Chess Player Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: After-School Chess Instructor
Company: Concorde Education
Job Type: Independent Contractor

Location: Local partner schools
Schedule: 1–4 hours per week (after school)
Program Length: Typically 10 weeks
Start Dates: Programs launch throughout the school year
Compensation: $50+ per instructional hour, flexible based on assignment and instructor experience

Position Overview

Teach engaging chess enrichment classes that help students build strategic thinking, problem-solving, concentration, and confidence.

Concorde Education partners with schools to provide high-quality after-school programs led by passionate instructors. In this role, you will lead structured, hands-on chess sessions that introduce students to the rules, strategies, and decision-making skills involved in the game.

Classes typically meet once per week for approximately one hour, though some instructors choose to teach multiple programs per week depending on their availability.

What You Will Teach

Students will learn chess fundamentals through direct instruction, guided practice, puzzles, strategy challenges, and organized gameplay. Lessons should be accessible to beginners while providing appropriate extensions for students with prior chess experience.

Instructors use weekly lesson plans while adapting activities to the ages, experience levels, and interests of participating students.

Possible Class Topics

• Chessboard setup, piece movement, and game rules
• Check, checkmate, stalemate, and other game outcomes
• Piece values and effective trades
• Opening principles and early-game development
• Tactics such as forks, pins, skewers, and discovered attacks
• Defensive strategies and identifying threats
• Checkmate patterns and endgame fundamentals
• Planning ahead and evaluating possible moves
• Chess notation and game review, as appropriate
• Strategy puzzles and timed challenges
• Sportsmanship, patience, and respectful competition
• Structured matches, mini-tournaments, and team activities

Responsibilities

• Lead engaging after-school chess sessions for students
• Teach chess rules, tactics, and strategies in a clear and age-appropriate manner
• Facilitate guided practice, puzzles, and organized gameplay
• Support students with varying levels of chess experience
• Maintain a positive, structured, and inclusive classroom environment
• Encourage sportsmanship, respectful competition, and thoughtful decision-making
• Manage chess sets, boards, timers, and other program materials responsibly
• Coordinate professionally with school staff and Concorde program contacts

Qualifications

• Minimum 60 college credits completed
• Strong knowledge of chess rules, tactics, and foundational strategy
• Experience working with youth through teaching, tutoring, camps, clubs, coaching, or youth programs
• Ability to explain chess concepts clearly to beginner and intermediate players
• Strong communication and group facilitation skills
• Reliable, punctual, and professional

Who This Role Is Great For

Many of our chess instructors are:

• Current or former teachers and educators
• Experienced chess players, club leaders, or tournament participants
• College or graduate students with experience in education, mathematics, or strategy-based activities
• Tutors, camp counselors, coaches, and youth program leaders
• Professionals and hobbyists who enjoy sharing chess with younger learners
• Individuals who enjoy helping students build patience, confidence, and critical-thinking skills