In this issue of our BCAITC Teacher Champion series, we profile BC teacher Cailyn Morash. Discover her passion for educating students about BC agriculture, food, and the environment.

Q. What school do you teach? A: I teach at Glenrosa Middle School in West Kelowna, BC.

Q. What grade(s) do you teach? A: I teach Grade 6 Math / Science.

Q. How and when did you first learn about BCAITC? A: I moved to BC from Alberta in 2022 and discovered BCAITC during my first year of teaching here. I was fortunate to work alongside Teacher Ambassador Amy Bawtinheimer, whose extensive knowledge and enthusiasm for BCAITC introduced me to the incredible programs and resources they offer. Her guidance inspired me to integrate agriculture education into my classroom from the start.

Q. How long have you been teaching students about BC agriculture and food? A: I’ve been teaching students about BC agriculture and food for the past three years, sharing the unique richness of our local farms and food systems. Overall, I’ve been educating students about agriculture and food for eight years, fostering a deeper understanding of where our food comes from and its connection to sustainable practices.

Q. What are the most important things that you want your students to learn about BC agriculture and food? A: I want my students to develop a deep understanding of where their food comes from, including the journey it takes from farm to table. I also want them to cultivate a meaningful relationship with the land, recognizing its importance, respecting its resources, and appreciating the role it plays in supporting our communities and food systems.

Q. BCAITC has over 500 free downloadable resources including lesson plans, activities, videos, recipes, and more! What is your favourite BCAITC resource and why? A: I like the Fresh Stories! They align perfectly with the BC Fruit and Vegetable Nutritional Program, making it easy to connect classroom learning with the fresh produce students receive. These resources are engaging and educational, sparking curiosity about where our food comes from while promoting healthy eating habits. They’re a fantastic way to bring BC agriculture to life in the classroom!

Q. What is your favourite BCAITC program and why?  A: My favorite BCAITC program is Spuds in Tubs! Watching my students' excitement as they return from spring break to see how much their potato plants have grown is truly heartwarming. It’s such a hands-on and engaging way to teach students about plant growth, food production, and the joy of cultivating something themselves. The program sparks curiosity and brings learning to life in a memorable and meaningful way!

Q. Describe an agriculture or food-based project/program you have implemented in your classroom/school recently.  A: Recently, we introduced "Fiesta Friday" in collaboration with our sister stream classes. The idea was inspired by the abundance of tomatoes we harvested through the Harvest Bin Project. Students worked together to prepare fresh salsa using the tomatoes, along with homemade tortilla chips. Every Friday, we celebrated the week’s achievements by sharing this delicious snack, fostering a sense of community and accomplishment. The hands-on experience of harvesting, prepping, and enjoying food together not only taught students about farm-to-table practices but also created a positive and engaging environment to connect before heading into the weekend. It was a wonderful blend of learning, teamwork, and fun!

Q. Do you have any advice for other educators on how to integrate agriculture and food education into their curriculum?  A: Absolutely! My advice is to look for opportunities where agriculture and food education can fit naturally within your existing curriculum. It doesn’t have to be a large-scale project—it can be as simple as incorporating discussions about where food comes from during science, math, or even art lessons. Small, meaningful connections can make a big impact and engage students in a hands-on, real-world learning experience. The key is to bring in these concepts organically and make them relevant to your students' daily lives!

About the Teacher Champion Series: This monthly BCAITC series features BC teachers and school staff who are passionate about providing agriculture and food education to K-12 students. For more information, contact BCAITC Communications Coordinator, communications@aitc.ca.