Outstanding Teacher in Agriculture Award
2024 Outstanding Teacher in Agriculture - Shon De Vet
BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation (BCAITC) is pleased to announce that Shon De Vet is the recipient of the 2024 BCAITC Outstanding Teacher in Agriculture Award. Shon De Vet received this award for demonstrating outstanding leadership and innovation in agriculture education. The award was presented to him at BC Agriculture Council’s BC Agri-Foods Industry Gala on January 22, 2025.
Shon De Vet is a Grade 10 to 12 Culinary Arts teacher from Fleetwood Park Secondary in Surrey, his passion for agriculture and food education stems from a lifelong love for the food industry, which began at the age of nine. As a Red Seal chef since 1992, Shon brings decades of expertise and enthusiasm to his teaching, consistently connecting his students to the world of BC agriculture. Since joining the teaching profession six years ago, Shon has made it a priority to integrate lessons about local food systems, sustainability, and BC’s rich agricultural heritage into his curriculum.
Shon remarks “As a teacher, it’s important to connect students to BC agriculture because it fosters a deeper understanding of local food systems, the economy, and sustainability. By teaching them where their food comes from, we encourage healthier choices, respect for Indigenous traditions, and critical thinking about environmental issues. It’s about inspiring them to care for the land and make choices that contribute to a sustainable future.” Shon credits BCAITC programs like Take a Bite of BC for inspiring his students, he shares “This program beautifully showcases BC’s agricultural bounty, allowing students to explore, touch, and taste fresh local products they might not have encountered before. It cultivates curiosity, a love for local produce, and an appreciation for the richness of BC’s agriculture.”
For educators seeking to integrate agriculture and food education into their classrooms, Shon advises: “Look for where it fits naturally. Share the history of food, cultural influences, and the contributions of Indigenous communities to our culinary traditions. It doesn’t have to be a massive production—simple connections to agriculture can create a meaningful learning experience.”
BCAITC congratulates Shon De Vet on this prestigious award!
BCAITC has been presenting BC teachers with the Outstanding Teacher in Agriculture Award since 2004. The award acknowledges teachers who are ambassadors for agriculture education - they are people who make it a priority for their students to learn about BC food and farming. Thank you to DairyCrop for generously sponsoring this award.
Previous Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award Recipients
- 2023 - Aaron Veenstra
- 2022 - Michelle Johnsrude
- 2021 - Robin Ruff
- 2020 - Gary Funk
- 2019 - Monica Bradbury
- 2018 - Chef Brian Smith
- 2017 - Tania Toth
- 2016 - Karla Stroet
- 2015 - Patricia Regan
- 2014 - Joe Massie
- 2013 - Chef Gerald Worobetz
- 2012 - Lori Pilling
- 2011 - Gail Chan and Chef Randle
2025 Outstanding Teacher in Agriculture Award Nominations
Each year, we recognize a BC teacher who has been a champion in agriculture education. Nominations for the 2025 Outstanding Teacher in Agriculture Award will be accepted from September 1 to November 15, 2025. Watch this page for more information (coming fall 2025).
BC Regional Science Fair Awards
To highlight the connection between agriculture and science, BCAITC supports the Science Fair Foundation of British Columbia. Each year, we contribute 13 regional science fair awards for outstanding projects that demonstrate the practical application of scientific principles to agriculture.
2024 Science Fair Award Winners by Region
2023 Science Fair Award Winners by Region
2022 Science Fair Award Winners by Region
2021 Science Fair Award Winners by Region
Visit the Science Fair Foundation BC for more information on BC science fairs and awards, student resources, and the Science Fair Mentorship Program.
BCAITC Scholarship for 4-H BC Members
Every year, BCAITC supports 4-H British Columbia (4-H BC) by awarding a $1,000 scholarship to an active member of the organization who is enrolled (or plans to be enrolled) in a BC university Teacher Education Program. We are pleased to announce that Tamsyn Clay is the recipient of the 2024 BCAITC scholarship! Congratulations Tamsyn!