Mrs. Gunter is PCSD January Employee of the Month

The Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25’s Employee-of-the-Month P.I.E.S. award recognizes employees who Positively Influence Educational Success. The award is for employees who go above and beyond in that effort.

This month we recognized Ms. Charonne Gunter as January’s PIES Award recipient. Ms. Gunter teaches Kindergarten at Indian Hills Elementary School.

Mrs. Gunter was nominated for the PIES Employee of the Month award by three individuals: Indian Hills Principal Jill Johnson, colleague Jenny Higgins, and Beth Pope, who has worked alongside Mrs. Gunter as her paraprofessional for the past ten years.

In her nomination, Mrs. Johnson wrote, “Charonne is super positive! No matter the challenge she chooses to focus on the good. She is a team leader both at Indian Hills and throughout the district, having served as a unit developer for years. She has also mentored new teachers in and out of the district. She wants others to succeed so she shares her tips for success with other aspiring kindergarten teachers. Charonne works so well with all of her kindergarten students. She communicates with them in a way that motivates them to work hard and want to be at school. Those who work with Charonne feel her enthusiasm and love for teaching and learning!"

Mrs. Higgins wrote, “Charonne Gunter is the most amazing Kindergarten teacher I know! She consistently finds creative and fun ways to apply the curriculum concepts for each learner, with particular attention to individual learning ability. Her classroom is bright, happy, and engaging where every learner feels valued, loved, and appreciated. Charonne cultivates joy in her classroom and our school and is an inspiration to all!"

Mrs. Pope wrote, “Charonne Gunter exemplifies the district's PIES criteria. She is always willing to share what works and what doesn't. She is also willing to use what she learns from other teachers around the district in our classroom. I have witnessed her gentle and calm way with children. She has a way of speaking with the learners that makes them feel loved and important, getting to know each learner individually. She is always looking for ways to engage the shy learner in a positive manner that boosts their confidence."

Ms. Gunter was recognized at the Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, and received a $50 gift card from the educational partner for this award, Lookout Credit Union.