3 easy steps to follow when choosing a chess instructor

Originally published 17 March, 2018

I believe that it is generally accepted that playing chess helps develop learning skills in school aged children (see my Blog on this website dated 3 March, 2018). But having reached that conclusion some parents and teachers may not know what to consider when selecting a chess instructor for their child, children or students. This article is meant to provide three easy steps to follow when choosing a chess instructor for budding student chess players.

Step 1. Contact the Chess Federation or search the Chess Federation's website for a list of chess instructors.
Chess is widely organised internationally and regardless of which country you live in, there is likely a chess governing body. Contacting this governing body and requesting a list of chess instructors who are registered with the domestic chess federation and/or the World Chess Federation should provide you with a list of potential chess instructors. You should ask for instructors who specialise in teaching chess to school age children.

Step 2. Contact instructors from the list of chess instructors with the aim of recruiting the most suitable instructor for your child, children or students.
When you make contact with the chess instructor, ask him/her to answer or explain the following:

• Whether he/she teaches chess to children and how they became involved with teaching chess?
• Which chess curriculum does he/she follow and why? and
• Ask whether you can visit one of his/her classes to observe before you make a decision recruit him or her

​Step 3. References.
Now that you are at Step 3, you can begin to develop a short list of instructors. Request the short listed instructors to provide you with names of two or three referees who can confirm their expertise and character.
A brief conversation with two or three referees should assist you with determining whether the chess instructor is for you. You should also aim to vet the instructor further to ensure that the chosen instructor does not have a criminal record and that your child, children or students are safe with them.
So in summary, if you are seeking a chess instructor for your child, children or students you should make inquiries with the domestic chess governing body, contact the instructors, speak with the instructor's chosen referees and attend a chess class to help with your selection process. It is my belief that successful instructors are able to keep beginners engaged and create a learning environment that is fun.