Dr. Clinton Smith, professor of special education at the University of Tennessee at Martin, will be awarded the 2026 Higher Educator of the Year award from the National Education Association this July in Denver, Colorado. Smith will be presented with the honor and a $10,000 award funded by the NEA Foundation at the 2026 NEA Representative Assembly.
The Higher Educator of the Year award recognizes a postsecondary education professional who continually engages in outstanding student-centered professional practice, exemplary state or 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 in Education degree from Arkansas State University, a Master of Arts in Religion and Education from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary and a Master of Science and a Doctor of Education from the University of Memphis.
“As a faculty member at the 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-education teachers, and they come to him for essential lessons on “how to change outcomes for the most vulnerable students,” said Dr. 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 for more than a decade at Shadowlawn Middle School, in Bartlett.
“This recognition reflects not only exceptional teaching, but a lasting commitment to student success, academic excellence and leadership in higher education,” said Dr. Matthew Bice, dean of the UT Martin College of Education, Health and Behavioral Sciences. “Being named the Higher Educator of the Year is a testament to passion, innovation and dedication to the students we serve. I could not be happier for Dr. Smith.”
Smith said that receiving the recognition is humbling and not about recalling past accomplishments but rather “about shining a light on the incredible potential of the students and future educators I am privileged to work with every day.”
“No one reaches a moment like this alone,” Smith added. “I am profoundly mindful of the dedicated teachers, visionary leaders and selfless mentors who have poured into me throughout my life and career.
“They modeled what true advocacy looks like, challenged me to grow, and ignited my passion for this field. This recognition is a direct reflection of their investment in me, and it is a privilege to pass that torch to the next generation of professionals.”
The NEA is the nation’s largest labor union, representing nearly three 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. (Portions of this story courtesy of the National Education Association.)
