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We are proud to celebrate PEDC Board Member Leon Smith on his selection as one of five finalists for the 2026 National Teacher of the Year! A high school social studies teacher in the Haverford Township School District and last year’s PA Teacher of the Year, Leon is being recognized nationally not only for his excellence in the classroom but also for his extraordinary leadership in advancing opportunities for students and strengthening the teaching profession.
As a Teach Plus Pennsylvania Policy Fellow, Senior Policy Fellow, National Teacher Policy Cabinet member, and advisory board member, Leon has championed new pathways into teaching for youth and paraprofessionals, supported Pennsylvania’s student teacher stipend program, and advocated for reimagining the teaching role. He has also helped create a Grow Your Own program at Haverford High School and serves as a founding board member of Mirrors in Education, working to recruit and retain educators of color across Pennsylvania.
Leon’s leadership, policy advocacy, and unwavering commitment to ensuring that every student feels a sense of belonging embody the very best of the profession. We congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition and are honored to have his leadership guiding PEDC’s work.
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