Delco Educator Nominated For 2026 Teacher Of The Year

HAVERFORD TOWNSHIP, PA — An educator in the School District of Haverford Township is in the running for a national teach of the year award.

Haverford High School social studies teacher Leon Smith was recently named one of five finalists for 2026 National Teacher of the Year by the Council of Chief State School Officers.

And his selection may not come as a surprise: he was named the 2025 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year in late 2024 by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

"I am honored to join this amazing group of finalists as the representative from Pennsylvania for the 2026 National Teacher of the Year award," Smith said.

“Leon exemplifies excellence in teaching," School District of Haverford Township Superintendent Matthew Hayes said. "His passion for public education is palpable and his enthusiasm inspires everyone around him. Through his unwavering commitment to his students and his forward-thinking instructional practices, he inspires learning at the highest level. His influence extends far beyond his classroom, serving as a model for colleagues across our district. We are thrilled to recognize him as a Teacher of the Year Finalist."

"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," Secretary of Education Carrie Rowe said. "An effective educator builds coalitions of support to positively impact their entire community—not just today, but in the future. The Pennsylvania Department of Education applauds Leon Smith for this great achievement and for, once again, highlighting the excellence of Pennsylvania’s teachers on a national stage."

A 25-year veteran of Haverford High School, Smith teaches Advanced Placement U.S. History, as well as Advanced Placement African American Studies.

Outside the classroom, he serves as the freshman boys basketball coach, the African American Cultural Enrichment Club Advisor, and a student mentor.

He holds a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Social Studies Education from the University of Maryland at College Park, a Masters in Educational Leadership in Technology Integration from Pennsylvania State University, and a PK-12 Principal certification from Cabrini University.

The Council of Chief State School Officers described smith as "a dedicated leader in his community, providing professional development for the district on culturally relevant teaching, growth mindset, elements of effective lessons, belonging strategies, and supporting historically marginalized students."

Smith has also advocated for the teaching profession and committed to supporting new and future teachers by starting a Grow Your Own teacher program at the district.

He is also a member of the Teach Plus National Senior Policy Cabinet, where he advocates for policies to create change supporting students and teachers nationwide.

If named National Teacher of the Year, Smith will spend the next year serving as an ambassador for education and an advocate for teachers and students across the country. He joins four other finalists, with the National Teacher of the Year being named in the spring:

• Katie Collins, Alabama Teacher of the Year
• Rachel Kinsaul, Georgia Teacher of the Year
• Michelle Gross, Kentucky Teacher of the Year
• Linda Wallenberg, Minnesota Teacher of the Year

"I am deeply grateful to my family, friends, students — past and present — administrators, mentors, and the Haverford Township community for their unwavering support," Smith said.

CCSSO’s National Teacher of the Year program identifies exceptional teachers across the country, celebrates their work in and outside the classroom, and, through one-of-a-kind professional development opportunities, helps them amplify their voices and empowers them to take part in policy discussions at the state and national level.