For years, students in Haverford School District in Pennsylvania had expressed frustration at the lack of diverse perspectives in the curriculum. District leaders turned to high school social studies teacher Leon Smith to co-lead an effort to establish a culture of more inclusivity and belonging. An Advanced Placement (AP) U.S. history and Advanced Placement African American studies teacher, Smith embraced the task, and his dedication and work contributed to the development, language, and implementation of these goals across the district.
“It was important for me to use this opportunity to uplift the voices of students and mentees who felt the school environment was unsafe and exclusionary,” he recalled. Soon, as part of these efforts, Smith’s leadership was instrumental in the creation of the first African American History course in the district, first as an elective then as an AP class.
Critical thinking, civic engagement, inclusion and promoting student voices have been hallmarks of his 20-year teaching career in Delaware County and this week, Smith, an NEA member, was honored as the 2026 National Teacher of the Year by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO).
Smith was announced as Teacher of the Year on “CBS Mornings.” (While on the program, Smith, who also coaches freshman basketball, got a surprise visit from one of his childhood idols.)
“Smith has more than two decades of experience as an educator, leader and mentor dedicated to empowering both students and teachers,” the CCCSO said in its announcement. “His teaching is rooted in the belief that education has the power to transform lives and inspire students to achieve their highest potential. He strives to create an inclusive culture.”
NEA President Becky Pringle also congratulated Smith.
“Leon embodies the core values of an exemplary educator, sparking imagination, curiosity, and critical thinking, and creating an inclusive environment where every student feels welcome. His work paves the way to ensure a better and brighter tomorrow for all students,” Pringle said.
A Leader Inside and Outside the Classroom
Smith’s AP classes, which began in the 2024-25 school year, aren't confined to school grounds. Smith ensures his students and the curriculum are connected with the community and rooted in civic engagement. On AP Advocacy Day, Smith takes students to the Pennsylvania State Capitol to interact with AP scholars from all over the state. The purpose? Meet with lawmakers to share the impact AP courses have had on their education and lives.
These kinds of opportunities provide students with valuable confidence and communication skills. They may not be aware that they have these talents, but, Smith says, “teachers should see things in students that they cannot see in themselves...There’s nothing like seeing a student gain confidence in themselves after receiving words of encouragement from you.”
Smith’s leadership also extends to championing the recruitment and retention of teachers, especially educators of color. For most of his career at Haverhood, Smith was the only Black teacher in his building.
“Being the only Black teacher motivated me to deepen my learning on the state of the teaching profession and advocate for greater educator diversity at both the state and federal levels,” Smith said. “That passion has led me to leadership roles while still in the classroom.”
Quote byLeon Smith, 2026 National Teacher of the Year
Smith has lobbied lawmakers at the state and federal level to advocate for solutions to address the teacher shortage and has been recognized for Haverford’s “Grow Your Own” program. Grow Your Own programs recruit undergraduate students or students in middle school and high school and help them become teachers, with the goal of creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the student population.
As the 2026 National Teacher of the Year, Smith will serve as an ambassador for teachers and the profession. For the next 12 months, Smith will highlight the pivotal role educators play in shaping the next generation.
The other finalists for the 2026 National Teacher of the Year were Katie Collins (Alabama), Rachel Kinsaul (Georgia), Michelle Gross (Kentucky) and Linda Wallenberg (Minnesota). You can read more about them here.
