Chess Instructor | Fall

Chess Wizards • Santa Cruz, CA

14d • $55 - $75 • Onsite

About The Position

Chess Wizards is hiring enthusiastic, reliable instructors for its after-school chess enrichment program in Santa Cruz, California. Instructors lead fun, interactive classes for groups of 10–15 elementary students, using the company’s structured curriculum to teach chess fundamentals and good sportsmanship. They create a positive classroom environment, encourage problem-solving and critical thinking, and supervise students in accordance with school safety protocols.

Classes take place at local schools on weekday afternoons. Instructors teach between one and five classes per week, depending on local school availability. A typical class lasts approximately one hour and thirty minutes, including setup, instruction, and post-class responsibilities. Instructors travel between assigned school locations and must have reliable personal transportation. The role includes full training, ongoing support, curriculum and materials, free chess classes, and opportunities for advancement.

Requirements

• Experience working with groups of children through teaching, tutoring, coaching, camp counseling, or similar work.
• Ability to lead a class independently and create interactive, friendly, and fun sessions.
• Professional, positive, kid-friendly demeanor.
• Genuine desire to be a positive role model and promote good sportsmanship.
• Strong grasp of chess fundamentals, including piece movement, basic strategy, and simple tactics, with the ability to explain them 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 weekdays between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. to teach one to five classes per week, depending on school availability.
• Commitment to school safety protocols and a strong record of reliability and adherence to safety and school policies.
• Strong punctuality and time-management skills.
• Resume detailing relevant experience, including experience working with children and any teaching, tutoring, or classroom experience.
• Completion of a required application questionnaire about interest, experience working with children, and qualifications to teach chess.

Responsibilities

• Lead fun, interactive chess classes for 10–15 elementary students.
• Use the structured curriculum to teach chess fundamentals and promote good sportsmanship.
• Manage a lively classroom confidently and positively, keeping students engaged and redirecting behavior when needed.
• Encourage problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking.
• Connect chess problem-solving to real-life problem-solving.
• Follow school safety protocols and supervise students during arrival, dismissal, and in-class activities.
• Travel to various local school sites for each session.
• Arrive on time, prepared, and ready to engage students.

Benefits

• $55–$75 per class.
• Mileage reimbursement for trips exceeding 15 miles one way (30 miles roundtrip).
• Full training and ongoing support.
• Full curriculum and materials.
• Free chess classes.
• Opportunities for advancement.
• Work flexibility.
• Great company culture.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed