IRMO, S.C. — Ms. Devin Riley at Green Charter School of the Midlands in Irmo is teaching social studies and English Language Arts in a unique way.
"Certain video games, mainly Assassins' Creed, really can capture what our ancient civilizations look like,” Riley said.
And gamers might want to take notes.
“I do that a lot. As I'm playing, or if I'm looking at someone playing, I'm wondering if there's any way, I can incorporate this into a lesson,” Riley said
Riley is teaching her 6th grade class using what she loves: video games.
“She lets us work in groups and stuff. And then she incorporates video games. And then one time she played a video game on screen, so we could watch the video while she taught us,” student Xavier told us.
In only her first year as an educator, she’s already making an impact.
“I love her a lot. She always incorporates fun stuff in her lessons, and it makes us entertained. During her lessons, she always creates fun activities and worksheets for us to do during the lesson,” Green Charter student Ari told us.
“Ms. Riley is super sweet. She always helps me out when I'm upset in class. And when I am having problems understanding the work, she always just helps me out,” student Luna said.
Ms. Riley always wanted to be a teacher. She never let others talk her out of it
“I've always felt like I wanted to teach but, unfortunately, when I was in college, I was talked out of doing teaching because of the money. But I'm not here for the money. I know I'm a first year, but I've always wanted to be a teacher. So, I'm glad I finally went with my instincts and said 'Hey, let's do it,'” Riley said.
With help from the “Teachers of Tomorrow” program, Riley was able to get her certification in social studies and is working on ELA.
“I went into teaching because these kids need a different way to learn. They can't just do the full-blown lecture,” Riley said.
Born and raised in Irmo, Riley went to school in Lexington–Richland School District Five. Now as a teacher, there’s no stopping her.
“I love it here. And I love Green Charter. Since day one, when I got hired in the summer, it was constant support, constant talking, getting everything together, even now. So I have plenty of support,” Riley said.
Riley had no idea the value she’s already brought her Green Charter family.
“She helped me because I lost a family member back before school started. She's been able to help calm me down and get me where I can get in that mindset of being able to get my head right and do the work,” student Wyatt told us.
"I didn’t know I was making that big of an impact with you guys [students] that you would think about me like this. I love you kids. I really do," Riley said.
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.