HAVERFORD, PA. — Leon Smith, a history and African American studies teacher at Haverford High School in Haverford, Pennsylvania, has been named the 2026 National Teacher of the Year. The award is selected by the Council of Chief State School Officers' National Teacher of the Year program, which cited Smith's emphasis on the inclusion of multiple perspectives in history.
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 was previously named the 2025 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year. "It's just such an honor to be able to represent teachers all over the country and really stand on the shoulders of so many others that have come before me that have done just such great work," Smith said.
He describes himself as a "warm demander," someone who sets high expectations while surrounding students with love and support. He starts each class with a community building exercise and takes students each year to the state Capitol to engage with policymakers.
"So I just think that's the power of a teacher, that it's not always the content but it's how you make the students feel is what they remember," he said. "Know that you care. And also just being able to see things in students that they cannot see in themselves."
Haverford High School principal Pete Donaghy praised Smith's approach in the classroom. "He is everything you want in a teacher," Donaghy said. "He relates African American studies or U.S. history to his students."
Smith is also a longtime basketball coach at Haverford, leading the freshman team. Former professional basketball player Julius Erving surprised him by congratulating him in person on the award.
"When I got the notification about Leon, I realized that his school Haverford is literally right around the corner from a house that I lived in for 11 years," Erving said. "Let's go and be on the show. Go see some people. Spread some joy. Spread some love."
Smith said meeting Erving was an honor and he was thankful for the experience. As the National Teacher of the Year, he will spend a year promoting the pivotal role educators play in shaping the next generation.