Wizard of the Month Spotlight- April 2026 - Dylan Watts

Our employee of the month is Dylan Watts from the DC., Maryland, and Virginia area!

 

Dylan is a great all-around wizard who is super fun, beloved by kids, and has excellent classroom management skills. He got engaged to his girlfriend in February - so we are super excited for him and his new life phase. Dylan is consistently willing to cover classes that are far away, both as a sub, and as the lead wizard in that space, and we are so grateful for his reliability.

 

Dylan, thank you for being such an outstanding employee and teacher!

To show our appreciation for your dedication and hard work – please check your email this week for a special gift from us.

 

Cheсk out our interview with Dylan below:

 

1. Who are you, where do you come from, where are you going? 

I am Dylan Watts, I come from Woodbridge, Virginia and I’m working towards becoming a teacher and sports coach while I work hard as a Chess Wizard! 

 

2. How long have you been teaching with Chess Wizards?

I have been teaching with Chess Wizards since the start of 2025 so I’ve been with the company for almost a year and a half. 

 

3. What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned since you started teaching? 

The most valuable lesson I’ve learned since I started teaching is definitely that every single student has a unique and infectious spirit that inspires me as much or more than I can inspire them.  

 

4. What is the most exciting experience you have had while playing or teaching chess?

The most exciting experience I’ve had teaching chess is seeing students have genuine satisfaction and joy from applying things in their games that I taught them. 

 

5.  How do you motivate your students to succeed? 

I motivate my students to succeed by conveying why chess is such a fun and exciting game while setting goals for them to improve with every class. 

                                                                                                                                                                                6.  If you could retire tomorrow and never have to worry about money again, what would you do with your time?

With unlimited free time, I would spend a lot of time meditating and growing spiritually. I would exercise by working out and playing a lot of basketball and soccer which I have a strong passion for. Of course, I would also play long and complicated games of chess to enjoy the game and improve. I would watch a lot of anime which is my preferred medium of fiction. Lastly, I would travel places all around the world and spend as much time as possible with the people that I love. 

 

7.  What’s your go-to technique for dealing with ‘handful students’? 

My go-to technique for “handful” students is to make them care about their wizards points and take them away when necessary. I also provide them with extra attention, let them help me during lessons, and play with them during free time to ensure their focus and learning. 

                                                                                                      

8. What is an unusual place you have been to? 

I went camping at the Niagara Falls, visited the NFL Hall of Fame, and saw a Broadway show in NYC! 

 

9. Do you have a talent that not many people know about? 

A talent that not many people know about is my ability to write stories and draw my favorite characters. 

 

10. What’s your #1 teaching tip?

My #1 teaching tip is gaining full control and respect for the class and rewarding their focus and attention by providing them a fun time and genuinely productive lessons, which will keep them engaged in future classes. 

 

11. What is something interesting that you’re involved in, outside of Chess Wizards? 

Something interesting I’m involved in outside of chess wizards are basketball leagues and anime groups! 

                                                                                                                                                                           

12.  If you saw a kangaroo and a chimpanzee playing chess what would you do? Who do you think would win? 

I would ask myself if I’m dreaming, consciously appreciate the present moment, and then watch the game with extreme attention. I definitely think the chimpanzee would prevail. 

 

13.  Star Wars, Star Trek, or they’re both lame? 

Mob Psycho 100, Attack on Titan, Orb: On the Movements of the Earth! Anime! Honestly, I haven’t seen either, but I definitely don’t think they’re lame.

 

14. What do you like most about working with Chess Wizards? 

What I like most about working with Chess Wizards is building connection with students, making a positive impact in their lives and ways of thinking, and doing so while teaching the game of chess that I love so much!