Position Overview
The King’s Mate Chess Academy is seeking an enthusiastic, dependable, and engaging After-School Program Instructor to lead elementary school chess programs. The ideal candidate enjoys working with children, is passionate about education, and can create a fun, structured, and supportive learning environment.
Our instructors do more than teach chess—they help students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, focus, confidence, sportsmanship, and perseverance through the game.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver fun, interactive chess lessons using the Academy’s provided curriculum and instructional materials.
- Lead chess classes of up to 16 elementary school students.
- Adapt instruction to accommodate students with different ages, abilities, learning styles, and levels of chess experience.
- Provide individual guidance, encouragement, and constructive feedback to students.
- Teach chess fundamentals, strategies, tactics, and sportsmanship in an age-appropriate manner.
- Facilitate friendly chess matches, games, puzzles, and other engaging chess activities.
- Maintain a positive, organized, and inclusive classroom environment.
- Establish clear expectations and use effective classroom-management strategies.
- Monitor student participation, attendance, and overall engagement.
- Communicate professionally with King’s Mate program coordinators and school staff.
- Help ensure a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for every student.
- Follow all Academy and school policies and procedures, including student safety requirements.
- Respond appropriately to minor emergencies and utilize first-aid knowledge when necessary.
Qualifications
Required
- Experience working with children through teaching, tutoring, coaching, childcare, mentoring, or similar roles.
- Ability to create a positive and engaging learning environment.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Dependability, professionalism, patience, and enthusiasm.
- Ability to manage a classroom of elementary-aged students.
- Ability to work effectively with students of varying skill levels and learning needs.
- A genuine interest in chess and helping children learn and grow.
Preferred
- Strong chess knowledge and playing experience.
- Previous experience teaching or coaching chess.
- Experience in elementary education, youth development, tutoring, or sports coaching.
- Knowledge of childhood development and positive behavior-management strategies.
- First Aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain certification.
Chess instructors do not necessarily need a degree in education. Candidates with strong chess skills and meaningful experience working with children are encouraged to apply.
What We’re Looking For
We are looking for instructors who are:
- Engaging: Able to make chess exciting and accessible to children.
- Patient: Willing to work with students who learn at different paces.
- Positive: Encourages students and celebrates progress.
- Professional: Reliable, prepared, and respectful when representing the Academy and our school partners.
- Adaptable: Comfortable adjusting lessons and activities to meet the needs of the group.
- Student-centered: Committed to helping every child build confidence and develop valuable life skills through chess.
Why Join King’s Mate Chess Academy?
As a King’s Mate Chess Instructor, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on elementary school students while developing valuable teaching, coaching, and leadership experience. You will receive curriculum and program support while becoming part of a growing chess education community dedicated to helping children succeed both on and off the chessboard.
If you are passionate about chess, enjoy working with children, and want to help young students grow through the game, we encourage you to apply.
OUR STORY
A fun and exciting curriculum for children to learn the game of Chess!
The King’s Mate Chess Academy was founded in 2017 with the mission of providing high quality chess programs to youth. The academic benefits of chess are undeniable. Many students that learn chess develop their abstract thinking, ability to concentrate and multitask. While these skills are not exclusive to chess, they are all a part of the game and consequently are developed because of playing chess. Children that play chess have shown improvement in their overall academic performance.
The King’s Path Curriculum focuses on teaching leadership skills through chess. Critical thinking, problem-solving skills, conflict resolution and social emotional intelligence are some of the key areas that we focus on developing in our students. Chess is unlike many other boardgames since a multitude of the skills acquired to play the game are directly applicable to everyday life.
The King’s Path motto is “You’re the most important piece in the game.” We want our students to understand that they are in control of their lives and that if equipped with the proper tools they can achieve their dreams. Upon completion of our program students will be able to not only play chess, but also have a foundation of leadership skills and principles that will change their lives forever.