Wizard of the Month Spotlight - May 2026 - Alexandra Dennis

Our employee of the month is Alexandra Dennis from Dallas, TX!

 

Alexandra is an imaginative and creative instructor who is always coming up with fun ways to engage students and transform every lesson into an adventure. She invents games and characters to make the learning process a blast, and her classroom is a place where curiosity and enthusiasm thrive.

 

Alexandra, 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 Alexandra below:

 

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

Hello! I’m Alexandra, and I’m from the Dallas Fort Worth area of Texas.

 

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

I started with Chess Wizards in the fall of 2025! 

 

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

Rock, paper, scissors resolves about 90% of conflicts. 

 

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

I had a class where I was introducing chess to students for the very first time. Watching them learn the pieces and start to understand the strategy was incredibly rewarding.

 

5.  How do you motivate your students to succeed? 

I rely heavily on positive reinforcement. I use Wizard Points as a reward system, which students can exchange for prizes or a chance to play a game against me.                                                                                

 

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

I’d like to say I’d travel and relax, but honestly, I’d probably just find new ways to stay busy. 

 

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

Keeping strong structure while making the class fun. Wizard Points are especially helpful for motivation and focus. 

                                                                                                                     

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

I enjoy visiting local coffee shops near the schools I teach at. One of them is filled with taxidermy, which makes it pretty unique, and the owner is a big fan of chess. 

 

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

I’m fairly creative and have a background in sewing, art, and costuming. 

 

10. What’s your #1 teaching tip?

Always remember that students are little people with their own lives and challenges. Empathy and kindness go a long way. 

 

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

I really enjoy attending stage plays and musicals, and I collect playbills. 

                                                                                                                                                                           

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

I’d immediately take a picture and then play the winner. My money’s on the ape. 

 

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

That’s a tough one. My parents are Trekkies, and I even named my first sewing machine Janeway, so I’ll have to go with Star Trek.

 

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

I really appreciate the company’s focus on ongoing training and support for instructors.