2025 Simplot Teacher of the Year Finalist Ray Drysdale

Join us in celebrating an outstanding educator!

We’re proud to announce that Ray Drysdale, 5th Social Studies teacher at Pocatello High 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. Drysdale on this well-deserved recognition! 

“There are some teachers who leave an enormous impact on your learning and additionally your life. I was honored to be able to have been taught personal finance by Mr. Drysdale. I was excited to be able to take a class from him because I heard great things about his class.  I can truthfully say Mr. Drysdale’s class has by far been one of my favorite classes I’ve taken during my high school journey. I learned so much about finance and how to become financially responsible at a young age. The reason I valued him as a person and his way of teaching was because I could tell he was passionate about wanting us to learn.”  Kelsie C.

Mr. Drysdale, I feel like I should say this more often but, thank you! Your passion for teaching shows and has affected me tremendously in the best way possible. I get excited for your classes; I feel like they will stick with me for the rest of my life. Even though you teach more of the serious subjects, you always find a way to make it fun. Thank you and I hope you enjoy your retirement; you deserve it! Jada S.