Tennessee’s Clinton Smith honored as NEA’s 2026 Higher Educator of the Year

WASHINGTON - The National Education Association (NEA) today announced that Clinton Smith, University of Tennessee at Martin (UT Martin) professor of special education, will be awarded the 2026 Higher Educator of the Year award.

The Higher Educator of the Year award recognizes a postsecondary education professional who continually engages in outstanding student-centered professional practice, exemplary state/local labor-based advocacy, and robust community participation.

"Clinton embodies exactly what it means to be an educator, a role model, and a leader for our students," said NEA President Becky Pringle. "Clinton not only cultivates critical thinking in his classroom and in his union work, but he empowers the voices of those around him. On behalf of the NEA's three million members, we congratulate Clinton for the dedication and commitment he has shown to his students and community."

Smith received a Bachelor of Science Education from Arkansas State University, a Master of Arts in Religion and Education from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, a Master of Science from University of Memphis, and a Doctor of Education from University of Memphis.

"As a faculty member at University of Tennessee at Martin, Dr. Smith has cultivated a learning environment that is both rigorous and deeply supportive," said Tennessee Education Association President Tanya T. Coats. "His passion for teaching extends beyond the classroom, where he intentionally fosters meaningful connections with students and empowers them to reach their fullest potential. His approach reflects not only academic excellence but also a genuine investment in the holistic development of every student he serves."

Smith has been a professor of special education at UT Martin since 2012. His students are the state's future special-ed teachers, and they come to him for essential lessons on "how to change outcomes for the most vulnerable students," notes Amanda Batts, a UT Martin associate professor who nominated Smith for NEA's award. Before Smith came to higher education, he taught students with disabilities-kids who had been written off, mostly-at Shadowlawn Middle School, in Arlington, Tenn. for more than a decade.

"I tell people, don't just be a member, be a leader!" said Smith. "With all of the challenges facing higher education today, faculty and staff-and their students-the future of education depends on educators understanding their power. In Tennessee and elsewhere, the biggest issues are growing threats to "academic freedom and tenure," says Smith.

Smith will be presented with the honor, as well as a $10,000 award funded by the NEA Foundation, at the 2026 NEA Representative Assembly this July in Denver, Colorado.

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The National Education Association is the nation's largest labor union, representing nearly 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, health care workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org.