@pennsylvaniareals: A high school history teacher in Pennsylvania who helps students look inward to find their strengths and outward to find community has been named the 2026 National Teacher of the Year. This is the second year in a row that a Pennsylvania educator has won the national honor! Leon Smith, 46, has spent his entire 25-year career at Haverford High School, where he teaches Advanced Placement classes in U.S. history and African American studies. He describes himself as a “warm demander,” someone who sets high expectations while surrounding students with love and support. Often, that means recognizing hidden talents and bringing them to the forefront, he said in an interview with the Associated Press on Monday. “An adult can tell you that they see something in you that maybe you didn’t see in yourself,” he said. “I love to do that for students. When I see ambition, when I see talent, I let them know that so that they can hopefully pursue that goal and achieve their dreams.” Text and Video via AP #teacher #Pennsylvania #pennsylvanialife #History #education

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Saturday 25 April 2026 13:00:50 GMT