After School Chess Instructor

About the Role

We’re searching for a dependable classroom leader who can guide K-5 students through our dual curriculum: introductory chess activities paired with weekly character-building themes (perseverance, decision-making, empathy, and more). Advanced chess skills aren’t required—we supply everything you need. Your greatest strengths are strong classroom management, enthusiasm, and unwavering reliability.

Commitment & Schedule

• It should be noted that this program is paid per class $60 dollars and NOT by the hour. The school year is divided into eight (8) separate 8-week sessions. Each site meets once per week for a 1-hour class scheduled within the 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm window (arrive 15 minutes early and stay 15 minutes after). Coaches who excel may add additional days or school sites, increasing their weekly classes. Attendance is non-negotiable. Students, schools, and families count on you to be present and on time for every class in each 8-week session you accept.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead 1–3 classes per week (with the option to grow) using our provided lesson plans. Maintain a positive, orderly, inclusive environment for 10–15 students through confident classroom-management techniques. Integrate short life-skills discussions and real-world examples into each lesson. Track attendance, encourage growth, and celebrate effort and teamwork. Communicate schedules and class highlights to site staff and parents as needed.

What You’ll Bring

• Proven experience supervising elementary-age children (teaching, tutoring, coaching, camp counseling, youth ministry, etc.). Strong classroom-management style—able to set expectations, redirect energy, and keep learning fun. Clear, upbeat communication skills. Reliable car & valid driver’s license to travel between school sites. Ability to pass a background check.

Nice-to-Have

• Basic familiarity with chess rules (or willingness to learn quickly—certification covers essentials). Experience weaving social-emotional or character-education content into lessons. Spanish or other second-language skills.

Why Teach with Us?

• Paid certification – arrive ready to lead; no lesson planning at home. High impact, flexible growth – start with one day per week; earn more sites and days as you demonstrate reliability. Supportive community – on-call program managers and a library of enrichment resources. Meaningful part-time opportunity – ideal for educators, grad students, retirees, or anyone passionate about mentoring kids.

Ready to model great moves on — and off — the board?Click “Apply” on Indeed or email your résumé and a brief note describing a life lesson you’d share with kids to [email protected]. We review applications on a rolling basis and will contact qualified candidates within one week.

The Scholar's Chess Guild celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and students.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $40.00 per hour

Ability to Commute:

• Chicago, IL 60660 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Chicago, IL 60660: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person