Connecting Students to Agriculture
Awarding Excellence in Agriculture Education
BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation applauds all BC teachers and educators for their continued efforts and dedication towards nurturing a curiosity and passion for agriculture in our youth. Since 2011, it has been our honour to recognize BC teachers who have been champions in agriculture education with our annual Outstanding Teacher in Agriculture Award. This year’s award is sponsored by DairyCrop.
And the Award Goes to...
The BCAITC Outstanding Teacher in Agriculture Award is open to teachers in the BC public, independent, and First Nations school systems. Nominees can be educators in K-12 BC Culinary Arts, Food Studies, Outdoor Studies, Environmental Science, and Life Science, as well as any other teachers whose classroom lessons touch upon agriculture and food.
We’re looking for nominees who contribute unique or excellent teaching tools, techniques, or curriculum content, and/or present ongoing professional development and opportunities to expand students’ and colleagues’ relationships to agriculture learning. Previous recipients of this award include teachers who introduced new agriculture technology programs, hosted agriculture career days, wrote agriculture into the school curriculum, or started their whole school on a garden project.
Nominate an Outstanding Teacher Now!
Nominations for the 2026 Outstanding Teacher in Agriculture Award will open from September 1 to November 15, 2026. If you know a teacher who has gone above and beyond to teach BC's agriculture and food story, we invite you to fill out this nomination form and email it to info@aitc.ca by November 15, 2026.
Past Recipients of the Award
Previous recipients of the annual BCAITC Outstanding Teacher in Agriculture Award include: 2024 — Shon De Vet | 2023 — Aaron Veenstra | 2022 — Michelle Johnsrude | 2021 — Robin Ruff | 2020 — Gary Funk | 2019 — Monica Bradury | 2018 — Brian Smith | 2017 — Tania Toth | 2016 — Karla Stroet | 2015 — Patricia Regan| 2014 — Joe Massie | 2013 — Gerald Worobetz | 2012 — Lori Pilling | 2011 — Gail Chan and Trevor Randle.
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(From Left to Right)Melanie Lantz , President, Cheryl Johnson, Executive Director, Cailyn Morash, 2025 Outstanding Teacher in Agriculture Award Recipient and Amy Bawtinheimer, Education Specialist
2025 Outstanding Teacher in Agriculture - Amy Bawtinheimer
BCAITC is pleased to announce Cailyn Morash as the recipient of the 2025 BCAITC Outstanding Teacher in Agriculture Award. The award was presented to Cailyn at the BC Agriculture Council’s Policy Forum Gala in Penticton for demonstrating outstanding leadership and innovation in agriculture education.
Cailyn Morash is a Grade 6 Math/Science teacher from Glenrosa Middle School in West Kelowna, where her passion for agriculture and food education stems from the intention of sharing the unique richness of BC’s local farms and food systems with her students. Since joining the teaching profession four years ago, Cailyn has made it a priority to educate students about BC’s agriculture and food, fostering a deeper understanding of where our food comes from and its connection to sustainable practices.
Cailyn remarks “As a teacher, 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.”
Cailyn credits BCAITC programs like Spuds in Tubs for inspiring her students. She shares “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!”
For educators seeking to integrate agriculture and food education into their classrooms, Cailyn advises: “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!”
For her inspiration and leadership in agriculture education, BCAITC is pleased to recognize Cailyn Morash with the 2025 Outstanding Teacher in Agriculture Award.
Partners Make It Possible — Thank You!
Thank you to DairyCrop for sponsoring the annual Outstanding Teacher in Agriculture Award.
Join Us!
To find out how you or your business can support this exciting program, contact BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation or check out our Partnership Opportunities.
Teachers and Schools Ask the Best Questions
Any teacher who is currently teaching in the BC K-12 public, independent, or First Nations school system and holds a teaching certificate is eligible for this award.
We notify the winner of the annual award in early January of the following year.
