hypnotic beats into that alliteration of notable figures.
Andrew Reedy, or “Rap Teach Reedy” as he is known to his students and the entire Andrew Lewis Middle School community, wholeheartedly embraces his past to make sure his 6th grade students can successfully navigate their futures.
“I am the weird rapping teacher, but I know if my classroom is a place where students can feel safe and loved, then I know they will learn,” Reedy said. “I became a teacher so kids would know that even if they have no one else in their lives, they always have me and my support in their classroom.”
This burning desire to nurture his students, pay it forward, and truly live out the division’s motto of “Love, Engage, and Inspire”, developed while growing up off Williamson Road in northwest Roanoke City. Reedy was raised by his loving single mom, but he had few male role models beyond his maternal grandfather.
“If you look at the teachers I had as a child, you could not create a better list,” he said. “Really, John Wright, who was my band instructor at William Fleming, changed my life. He was my main role model, and I took every chance I could to be in his band room at Fleming.”
Wright passed away in 2021, but Reedy is still close to his son and namesake, John Wright, who is Salem High School’s Band Director.
“They both made my life better and because of them, I decided that I wanted to be a father figure for other kids and support them when no one else would,” he said.
Reedy was part of the final class to graduate from the old Fleming High School in 2009. He then earned his bachelor’s degree from Radford University and completed his teaching licensure through Mary Baldwin University. He began his full-time teaching career in 2015 at Roanoke’s James Madison Middle School, and he also taught for a few years in Radford at Belle Heath Elementary before arriving in Salem in 2021.
“Sixth grade is a whirlwind because the kids come in with that deer in the headlights look, but I love it because they are so innocent,” he said. “Plus, the growth you see in 6th grade is unlike any other. But, yes, I am a little crazy to embrace this age.”
Reedy has taught English, civics, and history and always to middle schoolers in grades 6-8. He knows how to make learning fun, and the raps are part of the process.
“I have always been a big hip-hop guy, and I was part of the drum line when I was a student at Fleming,” Reedy said. “When I got into teaching at James Madison, I heard about Mr. Cole Wilder who was known for his history raps. So, we collaborated on a video, and then I started writing my own stuff.”
He has produced several memorable and melodic lessons, including his latest creation about 1900s immigration that is built on the foundation and beat of Eminem’s iconic “Lose Yourself”.
“The vibe of that song is overcoming everything to achieve your goal, and I felt like it was perfect for European immigration in the 1900s,” said Reedy. “We do not rap every day in class, but I really try to take everything we learn, apply a pop culture reference to it, and make it relatable so we can learn a present-day lesson from the past that is applicable to their lives. It’s just been a cool way to connect with the kids.”
Reedy currently teaches U.S. History II, which covers the Reconstruction period up to the present. During his five years at Lewis, he has also coached baseball and soccer, assisted the choir and the band, and served as a D.J., timekeeper, announcer, and videographer at sporting events.
“Students love being a part of Mr. Reedy’s classes and a part of Mr. Reedy’s team,” said Matt Coe, Andrew Lewis Middle School Principal. “This love comes from the fact that he is always positive, upbeat, and caring. He has an infectious personality, and he is always seeking new avenues, strategies, and plans to reach our students.”
Along with being the ultimate team player for his students and fellow faculty members, Reedy knows a thing or two about teamwork on the ice. He currently serves as the head coach and manager of the Valley Youth Junior Dawgs Mites Ice Hockey Program for kids 5-8 years old.
Hockey is a sport that Reedy loved growing up, but one that his family did not have the money for him to play competitively. It wasn’t until he was out of college and teaching in Roanoke City that he finally started playing in adult leagues.
“I could skate a little as a kid, but it was difficult to learn the game as an adult,” he admits. “Back then, there were only two adult divisions in Roanoke, so I had to either grasp the game almost immediately or get run over.”
He quickly honed his skills to survive on the ice and now he and his wife Amie enjoy watching their two sons compete in the local youth programs. Both boys are students at West Salem Elementary.
“My family loves the area, we love living in Beverly Heights, and I love Andrew Lewis,” he said. “I want to teach where I live because I believe there is no better way to help your own community than to teach in it.”
Reedy and Salem’s other 2026 Teachers of the Year will be honored with a reception on Tuesday, Jan. 13, prior to the regularly scheduled School Board Meeting.
“Receiving this honor has been really emotional for me, because it means I have the support and trust of the incredible veteran teachers I work with each day,” he said. “Their confidence in me gives me hope and lets me know that I am doing something right for the kids. This means the world to me.”
Salem’s other 2026 Teachers of the Year:
• Taylor Fischer: Kindergarten at South Salem Elementary
• Emily Gillikin: Reading Specialist at East Salem Elementary
• Erik Largen: Special Education at Salem High School
• Abby Meade: Fourth Grade at G.W. Carver Elementary
• Liz Mutcheson: Third Grade at West Salem Elementary
