2025 Simplot Inspirational Teacher of the Year Finalist Kallie Lopez

Please join us in celebrating an outstanding educator! 

We’re proud to announce that Kallie Lopez, 5th grade teacher at Gate City 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. Lopez on this well-deserved recognition!

I am nominating the kindest and most hard-working teacher I know, Ms. Lopez. Not only did she teach us reading, writing and math, but she taught us to be ourselves, to be kind and that we matter. "She made sure every student felt welcome and important in her class.  Ms. Lopez had great teamwork activities that taught us to trust, work and build friendships inside our classroom, this made us feel like a family.  She also taught us life skills such as communication, problem solving, determination, integrity, accountability, and to always treat others with respect. One thing she said to me that I still carry with me today is, ‘Life might not always go your way but remember to always look for the light at the end of the tunnel.’ That sentence gives me hope when I feel like giving up. Ms. Lopez taught us everyday with a smile on her face, I will forever be grateful for Ms. Lopez”.  Kelsi M.