31st Annual Simplot Teacher of the Year Finalist David Beckstead

Please join us in congratulating Simplot Inspirational Teacher of the Year finalist, David Beckstead. Mr. Beckstead teaches band at Irving Middle School.

This year, the Simplot Education Council received 2,377 nominations for 398 teachers in Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25. Finalists will be featured daily through Thursday, May 9, 2024. Three Simplot Inspirational Teacher Awards will be announced on Friday, May 10, 2024 – one for a teacher at the elementary, middle and high school levels. In addition, 5 finalists have been selected for each category and each will be awarded a $100 check. The Simplot Inspirational Teacher Award Recipients of 2024 will each be presented a $500 check on behalf of the Council.

“Mr. Beckstead is not just a teacher, he is so much more than that. He is a friend, an amazing band instructor and more.  He is by far my favorite teacher at Irving Middle School.  He has made me and our band really good and not just with hard practice. He has made me want to go to school every day. He doesn’t just stand in front of the class and teach, he will play right along with us.  He also jokes with us and befriends us.  He has been such an inspiration to me.“ Luke M.

“Not many teachers can both be funny and t4each real life lessons while making our band sound amazing.  He pushes us to reach for the stars.  He ensures we practice with periodic tests, but they are very achievable but really push us to work hard.  He allows us to try new pieces of music and values our opinions when selecting new pieces. The best thing about him is his goofy personality, he can get the whole class laughing intensely.  I deeply believe that Mr. Beckstead is the best candidate for this award. Gordon M.