High school teacher named Outstanding Educator

A farm-to-fork educator who teaches students in grades 9-12 was honored with the “Literacy for Life Outstanding Educator.” The award was presented by the California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom at the 107th California Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Anaheim last month.

Rupika Malik, a teacher at Tennyson High School in Hayward, uses hands-on, student-centered experiences that connect food production, nutrition and sustainability.

“Most students have little exposure to where their food comes from or how it is grown,” Malik said. “This knowledge empowers them to make informed choices about their diets, appreciate the work of farmers and consider future careers in agriculture.”

Malik’s dedication to agricultural education has earned praise from program leaders. 

“Rupika Malik’s creative approach to making agriculture relatable for high school students is inspiring,” said Amanda Fletcher, executive director of the California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom. “Teaching students how agriculture connects to health, sustainability and food systems fosters a deeper understanding of how food is produced.”