The Oregon Department of Education (ODE), in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, announced Cailey Powell as one of Oregon’s 17 2026-27 Regional Teachers of the Year. Powell teaches Agriculture Science & Forestry at Roseburg High School. 

Every day in Oregon classrooms, teachers offer their innovation, energy and content mastery in support of students across the state. The Oregon Teacher of the Year Program recognizes and honors teacher excellence, with the state Teacher of the Year serving as the face and voice of exemplary educators across Oregon. Candidates for Oregon Teacher of the Year are exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable and skilled licensed public school educators in grades pre-K-12.

“Cailey is an outstanding agriculture instructor,” noted Sheri Carson, the 2024-25 Douglas Regional Teacher of the Year, who nominated Powell. “She has worked very hard to build our Agriculture/FFA program from a struggling program to a top contending program in our area. Agriculture teachers by nature put in a lot of hours, but she also volunteers to help out with schoolwide professional development for staff.” 

In her nomination, Powell explains, “I am very intentional about creating opportunities that connect my students directly with our local community in meaningful, hands-on ways. These experiences go beyond field trips or guest speakers; they are projects where students actively contribute, build relationships, and see the impact of their work. Through these connections, the classroom walls disappear, and learning becomes real.”

Regional Teachers of the Year are nominated by students, colleagues, administrators, friends or family members. Regional winners were identified through a local nomination, application and selection process facilitated by the 19 Education Service Districts around the state. Applicants submitted testimonials and letters of support and were assessed by a diverse panel of regional representatives on the attributes of leadership, instructional expertise, commitment to equity, community involvement, understanding of educational issues, vision and professional development.

“We are so proud of this year’s Regional Teachers of the Year who consistently demonstrate hard work, build strong relationships, empower their students, and create classroom environments that lead to student success,” said ODE Director Dr. Charlene Williams. “As mentors, advocates, and community leaders, they show us all that the best is on display in schools large and small, rural and urban, from the first years of schooling to the final preparations for a student’s next steps beyond high school. We thank them for their inspiration and can’t wait to see what they do next.”

Thanks to a partnership with Oregon Lottery, each Regional Teacher of the Year will receive a $1,000 award and is considered a semi-finalist for the 2026-27 Oregon Teacher of the Year, which will be announced later this fall.

“These are exceptional educators who inspire students daily across Oregon,” said Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells. “We are honored to celebrate their dedication and the lasting impact they have on our students and families.”