Our employee of the month is Ray Bowens from Boston, MA.
Wizard Ray can think outside of the box - and is a rockstar at identifing the interests of his students and building up from there. He has a strong teaching presence and brings the core values of respect and sportsmanship to every activity. It is impressive to see his group of students so focused on their activities and worksheets!
Ray, 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 Ray below:
1. Who are you, where do you come from, where are you going?
I'm Ray Bowens a brain/body coach and also a fashion designer. I'm from Boston MA., born in a family of competitive athletes, and I taught myself chess at an early age. Chess wasn't a thing in my family at the time - they did other board games and cards but I think the edge I had on them from playing chess. I always appreciated where I came from so where I'm going will have to involve inspirations from where I grew up along with chess.
2. How long have you been teaching with Chess Wizards?
Almost 3 years
3. What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned since you started teaching?
Every child may not be there by choice – so be prepared for the challenges that can bring. Be open minded and versatile to keep them engaged and gain interest.
4. What is the most exciting experience you have had while playing or teaching chess?
I taught myself chess at the age of 6 so the younger the child I can teach the game of chess to the more excited I get. The youngest child I’ve taught so far was 4!
5. How do you motivate your students to succeed?
I let them know that we are all on the same team - there are no losers, and we will either be winning games or learning from them. I share with them my experience and how I got better from the games I took time to learn from.
6. 6. If you could retire tomorrow and never have to worry about money again, what would you do with your time?
Sleep with no alarm clock and finish up some projects I’ve been working on.
7. What’s your go-to technique for dealing with ‘handful students’?
Patience, structure, respect & encouragement.
8. Do you have a talent that not many people know about?
I can do burpees and jump rope at the same time.
9. What’s your #1 teaching tip?
Have a repetition strategy and patience.
10. What is something interesting that you’re involved in, outside of Chess Wizards?
Chess boxing, a hybrid sport that combines alternating rounds of blitz chess and boxing until one wins by checkmate or knockout.
11. If you saw a kangaroo and a chimpanzee playing chess what would you do? Who do you think would win?
I will introduce the kangaroo to chess boxing because of they are known to fight, but I think the chimp will most likely win in a standard chess match.
12. Star Wars, Star Trek, or they’re both lame?
Star Wars
13. What do you like most about working with Chess Wizards?
The flexibility and doing what you love for work is always a plus.