Jennifer Herrin and Christina White, dedicated 7th-grade U.S. History teachers at J.L. Simpson Middle School in Loudoun County Public Schools, have been awarded a 2026 Teacher Grant for their innovative project, Hands-On History: Engaging Students Through Projects, Manipulatives, and Anchor Texts.
This project transforms traditional instruction in U.S. History II (covering 1865 to the present) by prioritizing equitable, engaging, and immersive learning experiences. Through hands-on, project-based approaches supported by carefully selected anchor texts and manipulatives, students actively examine primary and secondary sources, analyze historical maps and artifacts, and participate in structured interactive activities. These experiences deepen comprehension of pivotal events, cultural transformations, and enduring themes in American history.
Students create meaningful products—such as detailed dioramas, interactive timelines, and other creative artifacts—that reinforce historical thinking skills, encourage connections across eras, and empower them to draw relevant parallels to contemporary issues. By integrating historical inquiry with literacy analysis, artistic design, civics education, and collaborative communication, the project fosters interdisciplinary learning. Participants don’t just memorize facts; they read like historians, think like researchers, create like designers, and communicate like informed citizens.
This approach promotes higher-order thinking, increases the relevance of historical content, and builds transferable skills that extend well beyond the classroom. It ensures all students—regardless of background—can access rigorous, engaging instruction that sparks curiosity, critical analysis, and a lifelong appreciation for history.
The grant recognizes the teachers’ commitment to innovative pedagogy and their proven track record of student-centered, inclusive teaching at J.L. Simpson Middle School. Congratulations to Jennifer Herrin and Christina White on this well-deserved recognition—their project exemplifies excellence in middle school education and promises lasting impact on 7th-grade historians in LCPS.
