Teach Plus Teacher Leader Named 2026 National Teacher of the Year
Leon Smith
National Teacher Policy Senior Cabinet Member
"Leon Smith embodies the very best of what it means to be a teacher leader. His selection as National Teacher of the Year is a testament not only to his transformative impact in the classroom but to his unwavering commitment to shaping the policies that ensure every student has access to an excellent education and the opportunity to reach their full potential."
Excellent Teachers Shaping Policy and Practice
What if great teachers had a voice in shaping the education policies that affect their students every day? Teach Plus teacher leaders do and they are telling their stories on national public television.
“When teachers are empowered, students are empowered. And when students are empowered, they have access to the tools that will enable them to fulfill their dreams” —Teach Plus CEO Kira Orange Jones.
Teach Plus Teacher Leaders Are Advancing Opportunities and Outcomes for Students
As the Pennsylvania Literacy Coalition, we are working to make sure all students have access to high quality reading instruction and all teachers have the tools to teach them how to read.
Rachael Garnick
Pennsylvania Coalition Manager
From California to Pennsylvania, Teach Plus teacher leaders have been in legislative offices this winter and spring with student stories and solutions. Their conversations have opened doors to improve teaching and learning on such topics as literacy, career and college readiness, and strategic staffing.
Our Teachers' Impact Keeps Growing
808
Teacher leaders trained through Teach Plus programs in 2024
158
Op-eds by Teach Plus teacher leaders in 2024
4,100
Active participants in the Teach Plus Network
Become a Teach Plus Teacher Leader
Advocate for policy changes at all levels of the system
Collaborate with excellent teachers to improve instruction
Resources and News
Texas Kindergarten Teacher Reflects on What’s Driven Her to Spur Change
- The 74
Teach Plus Announces 4th Cohort of Teacher Leaders to Advocate for Student-Centered Issues at the National Level
Op-Ed: Building a school community where learning blossoms
- IL Latino News
Is a new teacher evaluation system underway? Colorado Democrats pitch fewer tests for experienced educators.
- The Colorado Sun
Education Government & Politics Indiana board finalizes new A-F school accountability system
- Indiana Capital Chronicle
The ‘Right to Read’ bill must include teacher preparation
- CommonWealth Beacon
