Wizard of the Month Spotlight - January 2026 - Anna Buckley

Our employee of the month is Anna Buckley from California!

 

Anna is full of enthusiasm and energy when it comes to teaching chess. She teaches a full schedule of classes, works several promotional events, and is well liked by her students and school administrations. With her recent promotion as the lead instructor, Anna has been traveling a long way, sometimes over an hour 1 way to help with subs and class visits. She is a vital part of the Bay Area team, and her presence has strengthened our ability to grow the region and share chess with more kids in the community.

 

Anna, 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 Anna below:

 

1. Who are you, where do you come from, where are you going? 

Hi! My nickname is Anna, I’m half Thai/American, born and raised in Bangkok, Thailand. I moved here about two years ago from France, when I decided to pursue an engineering degree, and I thought that the Bay Area would be the best place to do so, surrounded by like-minded people. After my graduation, I will continue my passion for travel and general learning, and move to another country, I have yet to decide on, most likely between Italy, Japan, or the UK.

 

2. How long have you been teaching with Chess Wizards?

I’ve been blessed to have been teaching at Chess Wizards for some time over a year now. 

 

3. What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned since you started teaching? 

I’ve learned many things from teaching kids chess that really resonated with me. For instance, being early is being on time. Though I thought being 30-15 mins early is doing a lot in the beginning, I’ve realized that's just much-needed safety time in case traffic takes longer than expected, and it is so important to be reliable for a room full of kids.

 

4. What is the most exciting experience you have had while playing or teaching chess? 

This perhaps might not be the most exciting, but to me, one of the most memorable, touching moments. A student from one of the schools I was teaching at this past term started out as a beginner. He was stubborn about how certain pieces moved and insisted they move certain ways that they don't, and often made up new rules of chess that just didn’t exist. It was cute and funny, but I also really wanted to make sure he wasn't holding on to that misinformation, so we kept on going over it but every time he came back it seemed like all progress was lost. After two weeks off because of the holidays, he suddenly came back a lot better at chess. I asked him what happened and he said he’s been playing with his parents. I feel like though I might have initiated it, credit is 100% due to his parents for that amazing breakthrough. It warms my heart to imagine them bonding over a game at home, and I giggle a little thinking about him making silly comments on how the horses kiss hahaha

 

5.  How do you motivate your students to succeed? 

Points, encouragement, one-on-one games with me, and I buy stickers to hand out for good behavior, it's also nice to compliment them in front of their parents for them to see.  

 

6.  If you could retire tomorrow and never have to worry about money again, what would you do with your time?

Travel with my dog. 

 

7.  What’s your go-to technique for dealing with ‘handful students’? 

Once I realized they have a lot of energy, I tried to focus on redirecting it towards chess in a healthy and fun way. Maybe asking them to be my helper or introducing a friendly game/competition for them. 

                                                                                                                                     

8. What is an unusual place you have been to? 

The first thing that came to mind is that I was in the underground tunnels used in the Vietnam War. 

 

9. Do you have a talent that not many people know about? 

I can and used to drive motorcycles (manual sports bikes)

 

10. What’s your #1 teaching tip?  

Have one-on-one moments with each student, get to know them and how they play. 

 

11. What is something interesting that you’re involved in, outside of Chess Wizards? 

I like muay thai (thai combat sport), rock climbing, art (painting, drawing, oil pastels), running, and sometimes modeling.

 

12.  If you saw a kangaroo and a chimpanzee playing chess what would you do? Who do you think would win? 

Definitely the chimpanzee. There are a lot more available studies suggesting chimpanzee intelligence compared to that of kangaroos. I'm team chimpanzee all the way!

 

13.  Star Wars, Star Trek, or they’re both lame? 

I actually have not watched either... sorry

 

14. What do you like most about working with Chess Wizards? 

Possibly being the person someone starts their chess journey from and getting paid to play chess is pretty awesome!