After School Chess Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

Educational Alliance, a 135-year-old New York institution, is a vibrant, dynamic organization serving New Yorkers from all walks of life. We serve everyone regardless of the language they speak, where they come from, or their socioeconomic status. We believe that everyone should have a chance to live a better life and that arts and culture, education, health and wellness, and social services can help lay that foundation. 

The 14Y After School Program engages hands, heads, and hearts for children in K-5th grade attending schools across the East Village. After School is a neurodiverse community, and all staff members are responsible for supporting neurodivergent and neurotypical students to have a successful after school day. 

We are seeking a part-time After School Chess Teacher who will be responsible for creating and implementing engaging, skill building chess programming for elementary-aged students. The Chess Teacher fosters a fun, inclusive, and educational environment where students develop strategic thinking, problem solving, concentration, sportsmanship, and confidence through the game of chess. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Management 

• Submit weekly lesson plans to the After School Program Manager using the provided template. 

• Develop and facilitate engaging 45-minute weekly chess classes for groups of up to 18 students, organized by age and inclusive of varying needs and abilities.

• Design progressive lessons that build chess knowledge and skills over an 8-week enrichment quarter. 

• Teach chess fundamentals, including piece movement, rules of the game, opening principles, tactics, strategy, notation (when appropriate), and good sportsmanship. 

• Differentiate instruction to support students with varying levels of chess experience, from beginners to more advanced players. 

• Create opportunities for students to practice skills through guided games, puzzles, partner activities, and friendly competitions. 

• Incorporate After School values and seasonal themes rooted in Jewish sensibilities into programming whenever appropriate. 

• Communicate any supply or material needs for upcoming lessons to the After School Program Manager in advance. 

Classroom Logistics 

• Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming classroom environment. 

• Ensure all chess boards, clocks, instructional materials, and supplies are organized and properly stored after each class. 

• Work with the Program Manager to maintain an organized inventory of chess equipment and instructional materials. 

• Exhibit strong organizational and time management skills to ensure classes begin and end on schedule. 

• Communicate regularly with the After School Program Manager and Support Coordinator regarding student progress, needs, and concerns. 

Leadership and Supervision 

• As a member of the After School Teaching Staff, model professional behavior, good sportsmanship, and respectful communication for students and colleagues at all times. 

• Supervise students during all instructional activities and chess games to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment. 

• Attend required orientation sessions, trainings, and staff meetings as needed. 

• Proactively solve problems and motivate colleagues as challenges arise throughout the day, encouraging flexibility and teamwork to achieve common goals. 

• Establish and promote a commitment to the mission and vision of the Afterschool program. 

• Develop clear roles for Group Leaders during programming. 

• Learn and implement Afterschool's restorative approach to supervision and behavior management. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working with elementary school-aged children. 

• Experience teaching chess classes, coaching chess, or leading youth chess programs is preferred

• Excellent organizational and verbal communication skills. 

• Ability to interact with children and colleagues from diverse cultural and social backgrounds. 

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. 

• Availability to work from 3:30–5:30 p.m. at least one day per week. 

• Availability to commit to at least the first half of the After School programmatic year, which runs from September 14th, 2026, through January 22nd , 2027 and January 25th - 

June 4th, 2027. 

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.  

Educational Alliance is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, marital status, disability status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. 

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