31st Annual Simplot Teacher of the Year Finalist Kristin Johnson

Please join us in congratulating Simplot Inspirational Teacher of the Year finalist, Kristin Johnson. Ms. Johnson teaches 1^st grade at Indian Hills Elementary 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.

“I believe Ms. Johnson should be recognized not only for trying new methods of teaching, but for how much she cares about each and every student. She has gone out of her way for my son personally. She is always learning new things because she understands that not all children learn the same way. For example, we learned that my son has dyslexia, and that can come with many obstacles. There was a dyslexia class being taught at ISU, and not only did she invite me but she attended this class as well. It absolutely warmed my heart to see her there and knowing she just wants to be the best teacher she can by using all of her resources. I know just how hard it is to be away from your kids and she does it to help others. She is such an inspiration to not only the students in her class but me as well. You can really understand how great she is when you talk to her students and see how much they absolutely adore her. It is because she not only teaches the importance of reading, math, etc. but she teaches them that it's okay to make mistakes and that it's okay to feel upset or frustrated but through all of it that they are loved. I think that is what makes them want to try and do and be their best. My son was homeschooled for kindergarten because of my fear of what happened to my husband. He too is dyslexic and he was just passed along year after year never getting the help he needed. Well, Mrs. Johnson calmed those fears after seeing how much she cared and did everything she could to help him every single day.

She has even asked me for some ideas on things that might help him, since I did teach him his first year. So, I gave her some ideas of things that helped me teach him and that made it easier for him to understand and she tried them with all of her students. She has said it helped not only him but others as well. I can honestly say that my son would not be where he's at academically without her. She is truly exceptional! If I could have it my way I would have her teach my son throughout his 12 years of schooling.

I have never had such a positive experience with a teacher. Mrs. Johnson has overcome one of life's hardest challenges and she has never let it stand in her way of being incredibly remarkable. She has given my son the confidence he needed to accomplish whatever life throws at him. I can't tell you how much it means to look into his eyes and see the look of triumph. Finally accomplishing the thing that seemed so impossible at the time. I owe a lot of that to Mrs. Johnson.” Talisa S. - Parent