SWANSEA, S.C. — “They can create their next steps in the future around their passions and what they want to really do in life,” says News19 Teacher of the Week Dorinda Riley.
Riley teaches "Virtual Enterprise" and "Digital Publication Design" classes at Swansea High.
"I'll give them the task, but it's up to them to come up with what passion they want to put in their projects,” Riley says.
An alumna of Swansea High, and a USC Upstate graduate, Riley spent 10 years working for Verizon Wireless.
“I share those experiences with them so they can see from their point of view and from a manager's point of view. What do I need to be prepared for the interview?” Riley says.
In only her first year teaching, Riley saw a need for hands-on learning outside the classroom.
“I ran Countryside Barbecue for about two years, and I made it a mission to hire high school students because they will go to different jobs, and they say, 'Oh, I need experience. They won't let me have a job.' I was like, well, if you want to learn and grow, then I'll take you here,” says Riley.
She also takes these skills inside the classroom.
"I would go to the root of where the students learn to be able to bring that up, to grow them and their interview skills, their resume skills, and overall business etiquette," says Riley.
But she doesn’t do it alone. Right next door you’ll find her two aunts teaching alongside her.
“I've been doing this for 20 plus years, and she actually makes me kind of rethink, 'Oh, I need to redo this.' She's wonderful. She motivates them. She meets them where they are,” says Riley's aunt Denise Myers.
"I have the support that I need to be the best that I can be. It is welcoming, it is comforting, and it's just a good feeling to be around family,” says Riley.
And it’s not just her aunts that are inspired. Riley is also a source of motivation for her daughter and mother, too.
“She's a hard worker. She's really helpful with her students, and she deserves it,” says Riley's daughter, Saniya.
“She is the best daughter. She’s so helpful, and she's so nice. Every day she does her best at it, and she's a great mom,” says Casandra Riley, Dorinda’s mom.
“She teaches me. When I have trouble with my schoolwork and she's up there working, she just takes a break, then helps me with it and goes back to it,” says Saniya.
“We love you and we're proud of you. Keep up the good work,” says Casandra.
“Mom, good job. I'm really happy for you, and just really happy,” says Saniya.
Riley also helps her mother with their nonprofit “P.U.L.L Community Outreach”
They host giving events including delivering free dinner plates to the Swansea community to help their neighborhood grow and connect.
If you know a teacher like Ms. Riley who deserves to be recognized for their hard work in the classroom you can nominate them by emailing us at TOW@WLTX.COM. Tell us what that educator is doing every day to go above and beyond in the classroom.