Ryan Dendinger was raised in St. Bernard Parish and is a 2004 graduate of Archbishop Hannan High School. He received dual degrees in International Studies and Sociology with a minor in History from Louisiana State University in 2008; he is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of New Orleans. Mr. Dendinger is entering his first year teaching full time and is very excited to return to St. Bernard Parish for this opportunity. Mr. Dendinger subscribes to a socratic approach to education where his lessons will regularly take the form of a group discussion; he also believes that regular writing activities broaden students' ability to formulate and strengthen their own opinions and examine subject material more closely.

Before pursuing a career in education Mr. Dendinger worked as a strength coach in the New Orleans area. He has worked closely with multiple athletic teams in their off-season conditioning and development and has coached amateur, collegiate, and professional athletes to greater success. Among his former athletes Mr. Dendinger counts numerous state champions in powerlifting, a national champion Strongman, and an NFL standout.

When not in the gym or the classroom Mr. Dendinger is typically watching classic movies and examining them closely, playing Dungeons & Dragons to hone his ability to think on the fly, or walking/cycling through City Park, near his home, with his family and his dog, Future.