Leon Smith, Pennsylvania’s 2025 Teacher of the Year from the Haverford School District, has been named a 2026 National Teacher of the Year finalist by the Council of Chief State School Officers, writes Peg DeGrassa for the Daily Times.
A secondary teacher at Haverford High School, Smith is also a dedicated community leader, providing district-wide professional development on culturally responsive teaching, fostering belonging, and creating effective lessons for students. He is an ardent advocate for the teaching profession, supporting new and aspiring educators through the Grow Your Own teacher program he launched at Haverford.
“Educators like Leon Smith demonstrate the influence one person can have in shaping young minds by empowering, inspiring, and championing learners both in and out of the classroom,” said Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe.
Smith earned his bachelor’s degree in secondary social studies education from the University of Maryland at College Park before completing a master’s degree in educational leadership with an emphasis on technology integration at Penn State, as well as a PreK-12 principal certification from Cabrini University.
He has worked in the Haverford School District for 20 years and currently teaches AP U.S. History and AP African American Studies.
Read more about Leon Smith in the Daily Times.
