A veteran Pennsylvania educator known for blending history, identity and civic engagement in the classroom has been named National Teacher of the Year, earning one of the country’s highest honors in education.
Leon Smith, who teaches ‘Advanced Placement U.S. History and African American Studies’ at Haverford High School, brings more than two decades of experience to the role. Over the next year, he will serve as a national ambassador for educators, advocating for students and the teaching profession.
The National Teacher of the Year program, established in 1952, recognizes outstanding educators from across all 50 states and U.S. territories. The selected teacher spends a year traveling the country, speaking on education issues while representing classroom teachers nationwide.
For Smith, the recognition reflects a career rooted in purpose and perspective. As the only Black teacher in his school for more than 20 years, he said he once hesitated to share personal experiences tied to race and history in his classroom. Over time, that changed.
“By sharing my experiences and infusing Black history into the curriculum, I inspire students to think critically, have moments of self-discovery, and positively contribute to society,” Smith said.
That approach has become a cornerstone of his teaching philosophy. Smith’s lessons often challenge students to examine history from multiple viewpoints, including the often-overlooked impact of landmark decisions like Brown v. Board of Education on Black educators. His classes emphasize discussion, reflection and real-world connections, encouraging students to explore how history shapes present-day issues.
Beyond the classroom, Smith has played a key role in shaping education policy and promoting diversity in the teaching profession. He serves on the Pennsylvania Educator Diversity Consortium and the Teach Plus National Teacher Policy Cabinet, working with policy makers to address teacher shortages and expand opportunities for future educators.
He also helped lead efforts to introduce African American Studies courses in his district, eventually bringing Advanced Placement African American Studies to Haverford High School. The course has drawn students from diverse backgrounds and created new opportunities for engagement and learning.
Smith’s influence extends into the community as well. He has taken students to the Pennsylvania State Capitol for advocacy events, connected them with lawmakers and helped them understand the power of civic participation. Colleagues say those experiences have helped students find their voices and see themselves as future leaders.
In addition to his work in education, Smith has coached freshman basketball for more than 20 years, further strengthening his connection with students outside the classroom.
As he begins his year as National Teacher of the Year, Smith says his message to aspiring educators is simple but powerful: embrace the opportunity to make a difference.
“Be the teacher that you needed or that inspired you the most,” he said. “We need excitement and joy in our schools.”
Smith’s journey reflects the evolving role of educators—not just as instructors, but as mentors, advocates and leaders. His selection highlights the growing recognition of teaching approaches that center inclusion, identity and student voice.
For students at Haverford High School and beyond, his impact is already being felt. For the nation, his work now takes on an even broader stage.
