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Adrianna Martinez - Feb 5, 2026
Photos by Logan Culak/The Hive
Kiana Nelson, a student-teacher at Huntsville High School, encourages students with a thumbs up. Always upbeat and energized, Ms. Nelson has already won the hearts of many of her Hornet students. Soon, she will be getting her own classroom at HHS.
Kiana Nelson, a young student-teacher, is about to reach her dream of teaching at Huntsville High School.
Ms. Nelson has been a student-teacher at HHS for the past school year. Already, she has made a positive impact on hundreds of students. In the coming months, she will be getting her own classroom, starting her teaching career and affecting even more students in a positive way.
Nelson loves teaching, but she wasn’t always planning on a career in education.
“At first I didn't know what I was going to do, but I realized when I was working at the aquarium, how much I loved educating people.” Nelson said. “(English) was my best subject in school, and I want to be able to teach them something I'm good at.”
Nelson spoke about her hopes and fears about teaching in her own room.
“I hope to be able to create an easy and comfortable learning environment, and I hope that my kids will enjoy learning.” Nelson said. “I’m more nervous than scared, but I know that my fellow teachers are here, and will have my back.”
She expressed how all of her teachers and students have been so kind to her. She can’t wait to start her teaching career at HHS.
One of Nelson’s former students believes Huntsville High is fortunate to have a teacher like Nelson join the Hornets’ team.
“Ms. Nelson is really sweet and understanding,” junior Logan Culak said. “She is really fun to have conversations with and doesn't really judge anyone. … I was initially scared of her because she was super cool, but once I got to know her, she was really nice.¨
Nelson has been constantly improving her teaching methods and that is noticed by students and teachers alike.
“I just can't keep up with her!” Kaitlen Johnson, Nelson’s current teaching partner, said. “I just know she will make a wonderful teacher; I can't wait to work alongside her”
Johnson reminisced fondly about meeting Ms. Nelson. “The first time I met her was when she was talking to my old student-teacher. She was so eager to learn, so bright-eyed. I just knew we would get along,” Johnson said.
Johnson is so excited to see Nelson achieve her dream. Nelson is even more thrilled.
"I am very excited to begin teaching and start putting up decorations once I get my own room,” Ms. Nelson said.
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