A Pennsylvania high school teacher who has spent decades shaping young minds is now being recognized on the national stage. Leon Smith, a history educator at Haverford High School, has been named the 2026 National Teacher of the Year, one of the highest honors in American education. 

Smith, 46, has dedicated his entire 25-year career to the same school, where he teaches Advanced Placement U.S. history and African American studies. His teaching philosophy centers on what he calls being a “warm demander,” an approach that combines high expectations with genuine care and support for students. 

“An adult can tell you that they see something in you that maybe you didn’t see in yourself,” Smith told local news. “I love to do that for students.” 

Inside his classroom, Smith prioritizes both academic rigor and emotional connection. He begins lessons with community-building exercises designed to help students feel grounded before tackling complex topics like foreign policy, civic responsibility, and historical nuance. His goal is to ensure students leave not just informed, but equipped to think critically and engage with the world around them.

“We want to make sure that our students can think critically, that they have empathy, that they can understand the nuance and complexity that goes into making decisions,” he said. 

Beyond the classroom, Smith encourages civic engagement by organizing student trips to the state Capitol and advocating for culturally inclusive teaching practices. His work has also focused on supporting historically marginalized students and mentoring future educators. 

As National Teacher of the Year, Smith will spend the next year serving as an ambassador for educators across the country, using his platform to highlight the critical role teachers play in shaping future generations. 

“They’ve moved societies. They have empowered activist movements,” Smith said of educators. “They’ve had a tremendous impact, and my hope is that people are inspired to join that legacy.”