Following Tuesday’s announcement, Haverford Superintendent Matthew C. Hayes said Smith “exemplifies excellence in teaching.”
“His passion for public education is palpable and his enthusiasm inspires everyone around him,” Smith said Wednesday in a press release. “Through his unwavering commitment to his students and his forward-thinking instructional practices, he inspires learning at the highest level. His influence extends far beyond his classroom, serving as a model for colleagues across our district.”
Smith and the four other finalists are expected to soon travel to Washington, D.C., for an interview with the selection committee. The Council of Chief State School Officers will announce the winner in the spring.
“I am honored to join this incredible group of finalists as Pennsylvania’s representative for the 2026 National Teacher of the Year award, ” Smith said in a statement. “I am deeply grateful to my family, friends, students—past and present—administrators, mentors, and the Haverford Township community for their unwavering support.”