Amanda Seymour
WITS Coordinator - Reno, NV
You don't need to make your own custom wizard costume to be a Super Wizard, but it definitely helps!
Amanda was already an experienced Wizard before she started her new WITS Coordinator position, in March 2020. Yes - that March 2020 - two weeks before COVID told us to all stay home and figure out how Zoom works. With that role on forced hiatus, Amanda signed up for digital classes, helped us train new instructors, and even helped with our promotional materials.
When she moved to Reno, Nevada during the COVID lockdowns, Amanda asked us if she could take Chess Wizards with her. Even with many schools not offering in-person enrichment classes, she was able to introduce our program to new schools, booking summer camps and regular classes this upcoming fall.
It's easy for students, parents, and schools to see how enthusiastic she is about teaching chess and making her classroom fun - and they're happy to tell us about it!
Amanda, thank you for being such an outstanding employee and teacher!
To show our appreciation for your dedication and hard work – please check your email this week for a special gift card!
Bio
I’m a colorful girl who loves creating unique art. I have many hobbies: astronomy, fashion design and video production, to name a few (and of course, chess.) I have a cat named Orion and we enjoy bird watching together often. I have a chalkboard car you can draw on. I used to be a famous YouTuber known as Rainbow Girl. I just finished my Bachelor’s degree in Advertising. My life is never boring; I’ve travelled to many countries and had many interesting jobs. I’m usually working on DIY projects in my free time.
Teaching tip
Always pay attention to how your students react to your lessons and activities. (Are they excited, bored, confused..?) Adjust accordingly. If they are bored with your lesson it might be too difficult or too easy. If they don’t want to play chess teach them a variation game or give them a worksheet. Have back up lessons and activities in case the original plan isn’t the best for your students.
Interview with Amanda
1. Who are you, where do you come from, where are you going?
My name is Amanda, I came from my mom’s belly, and I don’t know where I’m going. I’d like to stay put for now!
2. What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned since you started teaching?
Set the classroom rules and stick to them from the beginning.
3. What is the most exciting experience you have had while playing or teaching chess?
I was playing a blitz game with only 3 seconds left on my clock. My king was being chased around the board and I was sure I was going to lose. But then I hid my king behind a pawn and found a forced mate in 4. I managed to get a checkmate before my clock ran out.
4. How do you motivate your students to succeed?
Encourage and compliment them when they do well, even if it’s something small.
5. What is your most memorable memory from your time as a Chess Wizard?
It’s always a good feeling when the students give me gifts and make me thank you cards.
6. If you could retire tomorrow and never have to worry about money again, what would you do with your time?
Who says I’m not already doing that? ;)
7. What’s your go-to technique for dealing with ‘handful students’?
Change up the activity, have a 1 on 1 conversation with them, and/or have them take a break. I also tell them if the behavior continues I will be talking to their parents. Usually when I say I’m calling their parents they stop immediately (temporarily, at least). If the problem persists I do let their parents know what’s been going on in class when they get picked up.
8. What is an unusual place you have been to?
I could spend all day writing a list of unusual places I’ve been, but if I have to choose I’ll say Black Rock Desert. Or maybe a tiny island off the coast of Thailand. My ultimate dream vacation would be to go to the moon. That would be SO cool!!
9. Do you have a talent that not many people know about?
Well usually that would be chess, but since you all already know about that one, I can identify almost any bird in my area.
10. What’s your #1 teaching tip?
Always pay attention to how your students react to your lessons and activities. (Are they excited, bored, confused..?) Adjust accordingly. If they are bored with your lesson it might be too difficult or too easy. If they don’t want to play chess teach them a variation game or give them a worksheet. Have back up lessons and activities in case the original plan isn’t the best for your students.
11. What’s your favorite classroom Attention Getter?
1, 2, 3 eyes on me
12. What is something interesting that you’re involved in, outside of Chess Wizards?
I build elaborate art pieces which take several months to create and then display them at events.
13. If you saw a kangaroo and a chimpanzee playing chess what would you do? Who do you think would win?
I would definitely watch! That would be an interesting game. I think the game would end in a draw from repetition.
14. Star Wars, Star Trek, or they’re both lame?
Star Trek