Leon Smith, 46, started Thursday, Sept. 10, with a surprise at Haverford High School: four Eagles tickets, free coffee and breakfast for his colleagues, all courtesy of Dunkin'.
The company was celebrating the history teacher's selection as 2026 National Teacher of the Year, the nation's highest teaching honor. The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) named Smith to the role in April, making him the first winner from the Philadelphia area since the award began in 1952, according to the Delaware County Council.
Smith has spent his entire 25-year career at Haverford High, where he teaches Advanced Placement U.S. History and AP African American Studies and coaches the freshman boys' basketball team. He helped bring the first AP African American Studies course to the school, working with families, students and the community to make it happen, Patch reported.
He describes himself as a "warm demander," someone who sets high expectations while surrounding students with support, the Associated Press reported in April. He starts each class with a community-building exercise and takes students to the state Capitol each year to meet with policymakers.
"I'm excited to represent Delaware County and Havertown," Smith said at a May 7 county council meeting where he received a resolution in his honor. "This is my 25th year at Haverford High School. It was my first job, and the community has embraced me, so I'm happy to show the nation what's happening here."
Smith served as the only Black teacher at Haverford High for 20 years. He told 6abc in December 2024 that he never had a Black teacher growing up. He founded an Educators Rising chapter at the school to recruit future teachers of color. Less than 2% of all teachers in the United States are Black men, according to the Delaware County Council's recognition.
Principal Pete Donaghy praised Smith in a video tribute aired on CBS Mornings on April 21, when the award was announced. The CCSSO selection committee called Smith a strong voice for his school community.
Smith is also the second consecutive winner from Pennsylvania, following Mifflin County High School's Ashlie Crosson in 2025. It is the first time the same state has produced back-to-back winners.
Smith was previously named 2025 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year, which made him eligible for the national award. He is the second consecutive Penn State alumnus to win, Penn State reported.
The Haverford Township School District board recognized Smith at its April 23 meeting. The Haverford Township Board of Commissioners followed with a proclamation on June 8.
Smith will spend the 2026-27 school year on sabbatical, visiting classrooms across the country as an ambassador for the teaching profession. His Eagles tickets are good for the Sunday, Sept. 13, home opener against the Washington Commanders.
