2026 Best Teacher, Literally
Leon Smith
Another guy at the top of the class this year is Haverford High School history and African American studies teacher Leon Smith, who’s been anointed the 2026 National Teacher of the Year by the Council of Chief State School Officers. Smith has been at Haverford High for 25 years, teaches AP U.S. History and AP African American studies, coaches basketball, and serves as the school’s African American cultural enrichment adviser. “His passion for the role of high-quality, representative teachers in public education is evident in his daily interactions,” Smith’s superintendent, Matthew C. Hays, says. Lord knows we need more folks like him right now. Read More »