2025 Simplot Inspirational Teacher of the Year Finalist David Beckstead

Please join us in celebrating an outstanding educator! 

We’re proud to announce that David Beckstead, Band teacher at Irving Middle School, has been named a finalist for the Simplot Inspirational Teacher of the Year!

This year, the Simplot Education Council received an incredible 2,617 nominations recognizing 402 exceptional teachers across Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25. Finalists will be spotlighted daily through Thursday, May 15, 2025.

On Friday, May 16, 2025, three Simplot Inspirational Teacher Awards will be announced—honoring one exceptional teacher each from the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Each category features five finalists, all of whom will receive a $100 award, with the top recipient in each group earning a $500 prize from the Council.

Congratulations to Mr. Beckstead on this well-deserved recognition!

Mr. Beckstead is no ordinary band teacher; he inspires us and also helps us learn valuable life skills while having the time of our lives. Mr. Beckstead has truly been the best teacher I’ve ever had and I think every band student would agree. Shaylee F.

“Mr. Beckstead is one of the best teachers I have ever had. He creates a comfortable and fun environment; he makes playing fun and exciting. He has always been one of the most insightful and helpful teachers. In band we are a team and Mr. Beckstead does not falter from that.”  Emmalee J.

“Not only did Mr. Beckstead teach me how to play an instrument, he made me feel important as a person.  When I felt like quitting band due to genuinely feeling like I was bad at it, he would sit in front of me and tell me how proud of me he was and how well I was doing. I will always remember his personality and the life lessons he taught me. I am so glad I had him as a teacher for the last 3 years.“ Sierra Y.