2025 Teacher of the Year

The educator selected as the 2025 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year is Mr. Leon Smith. Mr. Smith is a secondary teacher at Haverford High School in the Haverford Township School District in Havertown. He has 22 years of teaching experience with Haverford Township School District and teaches 9th grade Honors and Advanced Placement Social Studies as well as 10th-12th grade African American Studies. Mr. Smith holds a Bachelors in Secondary Social Studies Education from the University of Maryland at College Park, a Masters in Educational Leadership in Technology Integration from Pennsylvania State University, and a PK-12 Principal certification from Cabrini University. 

As an educational leader, Mr. Smith strongly believes in helping all students reach their full potential. His dedication to his students goes beyond the classroom through his roles as the African American Cultural Enrichment Advisor, freshmen Boys’ Basketball Coach, and mentor. He is seen as a building leader and provides professional development for the district on culturally relevant teaching, growth mindset, elements of effective lessons, belonging strategies, and supporting historically marginalized students. Mr. Smith is an advocate for the teaching profession. He is committed to supporting new and future teachers and started a Grow Your Own teacher program at Haverford Township School District. As a senior fellow for Teach Plus, which is an organization that focuses on developing teacher leaders, he works with others to advocate for policies that advance equity, opportunity, and student success.

Through his dedication, creativity, and passion for educating his students, Leon Smith is the epitome of excellence in teaching. His tireless efforts and dedication to the students and community he serves should serve as inspiration to educators everywhere.