The Director of Elementary Instruction, Angie Hietala, grew up in Hayfield, Minnesota. Her educational career has been a journey, she has taught in Florida, California, and Alaska. Prior to her current role, she has taught Kindergarten through 3rd grade. In KIBSD, she has served as a 3rd grade teacher at Peterson Elementary, instructional coach at Peterson Elementary and North Star Elementary and principal at East Elementary. Hietala graduated from Luther College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education, later completing a Master of Arts degree in Higher Education from Ashland University and a Master of Education degree in Educational Administration from Grand Canyon University. She currently holds Alaska certifications for teaching elementary (K-6) and for administration (Pre K-12).