Our employee of the month is Rachel Groome from Seattle, WA.
Rachel joined Chess Wizards in late 2021 and immediately hit the ground running. She is always on time, and has shown remarkable flexibility and an ability to teach classes whenever needed. Rachel’s students love how fun her classes are, and she has great relationships with the schools she has worked in. We are so grateful to have Rachel on the Chess Wizards team!
Rachel, 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 am currently a junior at the University of Washington studying Psychology.
Teaching Tip:
Using life metaphors when teaching chess is key!
1. Who are you, where do you come from, where are you going?
I am a girl who loves to play soccer, chess, and cook in my free time! I grew up in Snohomish but I now live in Seattle and attend the University of Washington. I plan to travel the world as much as I can!
2. How long have you been teaching with Chess Wizards?
Since September of 2021.
3. What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned since you started teaching?
The kids are more engaged when you make it a fun and judgment-free environment.
4. What is the most exciting experience you have had while playing or teaching chess?
The first time I finally beat my brother (2 years ago). He was the one who taught me for the first time when I was 8 years old.
5. How do you motivate your students to succeed?
I always tell my kids that chess is more than a game. Chess teaches children to consider the consequences of their decisions and how those decisions may affect them or others. Learning to predict the moves of others might help children develop empathy by allowing them to imagine what they would do in another's shoes.
6. What is your most memorable memory from your time as a Chess Wizard?
On each trophy day, I let each kid talk about what their favorite part of the class was. One class each kid told me I was their favorite thing about the class. It made me feel like I made a difference in their lives which is such a great feeling.
7. If you could retire tomorrow and never have to worry about money again, what would you do with your time?
Travel to as many places in the world as I could.
8. What’s your go-to technique for dealing with ‘handful students’?
Sometimes kids will “act out” for attention. I usually try to award those with good behavior to show that good behavior will get more attention.
9. Do you have a talent that not many people know about?
Nobody ever guesses that I play chess.
10. What’s your #1 teaching tip?
Make the class fun and safe!
11. What’s your favorite classroom Attention Getter?
Clap once if you can hear me…twice if you can listen.
12. What is something interesting that you’re involved in, outside of Chess Wizards?
Soccer!
13. If you saw a kangaroo and a chimpanzee playing chess what would you do? Who do you think would win?
Chimpanzee would win in chess and kangaroo would win in a real fight.
14. Star Wars, Star Trek, or they’re both lame?
Star Trek
15. What do you like most about working with Chess Wizards?
There’s nothing is more gratifying than helping kids learn!