Today, Teach Plus PA will honor newly named national teacher of the year, Leon Smith, at its annual signature event, Empowered to Lead, Driven to Succeed celebration at the Aramark Global Headquarters in Philadelphia. The event will bring together educators, policymakers, philanthropic leaders, and community partners to highlight the role of teacher leadership in advancing educational equity across the Commonwealth.
Leon Smith was named 2025 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year and 2026 National Teacher of the Year, for his leadership, impact, and commitment to students and communities across Pennsylvania. Smith’s work reflects the central belief driving Teach Plus PA’s mission: that educators, when equipped and empowered, can lead meaningful system-level change.
“Leon represents the very best of what is possible when teacher leadership is prioritized,” said Laura Boyce, Executive Director of Teach Plus Pennsylvania. “His impact extends beyond the classroom and into policy, practice, and community, aligning directly with our vision for a more equitable and effective education system.”
The event will also feature remarks from nationally recognized literacy expert Dr. G. Reid Lyon, whose work has shaped the science of reading movement, a virtual message from Pennsylvania State Senator Vincent Hughes, and Sharif El-Mekki, Founder/CEO of the Center for Black Educator Development, who will present the evening’s award.
Teach Plus PA to Honor National Teacher of the Year Leon Smith at “Empowered to Lead, Driven to Succeed” Celebration
- Laura Boyce, Teach Plus PA
- Leon Smith, 2025 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year and 2026 National Teacher of the Year
- Dr. G. Reid Lyon, Leader in the science of reading movement
- Sharif El-Mekki, Founder/CEO of the Center for Black Educator Development
Teach Plus: The mission of Teach Plus is to empower excellent, experienced, and diverse teachers to take leadership over key policy and practice issues that affect their students’ success. Since 2009, Teach Plus has developed thousands of teacher leaders across the country to exercise their leadership in shaping education policy and improving teaching and learning, to create an education system driven by access and excellence for all. For more information, www.teachplus.org.
Information provided to TVL by:
Mark Nicastre
