After School Program Instructor

The King's Mate Chess Academy, LLC; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Flexible schedule

Opportunity for advancement

Training & development

Job summary

The King’s Mate Chess Academy, LLC is seeking an enthusiastic After-School Program Instructor to lead elementary chess programs. You will create a fun, structured learning environment and help students develop critical thinking, focus, and confidence through chess.

You will deliver lessons from our curriculum, manage classrooms of up to 16 students, and collaborate with school staff to ensure student safety and engagement while fostering a love of learning.

Qualifications

• Experience teaching or mentoring children.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging chess lessons using curriculum and materials.
• Lead classes of up to 16 elementary school students.
• Adapt instruction for different ages, abilities, and levels of chess experience.
• Provide individual guidance, encouragement, and feedback to students.
• Teach chess fundamentals, strategies, tactics, and sportsmanship.
• Maintain a positive, organized, and inclusive classroom environment.
• Establish expectations and use effective classroom-management strategies.
• Monitor student participation and engagement.
• Communicate with program coordinators and school staff.

Skills

Experience with children

Classroom management

Communication skills

Job description

Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Flexible schedule
• Opportunity for advancement
• Training & development

Position Overview

The King’s Mate Chess Academy is seeking an enthusiastic, dependable, and engaging After-SchoolProgram 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.