Leon Smith, a 25-year veteran at Haverford High School in Havertown, just went from beloved local teacher to national headline. The Advanced Placement U.S. history and AP African American Studies teacher, who also coaches freshman basketball, was named the 2026 National Teacher of the Year and found out on live television. During his appearance on "CBS Mornings," Smith was surprised on air by 76ers legend Julius "Dr. J" Erving, a moment that instantly turned a routine segment into Philly sports lore. The honor will send Smith across the country as an ambassador for teachers and for classroom practices that emphasize community and civic engagement, and students and colleagues say it shines a spotlight on a local educator who works hard to diversify the pipeline into the profession.
CCSSO Names Smith National Winner
The Council of Chief State School Officers officially named Smith the 2026 National Teacher of the Year on its program page, according to CCSSO. Under the rules of CCSSO's National Teacher of the Year program, the winner is selected from among state teachers of the year and serves for one year as a national ambassador for the teaching profession.
Classroom Approach That Won Notice
In his 25 years at Haverford, Smith has built a reputation in AP U.S. history and AP African American studies for starting each class with daily community-building exercises before students tackle complex historical questions. "An adult can tell you that they see something in you that maybe you didn't see in yourself," Smith told AP News, describing his "warm demander" style, a mix of high expectations and steady support that his students say keeps them on their toes while still feeling cared for.
Local Roots And Recruiting The Next Generation
Outside the traditional classroom setting, Smith advises the African American Cultural Enrichment Club, coaches freshmen basketball and has pressed district leaders to build a "grow-your-own" teacher pipeline to recruit teachers of color. That broader community work, along with his push for more inclusive classrooms, was detailed by The Philadelphia Inquirer, which reported that Smith hopes the national platform will encourage more young people to see teaching as a viable career.
Surprise From A Sixers Legend
Smith's segment on "CBS Mornings" wrapped with a twist straight out of a sports fan's daydream, when Julius Erving called in live to congratulate him, a moment captured by CBS News Philadelphia. The surprise highlighted the hometown pride swirling around a teacher whose students say he somehow manages to combine serious academic rigor with a strong sense of belonging.
What Comes Next
As National Teacher of the Year, Smith will spend the coming year traveling, speaking and meeting with educators, policymakers and community groups to spotlight teaching as a profession, according to CCSSO. Students and local leaders say he plans to use that platform to recruit more teachers of color and to help design school environments where "teachers are joyful, confident, and can show up as their whole selves," a priority he discussed with The Philadelphia Inquirer.
