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Rupert Elementary School fourth-grade teacher Christine Peargin has been named the Idaho Public Television Digital Innovator for the 2023-2024 school year. The Digital Innovator program recognizes Idaho teachers who enhance learning by integrating technology or digital media into their classrooms. Each spring, IdahoPTV selects one educator who will serve as Digital Innovator for the following school year.
“I am honored to be chosen,” says Peargin. “I wholeheartedly believe technology brings learning outside the classroom walls and helps students develop critical and creative thinking skills needed for the future.”
Kimberly Mong, a teacher at the Minidoka School District who nominated Peargin for this year’s honor, says, “Christine engages her students by using technology strategies that are customized to each of her students’ individual learning needs. She uses a variety of programs such as Google Classroom, Classkick, Canva, and many others. She also teaches her students how to code. They love it! She has robots in her room that she purchased herself, for the students to use and code with. She helps and encourages the entire Rupert Elementary staff to incorporate technology into their classrooms as well.”
“We are excited to welcome Christine Peargin as the IdahoPTV Digital Innovator for the 2023-2024 school year,” says Kari Wardle, IdahoPTV’s education manager. “Christine was chosen for her use of technology and innovation in her classroom, but also for her willingness to inspire and coach other teachers to use technology in their classrooms. I know that she will be a great addition to the Digital Innovator team and I look forward to working with her in the upcoming school year.”
Peargin will have many opportunities to explore new teaching strategies and share her knowledge with other Idaho teachers. Throughout the year, she will partner with IdahoPTV education staff on professional development trainings for teachers around Idaho.
Peargin will also receive an expenses-paid trip to the Northwest Council for Computer Education (NCCE) conference in Seattle (March 2024) as well as a classroom innovation kit from IdahoPTV.
The IdahoPTV Digital Innovator Program is based on the national PBS Digital Innovators Program. Each Idaho honoree will be considered for the national honor of PBS Digital Innovator All-Star. For more information contact Kari Wardle, IdahoPTV education manager, at kari.wardle@idahoptv.org or (208) 373-7314. To learn more about past Digital Innovators and Digital Innovator All-Stars from Idaho, visit Idaho Public Television’s Digital Innovator website.