Afterschool Chess Instructor

Level UP Enrichment; Poway (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible schedule

Paid training

Professional development assistance

Referral program

Gas bonus for distant sites

Job summary

Level UP Enrichment is seeking enthusiastic Chess Instructors to lead after-school chess classes in California using our provided curriculum and materials.

You will teach fundamentals, guide students through games and activities, and create a fun, structured learning environment for K-6 learners.

Qualifications

• Solid knowledge of chess, including rules, piece movement, basic tactics and strategies.
• Ability to explain chess concepts in a simple, engaging, and age-appropriate way.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Independent ability to lead and supervise groups of students.

Responsibilities

• Teach chess fundamentals using Level UP curriculum.
• Lead engaging after-school chess lessons and activities.
• Adapt lessons for different experience levels and student needs.
• Promote sportsmanship, respect, teamwork and confidence.
• Maintain a safe, structured learning environment and manage behavior.

Skills

Chess knowledge

Teaching

Communication

Leadership

Classroom management

Reliability

Job description

NOW HIRING CHESS INSTRUCTORS!

Do you love chess and enjoy working with kids? Are you looking for a fun, meaningful part-time job that works well with an afternoon schedule?

Level UP Enrichment is hiring After-School Chess Instructors / Teachers!

For the past six years, Level UP Enrichment has brought engaging after-school programs to students throughout California. Our classes help children build confidence, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, patience, and sportsmanship through interactive lessons, games, and hands‑on learning.

We're looking for enthusiastic instructors who understand chess fundamentals, enjoy working with elementary school students, and can create a fun, positive, and structured learning environment.

You bring the chess knowledge, energy, leadership, and enthusiasm. We provide the curriculum, lesson plans, training, and program materials.

About the Chess Program

Our after-school chess classes introduce students to the game of chess while helping them strengthen important life skills.

As a Chess Instructor, you will:

• Teach chess fundamentals, including piece movement, rules, tactics, and basic strategies.
• Help beginner and intermediate students develop their chess skills.
• Lead interactive chess lessons, activities, challenges, and friendly matches.
• Encourage critical thinking, strategic planning, patience, and problem-solving.
• Promote good sportsmanship, respect, teamwork, and confidence.
• Adapt lessons to support students with different experience levels.
• Create an engaging, supportive, and inclusive learning environment.

You do not need to be a professional or tournament-level chess player, but you must have a solid understanding of chess and be comfortable teaching the game to children.

Compensation & Benefits

• Starting Pay: $26.00 per hour
• Guaranteed Class Minimum: Instructors are paid for a minimum of 1.5 hours per class to account for setup, instruction, and student dismissal.
• Paid training
• Pre‑written chess curriculum and lesson plans
• Chess sets and program materials provided
• Gas bonus for qualifying school assignments located more than 15 miles from your starting location
• Flexible part‑time scheduling
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee referral program

REQUIRED AVAILABILITY

Please review these requirements carefully before applying.

• Must be available a minimum of 3 weekdays per week.
• Must have availability between 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM on those days.
• Must be able to travel to assigned school sites.
• Classes primarily take place during after‑school hours.

A Day on the Job

You will travel to an assigned school and independently lead an engaging after‑school chess class using Level UP's provided curriculum, chess sets, and instructional materials.

Your responsibilities may include:

• Arriving early to prepare the classroom and chess materials.
• Checking students into the program and taking attendance.
• Teaching chess lessons using the provided curriculum.
• Demonstrating chess concepts and guiding students through practice games.
• Supporting students with varying levels of chess experience.
• Keeping students engaged, focused, and participating.
• Managing classroom behavior and expectations.
• Maintaining a safe, structured, and positive learning environment.
• Communicating professionally with students, families, school staff, and Level UP leadership.
• Following student dismissal and safety procedures.
• Organizing and transporting chess sets and program materials.

Most assignments take place in the afternoon, making this position a great fit for college students, substitute teachers, chess enthusiasts, tutors, coaches, educators, or anyone looking for meaningful supplemental income.

Essential Physical & Classroom Requirements

This position requires employees to safely supervise and lead groups of children in an active, fast‑paced enrichment environment.

Employees must be able to perform the following essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Physical Stamina & Lifting: Safely lift, carry, and maneuver up to 40 pounds of program materials.
• Materials Transportation: Transport and manage chess sets, instructional supplies, and program materials using a personal vehicle.
• Mobility & Rapid Response: Move safely and quickly through indoor and outdoor school environments and respond promptly and calmly when immediate action is required.
• Independent Group Supervision: Independently supervise and manage groups of up to 20 students in grades 1-5 or up to 10 TK/K students, depending on the program.
• Classroom Management: Establish clear expectations, redirect student behavior appropriately, and maintain a safe, structured, and engaging class environment.
• Communication: Clearly and professionally communicate with students, parents or guardians, school staff, and Level UP leadership.
• Active Classroom Environment: Remain attentive, engaged, and responsive while working in an active environment that may be energetic or loud.

Qualifications

We're looking for Chess Instructors who are dependable, enthusiastic, engaging, and confident teaching children.

Applicants must have:

• Solid knowledge of chess, including rules, piece movement, basic tactics, and strategies.
• The ability to explain chess concepts in a simple, engaging, and age‑appropriate way.
• A genuine interest in working with children in grades K-6.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• The confidence to independently lead and supervise a group of students.
• Strong classroom management skills.
• Reliable transportation capable of carrying program supplies.
• A working smartphone.
• Availability for at least 3 weekdays between 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
• Ability to complete required background screening and fingerprinting upon hiring.
• Dependability and strong time‑management skills.

Previous chess instruction experience is preferred, but not required for candidates with strong chess knowledge and experience working with children.

Bonus Qualifications

We especially encourage applicants with:

• Experience teaching chess to children or beginners.
• Participation in chess clubs, tournaments, or organized chess programs.
• Teaching, tutoring, coaching, childcare, camp, or youth-program experience.
• Classroom management experience.
• Experience working independently with groups of elementary school students.
• Coursework or experience in education, child development, psychology, recreation, or a related field.

Ready to Level UP?

Benefits

• Flexible schedule
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Paid training

Pay: From $26.00 per hour
Job Type: Part-time
Work Location: Ramona, Poway, Mira Mesa.

Job Type: Part-time

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program

Work Location: In person