At Rhode Island PBS, RWU Alum Empowers Communities Through Media Literacy
Through her work as Coordinator of Education Services, Sarah Trudeau ’21 is equipping communities with the tools to develop critical thinking and make thoughtful decisions.
BRISTOL, R.I. – In an age where media shapes perceptions and influences decisions, Sarah Trudeau ’21 is on a mission to ensure that Rhode Islanders are equipped to navigate the digital world with confidence. As Coordinator of Education Services at Rhode Island PBS, Trudeau works tirelessly to provide educators, students, and families with the tools to critically engage with media, build digital literacy, and foster a more informed and connected community.
This passion for empowering young learners was a central theme of her message to first-year Education majors during a recent visit to Roger Williams University. Speaking to students in the Educational Technology course, Trudeau emphasized the transformative power of teaching media literacy skills that prepare budding scholars and inspire critical thinking that extends far beyond the classroom.
“Rhode Islanders understand that media literacy is important, but they’re not equipped with the skills and tools to talk about it or actively engage in it,” she said. “By equipping students with the tools to navigate today’s complex media landscape, we’re not just teaching them how to consume information, but how to engage with the world, question narratives, and make informed decisions.”
Trudeau also encouraged the future educators to remain adaptable and curious, reminding them that the tools and strategies they develop now will shape the next generation of thoughtful learners.
“Being intentional about your media consumption and sharing resources with others can create a ripple effect,” she said. “Educating ourselves to double-check sources and counteract misinformation is a skill that benefits both our personal and professional lives.”
Experiential Learning Opens Doors
Trudeau’s journey to Rhode Island PBS began as a senior Educational Studies major at RWU, where she seized the opportunity to intern with WSBE, the organization’s television station. In this role, she supported professional development for early childhood educators, assisted with virtual events, and served on the Education Advisory Committee, gaining valuable insight into the intersection of education and media.
During her internship, Trudeau collaborated on a virtual learning hour featuring a screening of the new PBS KIDS show “Elinor Wonders Why,” along with pre-recorded segments of a school librarian reading a book and an elementary school teacher leading a hands-on lesson on building binoculars from toilet paper rolls. It was through these opportunities that Trudeau began to see the impact of her work on local educators and students.
“Everyone knows PBS, but I wanted to know how it worked from an education standpoint. I knew this internship was a step in the right direction,” said then-senior Trudeau. “Showing educators how to incorporate technology and media into their classrooms in the right way is huge.”
Reflecting on her time as an intern, Trudeau credits her professors at RWU for inspiring her throughout her academic journey and helping her realize the power of education outside of the traditional classroom setting.
Making Media Literacy Accessible
For Trudeau, media literacy is more than just a buzzword; it’s a vital skill that equips individuals to make informed decisions. At Rhode Island PBS, she bridges research and practice by providing high-quality educational resources rooted in inclusivity and accessibility, offering actionable strategies for integrating media competency into daily life.
“It’s not about rethinking everything we do, but using everyday moments to spark meaningful conversations,” Trudeau said. “Small, intentional changes can make all the difference.”
Alongside fellow RWU alum Colleen Kenyon ’05, Director of Education Services at Rhode Island PBS, Trudeau introduces educators to free, curriculum-aligned tools available on PBS LearningMedia, a robust platform offering lesson plans, videos, and interactive activities for all grade levels. These resources are designed to support educators in seamlessly integrating media literacy into their teaching, making it easier to engage students with critical thinking and digital skills.
“PBS LearningMedia is a game-changer,” Trudeau said. “It’s intuitive, comprehensive, and adaptable to any classroom or learning environment. Educators can explore everything from STEM topics to social studies, all through a lens of media literacy.”
In addition to nationwide resources, Trudeau curates a monthly newsletter that highlights Rhode Island-specific resources and events. Recently, the newsletter covered Media Literacy Week, which brought together educators, caregivers, and the community through social media, in-person gatherings, and professional media visits. For Trudeau, the newsletter exemplifies the collaborative spirit that defines PBS by keeping local educators informed.
As Rhode Island PBS Education Services continues to grow its offerings, Trudeau remains steadfast in her belief that media literacy is essential to navigating the modern world. “It’s about becoming active participants in the media we consume, not just passive viewers,” she said. “When we engage critically with media, we empower ourselves to be better learners, thinkers, and citizens.”
Through her work, Trudeau is helping to build a stronger, more media-savvy Rhode Island — one thoughtful conversation at a time.