Teacher of the Year A Dedicated Advocate for Career and Technical Education JOSH DAVENPORT

Diane L. Godwin

Josh Davenport, the 2024 Mississippi Association for Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year, exemplifies the heart and soul of agricultural education. Serving as the Horticulture and Principles of Agriscience Instructor and FFA Advisor at South Panola High School, Davenport has spent his career fostering a dynamic learning environment that encourages his students to not only master agricultural concepts but also grow as young leaders.

Davenport’s commitment to education goes beyond simply imparting knowledge; he actively works to instill in his students a sense of purpose and leadership that will serve them in the classroom and in their future careers.

“Josh’s teaching philosophy is grounded in exploration and leadership,” said South Panola High School Principal David Odom. “He creates a classroom environment that motivates students to take initiative, uncover their passions and develop a strong sense of self-direction.”

Odom’s words reflect Davenport’s dedication to fostering not just academic success, but personal growth as well. By introducing possibilities and encouraging creativity, Davenport inspires students to go beyond course objectives and embrace broader life skills like responsibility, ethics and leadership. He believes his purpose is to teach students how to learn and thrive both academically and in life.

“Our role as teachers is to open doors of possibility that inspire and empower students to take the lead in their own discovery,” Davenport explained. “It’s crucial for students to understand that the effort and willingness to try often outweighs the outcome. My aim is to teach them how to learn and explore independently.”

Davenport’s influence shines through the accomplishments of his students.

Sadie Morris, a standout 2023 graduate, earned the prestigious American FFA Degree, among other awards too numerous to mention. She points out that her achievements are a testament to the impact Davenport’s teaching has had

2 class taught by learning on helping her create a career path into animal science after high school.

Opposite page: Students filling pots with soil over wheel barrel are (L-R) Jake Self, Thomas Austin and Aydan Willis. (L-R) Charlee Hentz, Keeley Rappe’, Emma Neth, Josh Davenport and Thandie Bryant transplanting herbs and vegetables. Photo by South Panola Digital Media and Production class. Above: (L-R) Charlee Hentz works with Davenport and her classmates to learn how to grow healthy herbs and vegetables. Students in background (L-R by wheel barrel) are Jake Self, Thomas Austin, Aydan Willis, (L-R behind wheel barrel) Thandie Bryant, Maggie Adams, Emma Neth and Chrishon Ellis. Photo by South Panola Digital Media and Production class.

Jones Community College offered Morris an academic scholarship and a scholarship from JCC’s Livestock Show Team. The college sophomore attributes her achievements to the lessons she learned in his classes.

“I wouldn’t be the person I am today without the skills and experiences I gained through Mr. Davenport’s classes. In and out of the classroom, he has played a huge role in my success,” Morris said. “Whether it was applying for scholarships or developing my leadership skills, he has always pushed me to be my best. He truly makes learning fun. His passion for teaching and dedication to FFA is unmatched.”

Davenport offers students hands-on learning for real-world challenges by offering experiential learning through the school’s greenhouse, where students cultivate plants and learn business skills through fundraisers. This practical approach is further enhanced by partnerships with local businesses allowing students to gain experience that bolster their employability in agriculture-related fields.

“Josh earning the state CTE Teacher of the Year award is a significant achievement for the South Panola Career and Technical Center and the entire South Panola School District,” Trea Higdon, director of South Panola CTE said. “It reflects the district’s commitment to excellence and highlights the impact of his hard work and dedication. This recognition not only celebrates Josh’s contributions but also elevates the status of all CTE and agriculture programs.”

The 21-year teaching veteran built a career that is this year filled with many well-earned recognitions. In his 12th year at South Panola High, he also was named Mississippi’s Northern District Teacher of the year, the Mississippi Association of Agricultural Educator’s Outstanding Teacher, and he was selected as the Mississippi Farm Bureau FFA Advisor of the Year.

Sadie Morris, standout South Panola CTE 2023 graduate, earned the prestigious American FFA Degree, on academic scholarship and Livestock Show Team Member scholarship at Jones Community College. She is studying animal science. Photo by South Panola Digital Media and Production class.

“I always want what is best for my students, and to be honest my teaching approach isn’t motivated by award recognition; however it is an honor to be recognized for making a positive difference,” Davenport said. “There are many deserving CTE teachers in our state and I consider it to be one of my highest achievements to be chosen as the top CTE teacher in Mississippi.”

The Louisville native earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agriculture education from Mississippi State University, followed by an education specialist degree from Arkansas State University. Since joining the South Panola High School faculty in 2013, Davenport has helped students work toward earning FFA degrees, serve as officers at national leadership conferences, and complete nationally recognized industry certifications. It is evident that Davenport’s legacy as a CTE educator is firmly established, and his commitment to nurturing the next generation of agricultural professionals and leaders shows no signs of slowing down.

(L-R) Jake Self, Thomas Austin watering various herbs and vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, thyme, oregano, and basil. Davenport’s Horticulture class raises these plants and shares them with the South Panola Culinary class. Photo by South Panola Digital Media and Production class.