Hi, I’m Kristin Binder, and I serve as the District Services Manager at IDLA. I joined the organization in 2009 and stepped into my current role in 2016. As the Registrar’s Office, my team plays a supporting role in nearly every part of IDLA’s work – ensuring that the details are handled so our districts, schools, and students can focus on learning. I try to approach every situation with a mindset of “How can I help?”, because at the end of the day, that’s what our work is all about: helping others succeed.
Unmuted: IDLA Q&A
Q: What does a typical day look like in your role?
A: One of the things I love most about my work is that there’s truly no “typical” day — and that’s exactly what keeps it exciting! Every day brings a new challenge, a new puzzle to solve, and a new opportunity to support our districts, schools, and students.
Q: What’s one thing about your job that might surprise people?
A: That the Registrar’s Office — our team — really is the supporting cast of the organization. We might not be front and center, but we play a vital role in making sure all the details line up perfectly so that teachers, students, and districts have a seamless experience.
Q: What’s one project or achievement at IDLA that you’re especially proud of?
A: I’m proud every day to be part of this great organization, but I’m especially proud of how our team stepped up in 2020 during the pandemic. We adapted quickly to meet an unprecedented increase in demand, all while maintaining the quality and care that IDLA is known for.
Q: What do you love most about working in online education?
A: The ability to make education accessible to every student, no matter where they live. It’s rewarding to know that the work and care that we put in really does make a difference and helps open doors for students across Idaho.
Q: What’s one unique aspect of IDLA that people might not realize?
A: What makes IDLA truly unique is the depth of our organization and how much we do in-house! We design our curriculum, manage our own student information system, and handle our own tech support. Additionally, we have regional teams who travel throughout Idaho to visit schools and support districts, and students directly. It’s a model that reflects who we are as an organization: collaborative, innovative, and deeply committed to serving Idaho students where they are.
Q: If you could swap roles with someone at IDLA for a day, who would it be and why?
A: Probably one of our course instructors — just to experience firsthand what the student side of IDLA looks like in action. I think it would give me a great perspective on how our work impacts the classroom experience.
Q: What’s a favorite memory you’ve had while working at IDLA?
A: It’s hard to choose just one! But I always enjoy moments when our teams come together, whether virtually or in person, to celebrate successes or tackle challenges. There’s such a sense of shared purpose that makes those moments special.
Q: What’s one fun fact about you that most people don’t know?
A: Honestly? I dread this question in “get to know you” scenarios or icebreakers, because I’m not the most interesting person! If I had to share something, it’s that I’m happiest in simple moments: a quiet day at home, a good meal shared with friends, or watching football on TV.
Lightning Round!
Q: What’s your go-to coffee (or tea) order?
A: Americano with a splash of oat milk
Q: If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be?
A: Leonardo da Vinci
Q: What’s the best book, TV show, or podcast you’ve enjoyed recently?
A: Beyond the Wand: The Magic and Mayhem of Growing Up a Wizard by Tom Felton — and yes, you’ve got to listen to the audiobook!
Q: What’s one piece of technology you couldn’t live without?
A: My phone (even though I hate to admit it). It keeps me organized and connected.
Q: If you could work remotely from anywhere in the world, where would it be?
A: Somewhere remote with reliable internet — maybe a quiet island or a cozy cabin in the woods, where I could truly unplug after work.
When I look back on my time at IDLA, what stands out most isn’t a single project or milestone; it’s the people. The collaboration, the creativity, and shared purpose that drive us forward every day.
The best part of my job is knowing that what we do helps make learning possible for students across our state.
