Leon Smith Named the 2026 National Teacher of the Year for His Impactful Teaching in Pennsylvania

Celebrating Academic Excellence: Leon Smith Named 2026 National Teacher of the Year

On April 21, 2026, the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) announced a remarkable accolade for education in Pennsylvania: Leon Smith has been named the 2026 National Teacher of the Year. Smith imparts knowledge at Haverford High School, specializing in Advanced Placement (AP) U.S. History and African American Studies. His commitment to promoting critical thinking, civic engagement, and inclusive narratives in history studies sets him apart as an educational leader.

Drawing on more than twenty years of teaching experience, Smith is not just an educator; he is a mentor and a leader who empowers both students and fellow teachers. His philosophy hinges on the belief that education can transform lives and inspire students to achieve their highest potential. Among his noteworthy initiatives is the introduction of the first AP African American Studies course at Haverford, which he executed in close collaboration with the community, families, and students.

A noteworthy feature of Smith's teaching approach is his effort to connect students with local government. During the Advanced Placement Advocacy Day, he takes students to the Pennsylvania State Capitol. Here, they engage with AP students from across the state, meet local lawmakers, and discuss the positive impacts of their AP classes. This experience not only fosters advocacy skills but also builds students' confidence in their communication abilities, essential for future job interviews and internships.

With the honor of being the National Teacher of the Year, Smith will spend a year serving as an ambassador for educators nationwide. He envisions this role as an opportunity to highlight the essential contributions educators make in shaping the next generation. Smith firmly believes in the transformative power of teachers—a superpower that lies in their ability to recognize qualities in students that they may not yet see in themselves.

In his own words, "There’s nothing quite like seeing a student gain confidence after receiving words of encouragement from you. Teaching is an experience where you discover your own voice within the classroom and define who you are as an educator. When preparing to enter the classroom, remember that you are exactly what your students need."

The National Teacher of the Year program, primarily sponsored by Google, identifies exceptional teachers nationwide, recognizes their effective practices, and provides opportunities for professional growth while amplifying their voices. As Carissa Moffat Miller, Executive Director of CCSSO, articulated, "The National Teacher of the Year program celebrates the valuable work and dedication of teachers who drive positive change in their students’ lives and their school communities."

Leon Smith’s extraordinary achievements align perfectly with the vision of educational excellence that the State of Pennsylvania prides itself on. Dr. Carrie Rowe, Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Education, stated, "It’s an honor for Pennsylvania to celebrate another educator from our Commonwealth as the National Teacher of the Year for the second consecutive year. Leon Smith exemplifies the high-caliber educators nurturing the next generation of students and global citizens."

Each year, outstanding educators are selected as State Teachers of the Year from various states and territories, from which one is chosen as the National Teacher of the Year by an independent selection committee associated with K-12 educational organizations. The committee recognized that Smith’s passion for teaching is evident through his driven focus on how best to serve his students, establishing him as a strong voice within his school community and a model professional for future educators.

Among other finalists for the title of 2026 National Teacher of the Year are Katie Collins from Alabama, Rachel Kinsaul from Georgia, Michelle Gross from Kentucky, and Linda Wallenberg from Minnesota. Additional information about these finalists and the National Teacher of the Year program can be accessed at NTOY.

For further insights into Leon Smith, including his biography and images, you can visit NTOY.

Proud sponsors of the 2026 National Teacher of the Year program include Google as the primary sponsor, with diamond support from Pearson, platinum sponsorship from Cambium Assessment, Curriculum Associates, and Data Recognition Corporation, and gold sponsorship from a variety of educational entities.

The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) is a non-partisan, nationwide nonprofit organization composed of public officials that govern elementary and secondary education departments in states, the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Education Activity, the Bureau of Indian Education, and five U.S. territories. CCSSO provides leadership, advocacy, and technical assistance on significant educational matters, seeking consensus among its members on key educational issues and expressing their viewpoints to civic and professional organizations, federal agencies, Congress, and the public.