A science teacher at Ridgeland High School is under scrutiny after a former student from a Tennessee high school accused him of engaging in an inappropriate relationship while she was a minor.
Nathan Dawson, who currently teaches at Ridgeland High, is accused by a former student at Central High School in Chattanooga of having an inappropriate relationship with her in 2021, when she was 16 years old.
The woman, now 20, detailed her allegations in a notarized statement, saying:
“I was the victim of an inappropriate relationship with my former teacher Nathan Dawson while I was a student at Central High School in Chattanooga, Tennessee.”
The alleged misconduct came to light in February 2024, when Central High received a tip and placed Dawson on administrative leave. While officials with Hamilton County Schools said they were unable to definitively confirm the nature of the relationship, Superintendent Dr. Justin Robertson cited Dawson’s “unprofessional conduct” and noted he was “not being truthful” about his communications with the student. As a result, the district opted not to renew Dawson’s contract for the 2024–2025 school year.
Despite the findings, Dawson was later hired by Walker County Schools and remains employed at Ridgeland High School as of Monday.
Walker County Schools confirmed they received a call regarding Dawson’s past, but say their hiring process primarily involves background checks, and does not typically include reviewing personnel files from prior school systems.
Superintendent Damon Raines acknowledged to WTVC in Chattanooga the gap in protocol, stating that personnel records from other districts are not normally part of the standard review.
In addition to the allegations, Dawson was arrested for driving under the influence in Hamilton County in July 2025.
At this time, Dawson does not face any criminal charges related to the alleged relationship in either Hamilton or Walker counties.
The situation remains under review, and no disciplinary action has been announced by Walker County Schools.
