At Innovations Academy (IA), a tuition-free K-8 public school in San Diego, our teachers shape the everyday moments that make this community special. Meet Riley Gray, our 1st grade teacher who just finished her second year at IA. In her class, students planted succulents with their families, explored King Tides, and built something that now belongs to the whole school. Read on to meet the teacher behind it all.
Please tell us about your background and how you found Innovations Academy.
I just finished my third year teaching and my second year at IA. I taught kindergarten for one year and this is my second year teaching 1st grade. I went to Chico State University where I got my teaching credential and completed student teaching. I was then a resident substitute at the elementary school that I attended as a child. It was so fun working with some of the teachers that inspired me to be a teacher. Then I moved down to San Diego and found Innovations Academy!
What do you LOVE about Innovations Academy? What sets it apart from other schools?
I love working here because everyone knows everyone. The kids feel so seen and heard. I also love the emphasis on learning through play and student-led learning. I love how close the staff is. We do lots of outside of school activities. People are very open and kind!
What are your favorite parts about teaching first grade?
I love first grade because seeing students learn to read is amazing! There is an extraordinary amount of growth physically, academically and socially at this age.
What are some events you are involved in at Innovations Academy?
This summer I am hosting summer camps at Innovations Academy including Camp Craft & Create and Camp Game On! (There are still some camps later this summer- check them out here!)
How have you seen social emotional learning (SEL) in action at Innovations Academy?
Last year my students created the school’s buddy bench! We came up and acted out scenarios for how and when to use the bench. I love seeing children bring an idea to life to help not only themselves but others also. (Want to learn more about our SEL program? Check out this blog.)
Please share some hands-on project-based learning in your classroom.
The first half of the year we overlapped social studies and science. We learned about plants at IA. Students had the opportunity to plant their own succulent on exhibition night with their families.
We also learned about the tide pools in San Diego. Not only did students get to see and touch tide pool animals at the Birch Aquarium, we also challenged them to explore the tide pools with their families, during the King Tides. It was exciting for them to show their families what they had learned..
Lastly, we studied animals in California. Students did a California animal scavenger hunt at the zoo! Seeing these animals in real life was unforgettable!
How do you teach leadership?
Students at this age are leaders by doing the right thing when no one is looking. They encourage their classmates to make good choices by doing it, too. They are problem solvers!
What is something you wish you knew at age 19?
Don’t sweat the little things!
Fun Facts About Riley:
– I am from the Bay Area and I have two older sisters.
– I am afraid of cows.
– I have wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember.
-I played lacrosse in high school.
Thank you, Riley, for the energy and care you bring to your classroom every day. Learn more about Riley and other teachers here on our website. Check out more about our small, tuition-free K-8 and enroll today!
About Innovations Academy:
Innovations Academy is a tuition-free public charter school serving kindergarten through eighth grade in San Diego, California. Our small school values a hands-on, inquiry-based education with high academic standards using self-expression, compassionate connection, and purposeful learning. Our new modern campus is intentionally designed with curiosity and exploration in mind. Join our innovative school today! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Find us at innovationsacademy.org.