NEA member Leon Smith named 2026 Teacher of the Year

WASHINGTON - National Education Association (NEA) member Leon Smith, a social studies teacher at Haverford High School in Havertown, Pa., today was named the 2026 Teacher of the Year by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO).

Smith has spent more than two decades in Delaware County and teaches Honors and Advanced Placement History, as well as African American Studies. Smith has been lauded for his instrumental work in Haverford's "Grow Your Own" program, which is dedicated to increasing educator diversity within the district.

"On behalf of the National Education Association's nearly three million members, we are proud to congratulate Leon - not only for this award and recognition, but for his dedication to all students and his commitment to his school and community," said NEA President Becky Pringle. "Leon embodies the core values of an exemplary educator, sparking imagination, curiosity, and critical thinking, and creating an inclusive environment where every student feels welcome. His work paves the way to ensure a better and brighter tomorrow for all students."

Smith holds a bachelors in secondary social studies education from the University of Maryland at College Park, a master's in educational leadership in technology integration from Pennsylvania State University, and a PK-12 principal certification from Cabrini University. As an educational leader and mentor, Smith is also the freshmen boys' basketball coach and advocates for policies to diversify the educator workforce and build a stronger teacher pipeline.

"The Pennsylvania State Education Association is proud to count Leon Smith as a member," said Pennsylvania State Education Association President Aaron Chapin. "Leon is an inspiration to his students, his colleagues, and his community. He is an educator who encourages his students to think critically and follow their dreams. And his work extends beyond his own school, as he works to ensure a more diverse educator workforce for the future. We admire his passion for teaching, his dedication to his students, and his tireless work to foster more inclusive environments."

CCSSO's National Teacher of the Year program identifies exceptional teachers across the country, celebrates their work in and outside the classroom, and empowers them to take part in policy discussions at the state and national level.

For more information about the 2026 State Teachers of the Year and CCSSO's National Teacher of the Year program, including the 2026 State Teacher of the Year Cohort and bios of the other finalists, visit CCSSO's National Teacher of the Year website.