Latest news with #HaverfordHighSchool
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Centre County educator named as a finalist for Teacher of the Year award
CENTRE COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — Twelve teachers across Pennsylvania have been named as finalists for the 2026 Teacher of the Year award, and among them is a Centre County educator. Whilst the winner will not be announced until December, the program works to honor all teachers who are exemplary. The National State Teacher of the Year (NSTOY) program each year recognizes a professional who inspires students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn; who has the respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues; and who plays an active and useful role in both school and community. Nine from Central Pennsylvania selected for 58th Art of the State exhibition Here are the finalists: Elizabeth Troxell, Penns Valley Area School District, Centre County Whitney Bellomo, Dallastown Area School District, York County Nicole Birkbeck, Council Rock School District, Bucks County Katherine Blandino-Nienhuls, Pittsburgh Public School District, Allegheny County Renee Decker, Central York School District, York County Madeline Loring, Jefferson-Morgan School District, Greene County Jenna Love, Elizabethtown Area School District, Lancaster County Jennifer Nesser, Laurel Highlands School District, Fayette County Ashley Oldham, Big Spring School District, Cumberland County Andrea Rutledge, Hempfield School District, Lancaster County Rachel Sebastian, Governor Mifflin School District, Berks County Rebecca Showalter, Mount Lebanon School District, Allegheny County Later this year a teacher will be chosen to represent Pennsylvania at local, regional, and national functions culminating in the National Teacher of the Year ceremony at the White House. 'Ask anyone if they remember the teacher who inspired them most, and nearly everyone will immediately smile and name an educator from their past,' Acting Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe said. 'Excellent educators make a lifelong impact on the learners they serve each day in classrooms across the Commonwealth, and these 12 finalists demonstrate the qualities needed in a great teacher—supportive, engaged, and passionate about the learners in their care.' Leon Smith, a secondary teacher at Haverford High School in the Haverford Township School District in Havertown, was the 2025 Teacher of the Year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Black History Month: Haverford High School teacher named Pa Teacher of the Year
The Brief A Montgomery County native has been named Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year. Leon Smith has been a teacher at Haverford High School for more than two decades and he is an educator who is dedicated to his craft. HAVERTOWN, Pa. - A Delaware County educator has been named 2025 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year. As the award recipient, Leon Smith will represent the Commonwealth in the National Teacher of the Year competition. He will also continue to work with legislators to craft policies that improve student success and diversity. What we know During Black History Month, Pennsylvania's 2025 Teacher of the Year, Leon Smith, reflects on his impact and what this recognition means. "I knew Black excellence, but I knew they weren't seeing it," said Smith. "And I was frustrated by that, so when I decided I wanted to be a teacher, it was really kind of important to me to be the teacher I never had." Smith has been a teacher at Haverford High School for 22 years, inspired by his parents who were also educators. He teaches 9th grade honors, AP Social Studies, and African American Studies. What they're saying "You have to look back in order to move forward, and I think that's really what Black history is to me, to really learn from the ancestors." Outside of the classroom, he coaches boys basketball and runs the African American Cultural Enrichment Club. He also created programs to encourage more students, especially of color, to become educators. "This is a role that other people that look like me can do. But I also think it really shatters a lot of stereotypes, especially for Black men in society."
