Our employee of the month is Anna Zhang from Oregon!
Anna is very responsive, dedicated, punctual and willing to improve herself in all areas. She’s a rockstar instructor that is great with students and very attentive to their individual needs.
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?
My name is Anna Zhang. I was born in Oregon but was brought up in Washington State, and I will hopefully be moving to Bellevue in the future!
2. How long have you been teaching with Chess Wizards?
I have been teaching with Chess Wizards for a little over a year now!
3. What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned since you started teaching?
Everyone learns differently. Some students thrive with structure, while others need the freedom to experiment. Some want to play 3 games at once, while others may prefer the quiet focus needed for a worksheet. The trick is figuring out what works for each student. It’s so important to take the time to get to know each student and their different learning styles/personalities.
4. What is the most exciting experience you have had while playing or teaching chess?
It is amazing to watch a kid go from a complete beginner to confidently checkmating and even teaching others. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing that child change from “How does the pawn move again?" to "Checkmate!"
5. How do you motivate your students to succeed?
I make their lessons a little harder than they’re comfortable with so they’re constantly stimulated and challenged. Growth happens outside of one's comfort zone. I also celebrate their successes and remind them of how far they’ve come so that they can be positively reinforced for their hard work.
6. If you could retire tomorrow and never have to worry about money again, what would you do with your time?
I’d make art, travel around the world, and learn new unique skills like blacksmithing, or cheesemaking. I’d keep improving my chess game of course! And maybe start a cute animal cafe. There’s so much to explore and create!
7. What’s your go-to technique for dealing with ‘handful students’?
I give them two choices, either they can do this or that. It gives them a sense of control while steering them in a productive direction. Setting clear boundaries and consistently reinforcing them also helps prevent such situations.
8. What is an unusual place you have been to?
I’ve visited some rural areas of China. It gave me a lot of new perspectives to consider, and an appreciation for how different life can be for all of us.
9. Do you have a talent that not many people know about?
I’m a 3D artist! I model and texture characters, creatures, props, and environments. I’d encourage just about everyone to try out 3D art and start with Blender. It’s an amazing software that lets you bring any creative idea to life, whether it’s a perfectly scaled architectural mansion model or a dinosaur landing a kickflip on a scooter.
10. What’s your #1 teaching tip?
The most valuable teaching tip is to find the right balance with your students. You want to be warm enough to where they are excited to learn and spend time with you, but firm enough to provide guidance when needed.
11. What is something interesting that you’re involved in, outside of Chess Wizards?
I play and teach tennis as well! I compete in USTA 4.5 teams, I love the challenge and the competitive yet friendly spirit it fosters. I also love cooking and baking. Food just has a way of bringing people together, plus I love seeing others enjoy what I’ve made.
12. If you saw a kangaroo and a chimpanzee playing chess what would you do? Who do you think would win?
I would immediately record it, but I’d bet on the chimpanzee. They are our closest relatives after all. Plus, if the game got too heated, I wouldn’t bet against the chimp in a physical match either.
13. Star Wars, Star Trek, or they’re both lame?
Neither, I’m going with Dune! I love its themes, especially the idea that the mind is capable of incredible feats when trained and disciplined.
14. What do you like most about working with Chess Wizards?
Seeing the positive impact on the kids' lives is incredibly rewarding. The best part is when kids groan, “Class is over already?” That’s when you know you’ve made chess fun. Beyond the game itself, they’re developing skills that will help them in all areas of life. Teaching allows me to share something I genuinely enjoy while working with students I care about, making every class meaningful and fun.