Chess Instructor | Fall

Chess Wizards•Santa Cruz, CA

12d•Onsite

About The Position

Chess Wizards is seeking enthusiastic, reliable instructors to lead an after-school chess enrichment program for elementary students in Santa Cruz, California. Instructors teach groups of approximately 10–15 students at local schools, using a structured curriculum to teach chess fundamentals, encourage good sportsmanship, and connect chess problem-solving with real-life problem-solving. Classes are scheduled on weekday afternoons, typically starting between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM, with availability required within the Monday–Friday 12:00 PM–6:00 PM window. Instructors teach between one and five classes per week, depending on local school availability. Each class typically takes approximately one hour and thirty minutes, including setup, instruction, and post-class responsibilities. The role requires travel between school sites using personal transportation. Mileage is reimbursed for trips exceeding 15 miles one way from the instructor’s home or work location. Relocation assistance is not provided. Chess Wizards provides full training and ongoing support, curriculum and materials, free chess classes, opportunities for advancement, work flexibility, and a positive company culture. Applicants must submit a resume describing relevant experience and complete a required questionnaire about their interest, experience with children, and chess-teaching qualifications.

Requirements

Experience working with groups of children through teaching, tutoring, coaching, camp counseling, or similar activities.
Ability to lead a class independently and create interactive, friendly, and fun sessions.
Upbeat, engaging, professional, positive, and kid-friendly demeanor.
Genuine desire to be a positive role model and promote good sportsmanship.
Strong grasp of chess fundamentals and ability to explain piece movement, basic strategy, and simple tactics clearly and in an age-appropriate way.
Ability to connect chess problem-solving to real-life problem-solving.
Reliable personal transportation and ability to drive between locations.
Availability on weekday afternoons, Monday through Friday, within the 12:00 PM–6:00 PM window, to teach one to five classes per week, subject to local school availability.
Commitment to implementing school safety protocols; strong reliability and strict adherence to safety and school policies when supervising children independently.
Strong punctuality and time-management skills.
Submit a resume detailing relevant experience, including work with children and any teaching, tutoring, or classroom experience.
Complete the required application questionnaire.

Responsibilities

Lead fun, interactive chess classes for groups of 10–15 elementary students.
Use the structured curriculum to teach chess fundamentals and promote good sportsmanship.
Guide activities, keep students engaged, and redirect behavior when needed.
Manage a lively classroom with confidence and positivity.
Encourage problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking, including connections between chess and real-life problem-solving.
Follow school safety protocols and supervise students during arrival, dismissal, and in-class activities.
Travel to assigned local school sites for each session.
Arrive on time, prepared, and ready to engage students.