Wizard of the Month Spotlight - December 2025 - Khari Dotson

Our employee of the month is Khari Dotson from Texas!

 

Khari Dotson joined Chess Wizards as an instructor in Houston, TX. at the beginning of the fall 2025 season. One thing you'll quickly discover about Khari is that he's an excellent communicator. It's not just that he responds quickly to emails and texts - it's the way he talks to students, parents, school staff or anyone else he encounters on a Chess Wizards shift. It's amazing how far a kind word of encouragement or a disarming smile will go in this business of ours. Khari has taught large, high-energy classes and smaller beginner groups and seems equally at home with both. When it's all said and done, a good Chess Wizards instructor is the one you don't have to worry about: turns up on time, keeps the kids safe, teaches a fun, informative class and keeps the students, school and parents happy. Thank you, Khari, we appreciate you!

 

Khari, 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 Khari below:

 

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

My name is Khari Dotson, and I am from Houston, Texas. When I’m not working with Chess Wizards, I spend my time with my family and running a small business. 

 

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

I have been teaching with chess wizards since September of this year.

 

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

The most valuable lesson I’ve learned since starting to teach is to think on my feet and be prepared to react quickly in the moment, because when working with kids the unexpected will happen.

 

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

The most exciting experience for me is trophy day with the kids. Everyone is so excited to receive a trophy, and it’s amazing to see how proud they are of themselves and their teammates.

 

5.  How do you motivate your students to succeed? 

Every student is different—some are motivated by winning and earning points, while others get excited by small rewards like stickers. I try to understand what motivates each student. I also remind them that it’s okay to make mistakes and lose, because true success comes from learning from those experiences. Some of the most valuable lessons actually come from our losses.

 

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

I’d still teach chess and I would go to a lot of sporting events.

 

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

I like to start by letting each student share a fun fact about themselves. It helps everyone get comfortable and get to know each other better.                                                                                                                            

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

Spetses, Greece

 

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

Most of my friends don’t know that I’ve been playing chess for over 20 years.

 

10. What’s your #1 teaching tip?  

Enjoy the moment and have fun, the kids look forward to class and will mirror your energy.

 

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

Outside of Chess Wizards, I volunteer with a nonprofit organization where I mentor high school students as they prepare for graduation and their next steps after high school.                                                                                  

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

I’d get some binoculars and watch from a distance. I think the Chimpanzee would win.

 

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

Star Wars!

 

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

I enjoy working with the students and seeing their growth and progress throughout the semester. I also value the community of instructors I’ve met while teaching. I’ve learned a lot from working alongside them.