Our employee of the month is Cammy Nguyen from Austin, Texas.
Cammy’s enthusiasm, passion, and work ethic is infectious! She loves to inspire her students to think critically and creatively, challenging their current reasoning skills while teaching patience. It is an honor to have her on our team!
Cammy, 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 from us.
Chek out our interview with Cammy below:
1. Who are you, where do you come from, where are you going?
Hi! My name is Cammy Nguyen and I live in Austin, Tx. My family came from Vietnam and where the future takes me is to be determined.
2. How long have you been teaching with Chess Wizards?
I have been teaching with Chess Wizards for almost a year and a half.
3. What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned since you started teaching?
Children can sense if you truly care about them and will grow attached to you and give you hugs even if they’ve only known you for a short period of time.
4. What is the most exciting experience you have had while playing or teaching chess?
I was the only girl on a 5 student chess team that represented my middle school at the National tournament 2 years in a row. The first year we won 2nd place at Nationals and the 2nd year we were crowned National champions!
5. How do you motivate your students to succeed?
I praise them, give them fist bumps and reward them with points when they show me a move that I had taught them that day or in previous lessons.
6. If you could retire tomorrow and never have to worry about money again, what would you do with your time?
I would travel and do humanitarian projects.
7. What’s your go-to technique for dealing with ‘handful students’?
I like to use positive redirection.
8. What is an unusual place you have been to?
The jungles of Vietnam.
9. Do you have a talent that not many people know about?
I can play billiards pretty well.
10. What’s your #1 teaching tip?
Set the tone of the class from day 1 by going over rules and consequences. Be creative, be patient, and most of all make the chess lessons fun.
11. What is something interesting that you’re involved in, outside of Chess Wizards?
Raising a puppy.
12. If you saw a kangaroo and a chimpanzee playing chess what would you do? Who do you think would win?
I would root for the kangaroo because I call my puppy a kangaroo since he jumps like one. The kangaroo would definitely win.
13. Star Wars, Star Trek, or they’re both lame?
Star Wars all the way!
14. What do you like most about working with Chess Wizards?
I am blessed that Chess Wizards gave me the opportunity to pass on my chess skills and my love of chess to young children. My boss is pretty cool and I like that he cares about the students as much as I do. He also cares about us instructors.