Kristy Pownall teaches fifth grade at Hidden Hills Elementary. She has been in the classroom for 23 years, teaching for 18.

Pownall has also taught second and third, as well as sixth and even ninth grades. “I’ve taught fifth grade the longest, this is year 13,” she reports.

She changed her course of studies in college when she decided to go into teaching. Pownall may have been influenced by her own experience in school. It gave her fond memories of the grade she now teaches.

“My fifth grade teacher was my favorite,” she recalls. “I struggled as a student, but having caring teachers helped me get through the years.” So, now Pownall pays it forward.

Student Adrian nominated Pownall and enjoys her sense of humor. Adrian particularly likes Pownall’s spin on the dad joke.  Adrian writes, “My teacher is super cool because she makes the best mom jokes.”

Pownall employs levity in her classroom and notes that sometimes her alter egos make an appearance, too.

“My ‘triplet sisters,’ Professor Curiosity and Princess Pownall, come to guest teach occasionally. It’s just me but totally out of my normal everyday style,” according to Pownall. “The professor comes for science. The princess for math.”

She adds, “I don’t know who has more fun, me or the students!”

When she is not at school, Pownall has fun as a member of a choir and a handbell group, and enjoys camping and baking. She also gets satisfaction from helping others.

Pownall is a second generation native of Arizona. She is proud to have attended and graduated from the Paradise Valley District where she now teaches.

She notes that if she has a special hidden talent, it is the ability to always pick the stick names of absent students. “Every single time,” Pownall reflects.

The advice Pownall gives to students is to “never give up. Yes, there will be hard things to learn, but the feeling of accomplishment when completed is fantastic.”