Oregon Agriculture awards Bend teacher with Educator of the Year for immersive ‘road trip’ across state

(Update: adding video, interviews with teacher and program coordinator)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- For second- and third-graders at Highland Magnet School in Bend, learning about Oregon isn’t just a classroom lesson — it’s something they can see, taste, and travel through.

This year, that creative approach earned teacher Cam Glogau statewide recognition as Oregon Agriculture in the Classroom’s 2025 Educator of the Year.

“I grew up in Oregon and I have a really strong connection to this place,” Glogau said. “A lot of my kids come from other states, and their families are kind of new to Oregon. So it's really fun that I get to share what our state has to offer.”

The award honors teachers who bring agricultural literacy to life in meaningful, lasting ways. For Glogau, that means transforming his classroom into a statewide road trip where each student creates a character to “travel” across Oregon.

Through hands-on discovery, they learn about different landscapes, industries, and locally grown foods. That includes some tasty lessons.

“We’ve tasted cheeses from Tillamook, fresh hazelnuts, and we’re going to have apple and pear tasting,” Glogau said. “It’s just fun for them to see their food comes from close by. It doesn’t just show up packaged on a shelf — it comes from the land. Hopefully that just encourages curiosity.”

Evelyn Tedrick, program coordinator for Oregon Agriculture in the Classroom, said that sense of connection is exactly why Glogau was chosen for the honor.

“Kids seem to be moving further and further away from understanding where the things they eat and use come from,” Tedrick said. “The Oregon Road Map — this is just a really engaging way for kids to feel like they’re leading their own learning. Students look forward to being in his classroom, which is really exciting to see.”

Glogau hopes that spark of discovery stays with students long after they leave his class.

“I hope they go out and explore the world,” he said. “I hope this always feels like home and that they know about it.”

The adventure continues — Glogau’s class is set to take a live virtual field trip to an Oregon dairy farm, courtesy of Oregon Agriculture in the Classroom, to see firsthand where milk comes from.

Thanks to their teacher, these young explorers are on a learning journey that feeds curiosity — and a deeper connection to Oregon.

Earlier Story -- November 6th -- BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Bend-La Pine Schools is congratulating one of its own for receiving the 2025 Educator of the Year award from the Oregon Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation!

The district said Highland Magnet School's Cameron Glogau takes his classroom on an Oregon road trip, teaching his students about our region's food sources. It's all incorporated into Highland's Scottish storyline method.

Congratulations and thank you for connecting your classroom to Oregon food sources and agriculture, growing a new generation of lifelong learners who appreciate their roots.