September 23, 2026 3:20 p.m. 

The Oregon Department of Education, in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, has announced that Cailey Powell has been named as one of Oregon’s 17 2026-27 Regional Teachers of the Year.

A release from the Douglas Education Service District said Powell teaches Agricultural Science & Forestry at Roseburg High School.

Sheri Carson, the 2024-25 Douglas Regional Teacher of the Year nominated Powell for the honor. Carson said, “Cailey is an outstanding agriculture teacher”. Carson said, “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”.

Oregon Department of Education Director Dr. Charlene Williams said, “We are so proud of this year’s Regional Teachers of the Year who consistently demonstrate hard work, strong relationships, empower their students, and create classroom environments that lead to student success”.

Thanks to a partnership with the 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.