2025 Simplot Inspirational Teacher of the Year Finalist Phillip Whitworth

Please join us in celebrating an outstanding educator! 

We’re proud to announce that Phillip Whitworth, English teacher at Franklin Middle 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. Whitworth on this well-deserved recognition!

“I strongly believe that if there has been a teacher in this district that has not only taught me but has inspired me and made me think a lot more about other people and how to be kind, it would absolutely be Mr. Whitworth. I have learned a lot and even gained more confidence in myself and my writing just from following his lessons and really listening. His class inspires students daily in ways they probably don’t realize. Each lesson and assignment is creative and I truly enjoy all of them.” MacKenzie L.

“There are so many things to say about Mr. Whitworth, he is an amazing teacher. He is really fun to have conversations and playful banter with. His personality always makes his classroom a warm and welcoming environment. His lessons are engaging and students are able to converse and feel involved in what they are learning. Even though Mr. Whitworth has a playful personality, you always knew he was someone you could trust and would be there to support you.” Alenya P