Alumnus Tyler Rydman’s middle school classroom features everything from traditional teaching tools to gaming consoles that serve as a practice space for his nationally ranked esports team.
But making it to today didn’t come easily for Rydman. In fact, it took the Newman graduate nine years to complete his bachelor’s degree.
“I didn’t really have any ambitions after high school,” Rydman explained. “But one introduction to an education class sparked a passion for inspiring young people to set goals for themselves — something I hadn’t done myself as a young person.”
That spark eventually led the Michigan native on a winding path to Great Bend Middle School, where he began as a social studies teacher and now teaches seventh and eighth grade computer classes. One of his recent achievements: earning a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with a concentration in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) in May 2024 from Newman University.
“When I finished my bachelor’s degree, it didn’t really feel like it had happened. I was a very nontraditional student,” Rydman said. “But the more trials and tribulations you go through in life, the more confidence you build in yourself.”
His journey to a master’s degree was given a boost when Newman administrative assistant Cindy Spriggs recognized his potential, and encouraged him to pursue his degree while helping him secure scholarships and grants. Great Bend Public Schools’ commitment to employee development also provided additional motivation for Rydman.
“My school district does a really good job of empowering their staff and encouraging them to better themselves,” he said.
Scoring big with esports development
While pursuing his master’s degree online during the COVID-19 pandemic, Rydman launched an ambitious project: building an esports program from scratch. The timing aligned with a growing national trend. Since 2018, when the National Federation of State High School Associations recognized esports officially, more than 8,600 high schools have launched gaming teams. About 90% of teens play video games, and colleges now offer nearly $15 million in esports scholarships.
While Rydman helped lead one of his middle school teams to a top 16 finish nationally last year, he believes that esports can provide many benefits for students beyond success on the scoreboard.
“It brings people together and when they’re working together it’s like any other team sport. They’re all for each other. We’re trying also to teach them to have compassion and good sportsmanship. That’s what we’re doing with video games,” he said in an article in the Great Bend Tribune.
In addition to lessons learned through video games, Rydman’s own unique educational journey can be an example for his students.
“Probably my best quality as a teacher and as a student is persistence and hard work, and I think that’s a good testimony for my students,” he said. “If I can transform myself, they can, too.”
Find your degree fit at Newman University
Whether it be for your undergraduate or graduate degree, online or in-person, Newman University will equip you with the tool to transform society for the better.
