Tori Davenport, a 24-year veteran social studies teacher at John Hanson Middle School in Charles County Public Schools, has been named the Maryland Humanities state History Day State Teacher of the Year. She also received the Charles County History Day Teacher of the Year honor.
Davenport’s recognition highlights her leadership in guiding middle school students through rigorous historical research projects. The awards come as students across Maryland prepare for the state History Day contest scheduled for Saturday, May 2, at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
Allen Hopkins, CCPS content specialist for social studies, described Davenport’s role as central to the program’s success. “She is a cornerstone of our county’s History Day program and the annual History, Industry, Technology and Science (HITS) Expo,” Hopkins said.
Davenport began her involvement in History Day during student teaching at Mattawoman Middle School under social studies teacher Diana Scott. She judged a History Day Fair and later started her career at John Hanson Middle School the following year after graduating from the University of Maryland, College Park. That same year, History Day projects became mandatory for sixth and seventh graders.
“By default, because I was the only one at the school who knew what History Day was, I became the coordinator as a first-year teacher,” Davenport said. “I had to tell all these established teachers they had to do this project.”
This academic year, Davenport’s seventh-grade honors classes at John Hanson Middle School completed projects tied to the national theme, Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History. Maryland Humanities provides project prompts for students who need them.
History Day requires students to conduct long-term research from October to December. They develop a thesis statement to prove through primary and secondary sources, analyze connections to broader historical ideas, and evaluate source reliability.
“It’s a historical investigation. Students are not just spitting back facts,” Davenport said. “They have to write a thesis statement that they want to prove about their topic. Then there’s more research, making connections between their topic and bigger ideas of the time period.”
Students present findings in one of five categories: project board exhibit, documentary, website, historical paper or performance. The process builds skills in research, critical thinking and source evaluation beyond simple internet searches.
“It’s really good for them to figure out what sources are reliable and useful,” Davenport said. “They can’t just use Google.”
Davenport’s family background in education influenced her path. Her mother taught elementary school and served as a reading resource teacher. “Most of the females in my family taught in some way, shape or form,” she said.
Her own middle school experience at Matthew Henson Middle School shaped her teaching style. Social studies teacher Chet Foster inspired her through storytelling that connected people, places and events.
“He was pretty phenomenal,” Davenport said. “The way he made history come alive; he was very much a storyteller. He just made it so interesting to see the connection between people, places and events. And I try to do that for my kids now.”
John Hanson Middle School Principal Ben Kohlhorst praised her instructional approach. “She has the ability to design social studies lessons that challenge, engage and support students of all levels,” he said. “Not only do students benefit from having a powerhouse for a teacher, her colleagues do as well through her dedication and innovation as an educator.”
Hopkins emphasized her lasting impact. “Quite simply, Charles County’s History Day program would not be what it is today without her dedication and leadership,” he said.
Davenport has taught nearly her entire career in classroom B3 at John Hanson Middle School in La Plata. Her work extends to supporting the broader HITS Expo, which showcases student projects in history, industry, technology and science.
The state award ceremony on May 2 at UMBC will recognize outstanding educators and advancing student projects from across Maryland. Maryland History Day, coordinated by Maryland Humanities, operates as an affiliate of National History Day and emphasizes skills in research, analysis, writing and public speaking.
Charles County Public Schools serves more than 27,000 students in Southern Maryland with 38 schools focused on academic challenge and character development.
