Our employee of the month is Ben Hamilton!
Ben is a passionate instructor who is patient, caring, and driven. He is always able to rise to the occasion regardless of the situation, and is a leading player on our Philadelphia/South Jersey team.
Ben, 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.
Cheсk out our interview with Ben below:
1. Who are you, where do you come from, where are you going?
My name is Ben Hamilton, I'm originally from rural Michigan, but love teaching chess in the Philadelphia / Southern New Jersey area. I'm here to stay unless real estate on Mars becomes affordable.
2. How long have you been teaching with Chess Wizards?
I have been with Chess Wizard for almost a year.
3. What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned since you started teaching?
A lifelong love of chess is more important to impart than any particular chess skill.
4. What is the most exciting experience you have had while playing or teaching chess?
Playing over the board at a club or in a tournament is incredibly exciting. Online play just doesn't compare.
5. How do you motivate your students to succeed?
I like to set small goals and consistently celebrate the successes. For example, we make a big deal in class cheering when a student is able to demonstrate the tactic we are going over.
6. If you could retire tomorrow and never have to worry about money again, what would you do with your time?
I would love to sit in my garden and study geometry.
7. What’s your go-to technique for dealing with ‘handful students’?
I try to recruit them as “helpers” and focus the attention of the entire class on them when they are doing the right things.
8. What is an unusual place you have been to?
I have slept in an igloo at a winter survival school.
9. Do you have a talent that not many people know about?
I get visual stimulation from all of my senses. I can “see” sounds and tastes, for example. It is called synesthesia.
10. What’s your #1 teaching tip?
Taking the time to remember your student's names from the very beginning is the most effective way to build rapport.
11. What is something interesting that you’re involved in, outside of Chess Wizards?
I am developing a new technique for casting an I Ching reading that preserves the precise probabilities of the original ancient method of sorting yarrow stalks by using a unique polyhedron design.
12. If you saw a kangaroo and a chimpanzee playing chess what would you do? Who do you think would win?
I would verify that this was reality by questioning other observers if possible and would take care to record their moves. I would expect the kangaroo to win because they are more competitive.
13. Star Wars, Star Trek, or they’re both lame?
LOTR!! But if I had to pick only a space opera, I prefer Star Trek because it was more socially and politically aware.
14. What do you like most about working with Chess Wizards?
I enjoy the appreciation our students show when they realize what a special opportunity they have to learn chess.