Chapel Hill High School has welcomed two new members to its social studies department: McKenna Dodson and Ryan Evans.
Dodson teaches American History and AP U.S. Government and Politics, while Evans focuses on economics and personal finance.
Evans brings seven years of teaching experience to Chapel Hill High School, though this year marks his first teaching in North Carolina. Originally from Tennessee, he previously taught at Hillsboro High School and Ravenwood High School. He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee.
Despite these accomplishments, Evans plans to further his education by pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership at the University of North Carolina, with the long-term goal of becoming an assistant principal.
Evans said he employs an interactive teaching style designed to engage all students, incorporating tools such as polls, electronic whiteboards and sticky notes to foster discussion.
“I often use a variety of images, videos and activities to appeal to every student,” Evans said.
For students who may struggle with motivation or engagement, Evans takes a personalized approach to connect with them.
“I try to spend time understanding the students’ situations and why they might be struggling, so I can adapt and learn what motivates them,” he explained.
This individualized attention, Evans believes, helps create a positive learning environment in his classroom.
“Mr. Evans really cares about us and wants everyone to succeed no matter what,” senior Colin Zeng said.
Dodson, now in her fourth year of teaching, previously taught at Excelsior Classical Academy in Durham. She earned her social studies education degree from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, specializing in teaching grades 9–12.
Dodson describes her classroom as “productively chaotic” and strives to make history relatable by connecting historical events to current issues. She also uses popular tools like TikTok to engage students.
“Ms. Dodson always teaches with passion and makes every class engaging, inspiring us to learn and grow every day,” sophomore Will Ferris said.
For students who struggle with comprehension, Dodson provides individualized support.
“Sometimes, if it’s easier for a student to read something in their native language, I’ll let them do so. Then we come back to it and discuss in English,” she explained.
Beyond her teaching responsibilities, Dodson helps supervise the men’s volleyball team and advises the National Honor Society. She recognizes the legacy of her predecessor, Bill Melega, but aims to establish her own path and leave her mark at Chapel Hill High.
“I’m excited to be at an established high school where students can focus on being high schoolers while also staying involved in clubs, activities, student government, and journalism,” she said.
