Washington, D.C., April 22, 2026—Teach Plus congratulates Pennsylvania high school social studies teacher and PA Policy Fellowship alumnus Leon Smith for being named the 2026 National Teacher of the Year. A veteran educator, current senior member of the Teach Plus National Teacher Policy Cabinet, and Teach Plus Pennsylvania advisory board member, Smith will spend the coming year as a national ambassador championing the students and educators who are our schools’ heartbeat.
“Leon Smith embodies the very best of what it means to be a teacher leader,” Teach Plus CEO Kira Orange Jones said. “His selection as National Teacher of the Year is a testament not only to his transformative impact in the classroom but to his unwavering commitment to shaping the policies that ensure every student has access to an excellent education and the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
“It has been a privilege to see Leon’s leadership recognized on the national stage,” said Laura Boyce, Teach Plus Pennsylvania Executive Director. “As a Teach Plus fellow, senior fellow, and board member, he has been a tireless advocate for student teacher stipends, data transparency, new pathways into teaching, and elevating the profession. From the classroom to the Capitol, Leon personifies the servant leadership of Ella Baker, leading from behind to empower others and working to shape systems to best serve students.”
“Leon’s selection exemplifies his deep devotion to the teaching profession. Meeting with several Members of Congress over the past year, Leon has been a leading voice in reimagining the teacher role and advancing policy that creates school environments that support both students and educators,” said Ramón Carranza, Jr., Teach Plus Vice President of Federal Policy.
Smith was selected from a distinguished group of finalists representing Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, and Minnesota. The announcement was made this morning on CBS Mornings, where NBA legend Julius “Dr. J” Erving surprised the new National Teacher of the Year live on air. Erving, Smith’s favorite basketball player growing up, presented him with a signed basketball.
“I have so much reverence for the teaching profession,” Smith said on CBS Mornings. “It’s an honor to represent teachers all over the country.”
A 25-year veteran of Haverford High School, Smith teaches AP U.S. History and African American Studies and coaches basketball. As a Teach Plus teacher leader, he advanced state and federal investments in the profession, including increased federal support for teacher recruitment, retention and innovative models like strategic staffing. He helped expand Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and launched a Grow Your Own program at his high school. His community leadership includes serving as a founding board member of Mirrors in Education, a nonprofit dedicated to diversifying Pennsylvania’s educator workforce, and mentoring aspiring teachers through Project IMPACT.
Smith is the second Teach Plus teacher to receive this honor, following 2021 recipient Juliana Urtubey. The National Teacher of the Year is a program of the Council of Chief State School Officers.
About Teach Plus
The mission of Teach Plus is to empower excellent, experienced, and diverse teachers to take leadership over key policy and practice issues that affect their students’ success. Since 2009, Teach Plus has developed thousands of teacher leaders across the country to exercise their leadership in shaping education policy and improving teaching and learning for students. teachplus.org
