After-School Chess Instructor | Paid Training | Hiring for Fall 2026

After-School Chess Instructor | Starts September 

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and positions may be filled before August.

Job Title: Chess Instructor (After-school Program)

Location: Palo Alto / Sunnyvale, CA
Job Type: Part-Time | In-Person
Pay: $27.00–$29.00 per hour

Join a Growing Team This Fall

Join one of the Bay Area's longest-running after-school chess programs. For over 18 years, Yes For Chess has helped thousands of elementary students discover chess through fun, engaging instruction.

We're hiring now for our Fall 2026 school programs and are looking for a dependable instructor who wants meaningful work, enjoys working with children, and is interested in growing with our organization.

Hiring Timeline

We're hiring ahead of the school year so you'll have plenty of time to prepare for success.

• Apply Now (applications are reviewed as they come in)
• Interviews: July-August
  
• Paid Training: August
• Teaching Begins: September
  

Our onboarding process is designed to help new instructors feel confident before leading their first class.

About the Role

We're seeking an instructor who lives in or near Palo Alto or Sunnyvale to teach after-school chess classes at local elementary schools.

Successful instructors are recognized for their reliability and performance through opportunities for hourly pay increases and involvement in special events, tournament support, and other program initiatives when available. Whether you're an educator, a college student, or someone looking for rewarding work with children, we'd love to hear from you.

Primary Teaching Areas

We're especially interested in candidates who live near:

• Palo Alto
• Sunnyvale
• Mountain View
• Menlo Park
• Santa Clara
• East Palo Alto
• Redwood City

Primary teaching assignments will be in:

• Palo Alto
• Sunnyvale
• Santa Clara

Occasional substitute or coverage opportunities may be available in nearby communities, including San Jose, San Bruno, and San Francisco.

Because instructors travel between schools, reliable transportation and proximity to the area are important.

Schedule

• Up to 5 afternoons per week to start
• Classes typically begin between 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM
• Most shifts run approximately 90 minutes
• Designed to grow into more hours over time

What You'll Do

• Teach engaging after-school chess classes for elementary students
• Create a fun, encouraging, and structured classroom environment
• Build positive relationships with students, school staff, and families
• Arrive prepared, on time, and ready to lead each class
• Communicate professionally with the Yes For Chess team
• Occasionally provide coverage at nearby schools when needed

What We're Looking For

You don't need to be a chess master. 

We're looking for someone who is:

• Reliable, punctual, and professional
• Great with elementary-age children
• Friendly, patient, and energetic
• Comfortable managing a classroom independently
• Organized and communicative
• Able to travel between nearby schools using reliable transportation
• Successful completion of a background check prior to employment

Previous teaching, coaching, tutoring, camp, or childcare experience is highly valued.

Why Join Yes For Chess?

We're building a team, not just filling shifts.

Our instructors receive:

• Paid training 
• Ongoing coaching and support
• Competitive hourly pay ($27–$29/hour)
• Consistent afternoon scheduling
• Opportunities to take on additional classes and increase weekly hours

The Ideal Candidate

The strongest candidates are dependable professionals who enjoy working with children, communicate well, and are looking for a long-term opportunity with an organization that values reliability, growth, and community.

If you're excited to make a positive impact in local schools while joining a supportive and growing team, we'd love to hear from you.