May 12, 2026 3:05 a.m.  

The Oregon Association of Career and Technical Education has named Roseburg High School agriculture instructor and Roseburg FFA advisor Cailey Powell as the New Teacher of the Year for 2026.

An ACTE release said Powell built her career on a deep-rooted passion for agriculture and education. After earning a degree in Animal Sciences from Oregon State University as a first-generation college graduate, Powell worked as a wildlife biologist before returning to the classroom to teach Agricultural Science. Beginning under a restricted CTE license, Powell quickly grew her program – doubling enrollment and revitalizing the RHS FFA chapter.

Now in her fifth year, Powell emphasizes hands-on, industry-aligned instruction and leadership development, earning the Golden Apple Award while continuing to build a sustainable, student-centered agricultural program.