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Pennsylvania high school history instructor named nation’s Teacher of the Year
The social studies teacher will spend the next year promoting educators’ role in shaping students and addressing teacher diversity, the award program said.
- On Tuesday, "CBS Mornings" revealed Pennsylvania high school teacher Leon Smith as the 2026 National Teacher of the Year, selected by the Council of Chief State School Officers for his impactful instruction at Haverford High School.
- The 46-year-old educator has spent his entire 25-year career at Haverford High School, where he teaches Advanced Placement U.S. history and African American studies. Smith describes himself as a "warm demander," setting high expectations while surrounding students with support.
- Smith addresses a critical gap in American education, as fewer than 2% of U.S. teachers are Black men. "This is a role that other people that look like me can do," Smith said, noting the significance of his representation.
- Basketball legend Julius Erving surprised Smith on "CBS Mornings" to congratulate him in person, citing his connection to the Havertown area. Smith called the honor, following his 2025 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year award, "just means everything."
- As the new National Teacher of the Year, Smith will dedicate the next year to highlighting the vital impact educators have on future generations. He aims to foster civic engagement by encouraging students to pursue their goals and dreams.
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PressNewsAgencyPennsylvania high school history instructor named nation’s Teacher of the Year
HAVERFORD, Pa. (AP) — A high school history teacher in Pennsylvania who helps students look inward to find their strengths and outward to find community inside and outside the classroom has been named the 2026 National Teacher of the Year. Leon Smith, 46, has spent his entire 25-year career at Haverford High School, where he teaches Advanced Placement classes in U.S. history and African American studies. He describes himself as a “warm demander,…
‘They’ve moved societies’: High school history instructor named nation's Teacher of the Year
A high school history teacher in Pennsylvania who helps students look inward to find their strengths and outward to find community inside and outside the classroom has been named the 2026 National Teacher of the Year.
Philadelphia-area history teacher Leon Smith named 2026 National Teacher of the Year
Leon Smith, a social studies teacher at Haverford High School in Delaware County, has been named the 2026 National Teacher of the Year. The prestigious honor was announced Tuesday by the Council of Chief State School Officers.
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