2025 Simplot Inspirational Teacher of the Year Finalist Diana Son

Please join us in celebrating an outstanding educator! 
We’re proud to announce that Diana Son, 5th grade teacher at Ellis Elementary 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 Ms. Son on this well-deserved recognition!

“My 5th grade teacher, Ms. Son, prepared me in so many different ways like organization skills, teaching me lessons I will never forget and preparing me for middle school. Every morning she would greet me with a beautiful smile and a friendly ‘hello’. She always reminded me that I could do anything I put my mind to. Her wonderful laugh and smile always cheered me up if I was having a bad day. Ms. Son will always be my favorite teacher and I will never forget her.” Brilee H.

“5th grade was my favorite year in school. Ms. Son was my teacher and she planned so many fun activities for us that year. A few of my favorites were the State and Capitol contest and the wax museum." She always made class fun and I looked forward to going to school every day. I am not the best student but she brought out the best in me, I am grateful for everything Ms. Son taught me. Bensen S.