For National Teacher Appreciation Week, the Delaware County Council welcomed and recognized Leon Smith, the 2026 National Teacher of the Year, with a special proclamation, writes Kathleen E. Carey for the Daily Times.
Smith is an educator at Haverford High School, teaching Advanced Placement United States History and Advanced Placement African American studies.
In his remarks, Smith, who is beginning his tenure as an ambassador for educators this year, took the time to recognize his fellow teachers.
“I started working there in 2001 and the community has embraced me and I’m happy to let the nation see what’s happening because I’m surrounded by amazing educators,” he said. “I’m not the best teacher. I just happened to be the ambassador for teachers this year and really have the opportunity to show what is going to be happening.”
Last year, Smith was named Pennsylvania’s Teacher of the Year before becoming a Council of Chief State School Officers’ National Teacher of the Year contest finalist.
“I’m just really excited to be able to really just celebrate the work of all teachers and just the innovation, the creativity, the dedication that happens in their classrooms each and every day and really just inspire that next generation of educators,” said Smith.
Read more about Leon Smith and his remarks during the Delaware County Council recognition meeting in the Daily Times.
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