Leon Smith, a long-time history teacher at Haverford High School who brought African-American studies to the school, has been named National Teacher of the Year by the Council of Chief State School Officers, writes Maddie Hanna for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Smith was bestowed with the title during an appearance on “CBS Mornings” on Tuesday, where he also had a chance to meet basketball great Julius Erving. Smith coaches freshman boys’ basketball at Haverford.
“You gotta be kidding me right now,” Smith said. Erving was brought out after Smith talked about admiring the basketball great as a child.
Known as a mentor to his students, he has taught at Haverford High School for 25 years.
Smith, who is Black, teaches AP U.S. History and AP African American Studies.
Smith had previously won the Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year Award through a Council of Chief State School Officers program.
He was motivated to become a teacher in part to be the mentor he didn’t have growing up, attending school in Upper Dublin.
The award gives Smith a chance to spend a year traveling the country promoting the teaching profession.
Read more about Leon Smith’s title win as National Teacher of the Year in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
