IdahoPTV Education Staff
IdahoPTV Education supports the entire learning ecosystem, serving parents and caregivers, formal and informal educators, and community organizations focused on children's education.
We promote lifelong learning through in-person and virtual educational events and initiatives related to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), early literacy, and school readiness; media literacy and student journalism programs; free educational materials and resources; professional development opportunities for educators; and more.
We serve Idaho families by conducting parenting workshops, sharing hands-on activities that caregivers and children can do together, and providing quality educational apps and online games to promote learning.
Formal and informal educators find support at IdahoPTV through professional development opportunities, locally developed lesson plans aligned to state standards, coaching on integrating technology into the classroom, and guidance and mentoring in media education and student journalism.
In serving our Idaho communities, we work closely with local libraries, out-of-school programs, early childcare and education centers, and community events around the state.
Meet the Team
KARI WARDLE, Education Manager. Kari leads the education department and provides training and support to teachers throughout Idaho. She worked as an elementary school teacher for 10 years before joining Idaho Public Television in 2017. Kari is a PBS Media Literacy Certified Educator, Google Level 1 & 2 certified teacher, a certified Microsoft Innovative Educator, and an Apple Teacher. She obtained her B.A. in K-8 Interdisciplinary Studies from Western Governors University and her M.Ed. in Instructional Design and Technology from Idaho State University.
FLORINA RUVIO, Family Education Specialist. Florina works with families and schools throughout Idaho to help caregivers foster children's love of learning, with a focus on deep engagement, including school readiness and STEM workshops. As an advocate for the prevention of child abuse, Florina also offers workshops on Adverse Childhood Experiences and what can be done to mitigate them—personally and at the community level.
TRISHA MICK, Community Education Specialist. Trisha works to bring low-cost and free educational activities to communities across Idaho through public events, library programs, and out-of-school centers, in addition to providing professional development and continuing education to informal educators. Trisha is passionate about early literacy and STEM and believes every child should have access to high-quality educational support. Trisha is a member of the Idaho STEM Ecosystem and NAEYC. In her free time, Trisha explores Idaho's public outdoor spaces with her family and dogs.
JESSICA SOLBERG, Associate Producer, Children's Media and Education. An award-winning writer and editor with an extensive background in children’s book publishing and the development of science education materials, Jessica is passionate about the power of public media to bring people together and to change lives. She facilitates Idaho Public Television's efforts with PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs, the creation of educational materials on PBS LearningMedia, and the station's education communication efforts.