CCSSO’s National Teacher of the Year Program works to elevate the voices of excellent educators across the country.
2026 National Teacher of the Year Leon Smith believes that recruiting and retaining the next generation of teachers is imperative. Over the next year and beyond, Smith will embrace the opportunity to elevate the teaching profession through speaking engagements, school visits, media appearances and discussions with policymakers across the country.
Smith’s year as National Teacher begins with this Address to the Nation.
