Kiana Hugues Pettit continues teaching career at Fort Hall Elementary
Kiana Hugues Pettit
By YVONNE WARJACK
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — Kiana Hugues Pettit has begun a new chapter in her teaching career as a first grade teacher at Fort Hall Elementary School, bringing several years of experience working with young students in the Fort Hall community.
Pettit is entering her fifth year as a classroom teacher. She previously worked at Chief Tahgee Elementary Academy, where she began as a paraprofessional before teaching second grade for two years and first grade for two years. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Idaho State University and also gained experience substitute teaching in Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25.
Pettit said her interest in education began early. As a child, she enjoyed playing school and taking on the role of teacher. Later, a high school teacher influenced the type of classroom environment she wanted to create. “I felt very safe and comfortable in the classroom, which made the learning environment really fun for me,” Pettit said. After taking the previous school year away from teaching following the birth of her son, Pettit decided to return to education.
When a first-grade position became available at Fort Hall Elementary, it gave her an opportunity to continue serving students in the community where she grew up. “I’m from here. I’m a tribal member, love working with our youth and connecting with them, and just being someone that they can feel safe around,” she said.
Her experience at Chief Tahgee helped Pettit strengthen her classroom-management skills, patience and ability to adjust instruction to meet different student needs. It also showed her the importance of getting to know students, their families, interests and cultural backgrounds.
Pettit has carried her experience with Shoshone language and culture into her new classroom. She said some Fort Hall students have recognized Shoshone words she has used because they have heard the language at home.
Inside the classroom, Pettit incorporates structure, movement and hands-on learning. Students participate in short periods of core instruction before moving into activities using manipulatives and other materials. Creative free play, STEM materials, brain breaks and movement between the classroom rug and desks are also incorporated throughout the day. “They are so eager to learn,” Pettit said of her first graders. “They want to know. They soak up everything.”
To strengthen foundational reading, writing and math skills, Pettit plans to use interventions, small-group instruction and hands-on materials alongside explicit and systematic instruction.
During her first year at Fort Hall Elementary, Pettit also hopes to continue growing professionally through dyslexia-focused professional development and opportunities to observe other first-grade teachers.
In the future, she is interested in pursuing a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. As the school year continues, Pettit said she looks forward to watching her students develop academically and personally while helping them build skills they can carry beyond the classroom. “I’m looking forward to growing as a teacher, always learning from my students, and then, most importantly, just seeing these kids grow,” Pettit said. “Not only in the classroom, but also their lives outside of the classroom.”
